L
LouMiron
Guest
Yesterday, 1-12-08 my MotherInLaw, Jean, received communion for the first time in 42 years.
42 years ago Jean married a divorced man, Ron. My wife, Chris, is their only child.
For the last 42 years Jean and Ron made attempts to have his first marriage anulled, The evidence for annullment was not there however and every attempt was met with opposition. Meanwhile Jean continued to attend Mass every Sunday, she could not however receive communion. She truly believed that if she followed Catholic Doctrine that one day she would be absolved of the sin she committed. She loved her husband dearly and they made a good life for themselves. Always in the Church, but still outside of it in a big way.
One month ago Ron was diagnosed with bone cancer. He very quickly went downhill and in a matter of just a few days found himself in a nursing home. Our local priest was contacted who in turn made a call to the Bishop. The Bishop determined that now, with the circumstances of no martial relations occurring and the fact that they would no longer be cohabitating, that their marriage could be validated.
Last night my wife and I attended a small ceremony in Rons room at the nursing home. Ron was first accepted into the Catholic Church. The priest then heard both Rons and Jeans confessions. Ron was then confirmed into the Church. The priest then sacramentally married them. Ron and Jean then both recieved communion.
This meant so much to Jean, to finally be able to share in the Eucharist. About 10pm last night Jean returned home and went to bed, She was so happy and in complete bliss.
We found Jean today. She died in her sleep last night. My wife and I both saw her in bed, She looked like she was asleep and at peace.
I know she went straight to heaven.
42 years ago Jean married a divorced man, Ron. My wife, Chris, is their only child.
For the last 42 years Jean and Ron made attempts to have his first marriage anulled, The evidence for annullment was not there however and every attempt was met with opposition. Meanwhile Jean continued to attend Mass every Sunday, she could not however receive communion. She truly believed that if she followed Catholic Doctrine that one day she would be absolved of the sin she committed. She loved her husband dearly and they made a good life for themselves. Always in the Church, but still outside of it in a big way.
One month ago Ron was diagnosed with bone cancer. He very quickly went downhill and in a matter of just a few days found himself in a nursing home. Our local priest was contacted who in turn made a call to the Bishop. The Bishop determined that now, with the circumstances of no martial relations occurring and the fact that they would no longer be cohabitating, that their marriage could be validated.
Last night my wife and I attended a small ceremony in Rons room at the nursing home. Ron was first accepted into the Catholic Church. The priest then heard both Rons and Jeans confessions. Ron was then confirmed into the Church. The priest then sacramentally married them. Ron and Jean then both recieved communion.
This meant so much to Jean, to finally be able to share in the Eucharist. About 10pm last night Jean returned home and went to bed, She was so happy and in complete bliss.
We found Jean today. She died in her sleep last night. My wife and I both saw her in bed, She looked like she was asleep and at peace.
I know she went straight to heaven.
