Well, my Lent started with a bang! How has yours been?
The day before Ash Wednesday, I went to the Emergency Room and was admitted to the hospital where I stayed for 10 days solving, with the help of wonderful doctors and nurses, a variety of cancer related issues. This resulted in an NG tube and nothing but ice chips for 3 days (those ice chips were the best!) and in a week of radiation treatment, the prescription of a new chemotherapy, and rounds of antibiotics. The week after I returned home, the effects of the radiation hit me and this week I started my new chemotherapy so I am feeling the results of that too. So, Lent and this March have been quite a remarkable!
My beautiful friends, I cannot count the multitude of moments that thinking of your love, support, and prayers for me pouring into me and into the very throne room of Almighty God gave me courage, strength, and perseverance to accept, embrace, and endure the present issues and whatever lies before me. Where would I be without you? I shudder to think of the darkness shattered by God’s light and love shone to me through you and to me directly. What hope and joy you give me in Christ!
I cannot wait to be with you once again at the altar, in the confessional, before and after masses, in the school, and the activities of the parish! Daily my strength is improving. You will see me here and there at various masses and events and meetings, but I must be careful to get the rest I need to continue to serve you and minister to you as a good shepherd. Being your pastor is a such a great honor, privilege, and blessing! The journey the Lord has me on is for my own eternal salvation and also your eternal salvation. May I walk it with dignity, nobility, grace, and joy!
St. James the Less, pray for us!
May you and your family have a blessed and beautiful week!
With a heart filled with love for you, I am sincerely yours in Christ,
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin