When Mary was a young woman, she left her job to help care for her ill mother because her father had to travel for work. Later, when her father fell ill in his old age, she spent time with him as well.

Mary, now 92, remembers with great fondness the priest who came faithfully each week to give her mother Communion after she fell sick. And, later, when the health of that priest prevented him from coming, another priest took up his schedule. Because of their good work and faithfulness, her mother enjoyed the sacrament of Communion until the day she died.

Some time after Mary’s mother passed away, her aging father also became ill. Mary remembers a very special priest who walked from St. Anselm’s every evening after supper to visit her father in the hospital to ensure he was comfortable. To this day, she receives a card from him every Christmas.

Mary has never forgotten those acts of kindness. Her parents were faith-filled people who loved each other and loved the Church.

Mary tells a story to illustrate her mother’s deep faith in God.

“One day when I was a little girl, my mother was shovelling coal into the furnace. When she finished she noticed the diamond from her engagement ring was missing. She was absolutely heartbroken; she cried and cried. She prayed very hard to St. Anthony to help her find it....

“And would you believe it,” Mary says with a sudden laugh. “She found it! My mother didn’t get off her knees in thanksgiving for a week. You could never say a bad word about St. Anthony after that. Not when my mother was around.”

Recently, Mary was diagnosed with blood cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. She is also recovering from a recent heart attack that has left her weakened and relying on a pacemaker.

“The heart attack came on so suddenly,” says Mary. “I fell to the ground. Beside me was the phone. Somehow I managed to pick it up, but I couldn’t dial. I just mashed the numbers.”

After only a few rings, a warm voice came on the other end. It was her parish. Mary was barely able to talk, but knew enough to tell them she was in trouble. St. Anselm’s sent help right away.

The experience has deepened Mary’s faith in a profound and lasting way.

“God made that call happen. He still wants me here.” 

Recently, Mary gave a special gift of securities to St. Anselm’s and Scarboro Missions. The archdiocese helped facilitate the gift.

Mary believes we all have a responsibility to support our parish.

“Look at all the Church does for you. Think of all the problems that priests help you get through in life. I have seen much kindness and thoughtfulness from priests over the years. Considering that the Church looks after us so well, shouldn’t we return the favour?”

(This story is reprinted from Your Catholic Legacy, the newsletter of the Archdiocese of Toronto Development Office.)