Hospice of the Western Reserve centralizes as a priority. Yesterday after eight hours of training, I walked the grounds taking photographs. Standing upon the concrete lakeside walkway, I observed the building, noticing upper floor windows containing stained glass windows I perceived as Catholic in nature. I do not recall exact details, a dove hovering, the Holy Spirit presented within an image. I did not give it much consideration. Then this morning before mass at St Paul Shrine I encountered John, an amateur photographer, a retired school teacher, a college acquaintance of Susan Muto at Duquesne, a local historian always enlightening with his knowledge of Cleveland’s past. John came to life when I told him of my excitement to begin working with the Hospice of the Western Reserve. John started his teaching career at St Joseph high school. I noticed the high school next to the hospice. Its football field directly adjacent to the property. From 1961 to 1964 John taught at St Joseph’s, once one of the largest schools in Ohio, hosting over two thousand students during his short tenure. He told me the building sits on property that once housed the Marianist priest conducting matters at St Joseph’s High School. He said the building housing the priest was torn down in order to build the David Simpson Hospice House so I am not sure regarding exact details, and the window I thought I saw relating matters to the Holy Spirit and Catholicism. It does not matter. I like mystery, when things touch, yet really do not come together, allowing incongruity rather than perceived tangibility, a lacking of definitude, avoiding signs pronouncing preciseness, imaginary perfection never allowed to tantalize or pervert. Two thoughts teased my imagination while listening to John detail St Joseph’s high school and the Marian priest once populating. The first was the fact I focused upon prayers to St Joseph during the training. The second was reading the biography of St Peter Eymard and his Marianist priest background. Neither amount to anything of consequence, best dismissed regarding serious discernment.
I would like to cover something striking regarding the life of St Eymard. I found it revealing to consider the difficulties St Eymard created between himself and his sisters early in his priesthood. His two sisters were extremely close to him, caring for him as he was a sickly young man. His poor health produced lengthy periods of being invalid. During one of these debilitating bouts, St Eymard mastered the violin. His sisters cared for him throughout his difficult days of sickness. During his first priestly duties with the parish of Monteynard, his sisters proved invaluable as laborers; reviving and decorating their brother’s dilapidated church. I think it is important to understand their family background: their father’s horrible experience with death, losing nine children and one wife. The children losing their mother. In love and worship of God, there was a strong family bond, dependency between brother and sisters associated with an awareness of life and death—of extreme loss. St Eymard, through the Holy Spirit, accomplished marvels at Monteynard. The people responded, becoming reliant upon their priest. St Eymard felt the calling to move beyond the assignment. He discerned the defiance he would encounter trying to reason with the congregation and his sisters that God called him to leave the church. St Eymard worked out the leaving with the Bishop, arraigning a musical concert for a Sunday afternoon, allowing him to sneak away undetected. His sister were devastated. The parish was outraged, demanding that the Bishop return their priest. St Eymard sisters were so heartbroken and hurt they would not forgive their brother. His parting with no consultation they could not accept. Their tears immense within their anger. Their refusal to answer his letters lasted for years. St Eymard, responding to the call of God, a call that would move him to sainthood, crushed his sisters in the process, scarring their already deeply scarred hearts. It would not be the first time he caused great turmoil. I will quote Father Pelletier in relating another complicated St Eymard experience:
He (St Eymard) was so enthused about the spiritual progress of the members of the Third Order of Mary that he requested official approval from Rome for the group. Pope Pius IX granted official approbation for the Third Order. Eymard was understandably elated at the news but greatly embarrassed when he presented a fait accompli to Fr Colin, the Superior General, who was furious at Emayrd’s “initiative” in procuring Papal approval without his knowledge or authorization. What often seemed to Father Emyard as mere initiative or simple enthusiasm was regularly interpreted as impulsive behavior by others. However, this time he had unquestionably overstepped the bounds of propriety. Consequently, the incident nearly destroyed his relationship with the Superior General.
An impulsive saint whose actions to follow the percieved will of God insulted good people of faith. Interesting. Not sure why, yet the fact appeared important. I want to go back to the Hospice of Western Reserve in regards to my six month discernment process. Yesterday during the training, the day attained a depth I could not deny, a seriousness to my attendance manifesting. There were many indicative moments, an overall ease about my interactions, a natural two-way attraction developing between myself, administrators and other volunteers. I was quiet throughout the day, only speaking once voluntarily, while constantly vigilant and present to proceedings. Midway through the day, the fifteen or so volunteers in training were asked to introduce ourselves, telling something about ourselves. I found my moment of speaking distinct. I told of being spiritually directed through an experience at St Paschal Baylon, associating everything to the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. I said other things. A fearful public speaker, I was proud my words and disposition flowed with ease and comfort. My eyes moved about, at one point touching and addressing one of the administrators. It was unpremeditated, arising naturally and confident. The woman I identified as tough, a detail oriented by the book nurse. She never steered away from seriousness, while addressing carefully her words and responses from others, correcting and confronting volunteers regarding casual statements. It was obvious the woman demanded accountability, determined to test individuals proneness to sensitivity and delusions of being beyond reproach. I like an individual willing to disagree with others, not allowing others to assume a tone of familiarity with her. Addressing diversity, she touched upon Roman Catholicism, identifying the fact it happen to be her belief system. Verbally introducing myself, I found strength and support in directing chosen words directly to her, stating I appreciated the team concept, the emphasis upon communication. Her nod of approval to my eye contact and words surprised me. The point I identified was one she relentlessly pursued. Volunteers were to understand they were a part of a team. Volunteers were not to take matters upon themselves. Under no conditions, within personally overwhelming conditions, they were to rely upon a team approach, even to the point volunteers were not to give their phone numbers to patients. If calling a patient dialing *67 first so their number remained private. The patient does not contact the volunteer directly. Overall, I realize I have no experience in health care. Through my eye contact, unspoken reposing upon a Catholic bond, I brought the administrator into the awareness of my nativity and need of authoritative support. It all aligns splendidly with respect for Catholic hierarchy. I know I have much to offer, yet my offerings must be open to the guidance of professionals seasoned in the serious care of the dying. My offering is the Rosary. My love and devotion to the Rosary is immense. I simply want to share the Rosary. That is my intent. Let us see what God intends. I want to end this post. I would like to end with words from Ann of all people. Blessings from Father Roger were immense. I was surprised and moved to receive sincere blessings from Ann.
Hospice of the Western Reserve is the #1 hospice in Ohio owned by Cleveland Clinic Foundation. You are lucky to be a part of that organization and its pagan roots. They need you very much there to bring some kind of Godliness to the empty and dying. This is a true vocation. Ministering to the dying has no equal as they are on the precipice of heaven and hell. They are in a place where they are scared because they have lived their life one way and they don’t know how to change it. You can really help them by being there and guiding them to heaven.
