I want to thank all who have offered prayers for my son’s recovery and give you the latest update on his condition.
On Tuesday, Phillip underwent a colostomy to remove the damage the chemo did to his bowel. The doctors felt that the damage was too extensive to reconstruct so the colostomy will be forever. The good news is the possibility of Cancer ever recurring in that area is also forever.
He meets with the doctors next Thursday for the plan and treatment of the cancer remaining on his liver.
He is home now and yesterday, Tuesday, he told me he went downstairs and went out and took a walk down the street and back. On a lighter note his concerns that he might not be able to participate in one of his, and my, favorite sports, swimming have been relieved when he was assured by others that he certainly can go swimming.
Now for an explanation as to why some of you and the sites I normally post my reflections on did not see one for the Fifth Sunday of Lent and may not see one for Palm Sunday. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance suddenly with what was determined to be a serious bacterial infection of my kidney, bladder and urinary track.
I do hope you will take the time to reflect on how much God loves you by reading the Passion Gospel of Matthew 26:14 - 27:66 and reflect on how much Christ was willing to do for you.
As the week continues do take advantage of the Gift of Eucharist, Christ’s body and Blood, the bread of life which we celebrate the institution of on Holy Thursday and meditate Friday on the betrayal, scourging, belittling, and finally the crucifixion and death of Christ for our sake in front of his beloved mother Mary, disciple John, and the 2 Maries’. On Saturday and Sunday participate in rejoicing Christ’s Resurrection and the new life he brought for you and all people.
I was released Monday evening to continue my recuperation under an antibiotic and complete rest and as stress free conditions as possible. The hospital sent me home in a taxi they were to pay for but what followed was a nightmare. When we arrived at my residence, the driver said the fee was over $30. I told the driver that the hospital ordered the taxi and was paying for it since I could not put together that much without completely draining my personal and the missions bank accounts including what was in my wallet. The driver contacted the office of the cab company and told I had to pay or he would call the police to arrest me, which happened. I spent twenty-five minutes surrounded by two police offers in from of my building under the watchful eyes of my neighbors who are all seniors and LOVE a juicy gossip. I spent most of that time on my cell phone with the hospital while they contacted the cab company in Natick and finally I heard the dispatcher say “He can go arrangements have been made” I went into my building completely drained and relieved but unfortunately the horror did not end there. Tuesday afternoon I began receiving threatening and demeaning phone calls from the Taxi Owner again threatening me with arrest and contacting the press to tell them of my unchristian behavior and what a sham I and my ministry was and that he would sue me also. After more than two hours of stress while waiting some resolution from the hospital I was informed the matter was settled but that I cannot confirm. All this has totally drained me, even writing this has been difficult but I felt you deserved a Thank You and an explanation was in order.
I am making a request, if you feel so inclined to feel this ministry has brought you closer to Almighty God and made you more aware of His infinite love and mercy. If it has made you more aware that through Baptism, you are THE CHURCH as a part of the Mystical Body of Christ. I ask you to send me a letter indicating what you think this ministry. This may be needed to offset any possible damage the Taxi owner might attempt out of spite. All letters must include who you are, at least the town, state, and country, if not US, you live in and any Religious or organization you belong.
If you include a postal address, I will personally acknowledge your letter by postal mail and promise not to send any solicitations. If you request to receive the Mission Monthly News Letter sent by postal mail, unfortunately I need to have you cover the cost of for a year in the US of $ 5.50 and in Canada and most of Europe of $12.00.
Send your letter to Mission Sts. Sergius & Bacchus, 100 Summer Street #313, Holliston, MA 01746.
May God’s infinite love fill you with peace and comfort and may you rejoice in how he created you and claim your right as a part of His Mystical Body this coming Holy Week
Peace and all good be unto you,
A Simple Humble Servant of Christ
Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
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