As I was preparing for All Saints’ Day, I walked the second floor hallway here at the mother house thinking about and praying with all of our brothers who have gone before us. 340 priests, and 12 students and novices… 352 souls: saints and saints in the making.

So far this year, eight men have gone to the Lord: Ernie Mort, Bob Baer, Bill Brimley, Rich Colgan, Bill Cantwell, Bob Michele, Tom Dove, and Ken McGuire. This ties the record set in 1975 when the community was double the size, and we have two months left to go. May this year remain a tie! It is interesting to note the average age of death of those who died in 1975 was 65 years old. In 2020, it is 88. This is a testament to good medical care, clean living, and (or) a truckload of pharmaceuticals!

I remember a guest once asking me if it were depressing to walk past all the deceased day after day. My response, which I suspect is the common for many of us, was to say I am grateful to be reminded of all who have gone before, the amazing work that they have done in building the Church in the North America, and how we stand on their shoulders. Plus, I added, their presence keeps me company on quiet days and evenings in the house.

On this feast day, I am reminded that they are praying for our every success, and seeking to communicate with us that whatever anxiety and fear we have, they’ve been through it already, from the Civil War, the Spanish Flu, the Depression, two world wars, the tumultuous 60s, Watergate, and 9/11, and they trust that we can make it through in our time with its own unique dangers and uncertainties. They have our backs!

Yes, saying farewell to our eight brothers this year of pandemic has taken its toll. While there is sorrow (at least for me), I am grateful they have reached their heavenly reward, and they’ve joined a great choir, looking out for each one of us.

Let us both pray in a special way for our deceased brothers and ask for for their prayers as well… If they don’t need them, I am sure they will send them back to us with interest!

Happy Saints’ Day to all! May we all continue to strive to live the beatitudes, each in our own unique Paulist style!