A SPECIAL PLACE TO HELP CALM MY FEAR

I live in the French Canadian town of Beaumont, Alberta (Canada). For over a century a Catholic church has stood at the crest of the hill that the town is named after. My little house is at the bottom of the hill. For close to 30 years I have seen the church from my backyard. It's bell rings three times a day. It's Saint Vital and it is my parish. It is a special place for me. Both my children were married there. Two of my grandchildren received the Sacrament of Baptism there.

Many times throughout the decades, during multiple sclerosis attacks, my heart would fill with fear and sorrow. Sleepless nights tormented me as MS ravaged my body. When I was able, I would make my way to the top of the hill in my electric wheelchair to sit before the Blessed Sacrament. Solitude. But I was not alone: Christ was there. He consoled me in the flickering shadows of candlelight. His words would come to me in a whisper: Be not afraid. I AM with you. [1] My heart calmed and my sorrow receded. Eventually I would go back down the hill to my darkened house to finally sleep: Peace. 

Mark

(Below is Saint Vital at night.).

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[1] Matthew 28:10.