Our office took the opportunity to visit his graveside to pray and remember. We were joined there by veteran LMH’er and Msgr.’s second cousin Marie Brouwers who shared that she remembered him standing from his wheel chair to baptize her younger sister in the days leading up to his death, when she was only 8 years old.
This very personal memory adds another layer to the stories I have
heard over the years about a man whose vision and actions have touched
every corner of the world. I had the opportunity to meet individuals, fellow priests in the Archdiocese, even a man who served as Msgr.’s altar server who have shared funny, personal and inspiring stories about the man who made our mission possible.
It
is always remarkable to me that before Vatican II – Msgr. recognized
that lay people, even those married, or those with children can serve as
lay missionaries. It certainly fits with what Pope Frances is speaking
about today, using our gifts to help others. My thanks to Patti Wetzel who joined me at Calvary Cemetery this past Sunday, cleaners, and clippers in hand. Thanks to Janice England who found music for our prayer service, thanks to all our office for being with us as we prayed in gratitude.
Yes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude again - My prayer is that we continue to be faithful to Msgr. Brouwers legacy – ensuring lay people can follow a call to serve – and, as those of us who have served know – we are blessed beyond anything we could have imagined.
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