A Faith Spanning Between Countries

By Evelyn Cullen

In July of 2018, 2-3 days after Fr. Jim arrived in the parish, he was scheduled to visit my husband who had Alzheimer’s Disease. Shortly before the visit occurred, my husband swallowed a substance that could have been harmful to him. I called Fr. Jim and let him know what was happening with my husband. He said he would be there in 5 minutes. 

Fr. Jim was delayed 20 minutes with a parish problem; he was dealing with the police. This gave me a chance to call poison control to get help for my husband. 

Fr. Jim arrived and needless to say, things had calmed down. My husband was doing well. After some discussion about the parish and how long we were in the parish, Fr. Jim asked us where we were born. We were both born in Ireland and immigrated to the USA in 1985-86. 

Fr. Jim shared that one of his favorite trips was to Ireland and that he wanted to return some day.  He talked about visiting “Newgrange” in County Meath.  “Newgrange” is a burial site built by locals in 5,000 BC. It is a very interesting place where, on the summer and winter solstice,  sunlight shines all the way into the interior of the tomb. Father also spoke about visiting the north of Ireland also. We talked about the troubles in Northern Ireland.

My husband continued to deteriorate and was hospitalized. Fr. Jim gave him the last rites. Fr. Jim met with the family after my husband almost died. He was a great help to us at such a difficult time. Fr. Jim’s visit was very joyful and uplifting. He gave us a chance to go down memory lane. Even though my husband was non-verbal, he was listening to the conversation. Fr. Jim prayed with us before he left, which was much appreciated. We were very thankful for his visit. 

Ten years have passed since my husband died. I have moved from isolation and grief to involvement in the parish community. I have made and been supported by many friends at St. Max. I am so grateful to Fr. Jim and to the Stephen Ministers who have walked with me on this journey.