I lit a Candle

This past weekend I went to Montreal and had a great time. The last time I was in Montreal was around 2000, when I went on a bus trip sponsored by the agency I was working with at the time. I really don't remember much about the trip but one thing stood out for me. Our bus driver was a catholic priest who worked with persons with HIV/AIDS and organized trips like this for our clients. I became close with father John who did so much for so many people. I can really say I loved him. That day father John invited me to go with him to St Joseph's Basilica and the grave of Brother Andre. Father John told me that he make a pledge to Brother Andre that he would visit the Basilica when ever he came to Montreal. So off we went. I remember he prayed and lit a candle. Father John and I became very food friends over the next few
years. We went to conferences together. He heard by confession. (I didn't have to say much, he knew all the details, ha ha.) Sadly, he died of a stroke in November of 2003. I was devastated by this loss. His death effects me today. I really miss my old friend. I would love to have the chance to spend just one more day with him. I thought of him Saturday as I was looking up at the ceiling at the Notre Dame Cathedral in downtown Montreal. I felt a surge of emotions. The I realized what I needed to do. I needed to light a candle for Father John. I took a crumpled one dollar bill and put it in the slot, and picked up a stick and lit a candle. And I make this pledge. When I go to Montreal from now on, I will go to Notre Dam and light a candle for Father John Lysongorski. A great man, a great priest, a great friend.

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