Dear Friends
Pope Francis Says
You're a Hero
Week of June 15, 2015
Prayer Requests
Dear Friends,
Pope Francis says you're a hero. Yes, you. Yes. You.
A June 10 article by Catholic News Service reported:
As part of a series of talks about the family and problems they face, the pope looked at illness -- a sign of the human frailty that spans from infancy to old age "when those aches and pains start coming," he said.
Often it is more difficult to see a loved one suffer than to deal with one’s own ailments, he said, because "it is love that makes us feel" the suffering and anxiousness of others even more.
In fact, "how many times do we see at work -- we've all seen it -- a man or a woman whose face looks tired, they act tired" and when asked what's wrong, they explain how they got little sleep after tending to a loved one who was ill, he said, straying from his prepared text.
But despite all that, they go on with their day, the pope said.
"These things are heroic. This is the heroism of families; this is the hidden heroism that is done when someone is sick . . . and is done with tenderness and courage," he said to applause.
You know it takes tenderness to be a caregiver. That it takes courage. And, at times, it's exhausting.
That's so whether you have to go to work the next day or you've quit your job to care for a loved one. If you've retired early to be able to provide care or are a long-time retiree who has made caregiving the focus of your days . . . and nights.
Again from the Catholic News Service article:
[The pope] urged people and parishes to pray for people who are ill and their families, and to offer concrete assistance and care.
"This Christian closeness, from family to family, is a real treasure for the parish, a treasure of wisdom that helps families in difficult moments and helps people understand the Kingdom of God better than lots of speeches. They are caresses from God."
You can find the article here, and the audience text here.
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This week we're so pleased to welcome Kevin B. of Illinois and Hilda J. of Maryland as the newest members of the Friends of St. John the Caregiver. Please keep them and their intentions in your prayers. They have promised to pray for you and yours.
And again this week we cordially invite you to join the Friends of St. John the Caregiver! (FSJC's programs include YourAgingParent.com and CatholicCaregivers.com.) You can find out more about becoming a member here.
No meetings, no dues. All we ask is that you pray for caregivers and those receiving care. Our members include caregivers, care-receivers, and those who support both (including quite a few former caregivers).
You can:
sign up on-line here
or call us toll-free at 1-800-392-JOHN (5646)
or
print and mail an application form.
God bless you!
Bill