'May the Angels Lead You into Paradise'

By TODD GRAFF

In the Eucharist, we in fact encounter the living Jesus and His strength, and through Him we enter into communion with our brothers and sisters in the faith: those who live with us here on earth and those who have gone before us into the next life, the unending life. This reality fills us with joy: it is beautiful to have so many brothers and sisters in the faith who walk beside us, supporting us with their help, and together we travel the same road toward heaven. And it is comforting to know that there are other brothers and sisters who have already reached heaven, who await us and pray for us, so that together in eternity we can contemplate the glorious and merciful face of the Father.

-Pope Francis, Angelus Address Nov. 1, 2014

Greetings of Peace in these early fall days!

On a day late this summer, I received a text from my sister, Susan. Before reading it, I was thinking that she was either letting me know that she would be coming to town for a visit or sharing news about our older sister, Diane. The latter was the case as she texted that Diane had just gone on hospice care and would likely be dying soon. Diane had suffered from serious, chronic lung disease for the past few years, and her health had not been good.

I headed out two days later for her home in Grand Island, Nebraska. Joined by my daughter, Hannah, I was able to visit Diane a final time, and to thank her for all that she had done for me and to tell her goodbye. She loved to call me her “baby brother,” and I had lived with her and her son, Brady, for three summers during high school. Those were good days, and I treasure those summer times with her and Brady, who is also my godson.

I headed out two days later for her home in Grand Island, Nebraska. Joined by my daughter, Hannah, I was able to visit Diane a final time, and to thank her for all that she had done for me and to tell her goodbye. She loved to call me her “baby brother,” and I had lived with her and her son, Brady, for three summers during high school. Those were good days, and I treasure those summer times with her and Brady, who is also my godson.

While I was there with other members of our family, her pastor stopped by to pray with us and to offer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It was a powerful moment for us to stand together with Father Jorge, representing our Church, and to pray for our sister/wife/mother as she lay dying. To see her receive “the living Jesus” in the Eucharist touched my heart in a special way.

Diane died three days later, and my wife, Laurie, and I traveled back to Nebraska for her funeral on September 13. It was the first time that all of my siblings and I (11 of us, with Diane) were together since before COVID. We were joined by many other family members as Father Jorge celebrated the funeral liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Grand Island.

I had the special privilege and grace to read at her funeral. The texts chosen were beautiful – from the Book of Revelation and the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. Both captured the faith of Diane, who had suffered much in her life, and the faith we’d received from our parents, in a profound way.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more… I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will always be with them [as their God]. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.

-Revelation 21:1, 3-4

For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the just judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but to all who have longed for his appearance.

-2 Timothy 4:6-8

What a blessing it was to be surrounded by so many family and friends I have known and loved throughout my life to pray for Diane as she had passed from her earthly life into eternal life. And, to do so by celebrating the Eucharist together where earth and heaven are united by the presence of Christ in His Word, in His people, in His priest, and most fully and truly in His Body and Blood.

There was a very special moment during the Closing Rites when Fr. Jorge invited Diane’s family – Dan, her husband, Brady and his family, and all of us, her siblings – to come forward around the casket. We extended our hands in a gesture of blessing as he prayed the prayer of commendation and final blessing. And, then, we processed out together with the casket – the family who had loved and walked with Diane throughout her life, and now in her death.

There are so many reflections I could share from this experience, and I will offer just a few that are especially close to my heart.

First, I am so grateful for the gift of my family:

• For Dan, Diane’s husband, and his faithful love and care for her over their 40 years of marriage, and especially during the challenges of her final years. Truly love in action!

• For Brady, her son and my godson. I am so blessed to be his godfather, and to have watched him grow up to become such a wonderful man, caring son, faithful husband to Kathy, and devoted father to Kierney and Kaydence.

• For my sister, Susan, and her husband, Tom, who were by Diane’s side in her final days, to help care for her and be with her. A corporal and spiritual work of mercy!

• For all of my sisters and brothers, and their families, who inspire me with their commitments of love and care for their families, for their neighbors, and for their communities. Mom and Dad taught us well!

Second, I am deeply grateful for our Catholic Faith, and for our Church. Father Jorge was a most caring pastor to Diane and our family in her final days. He brought the presence of Christ to her, and to us, in his ministry and in the Eucharist. We were blessed to know Christ’s mercy and love in the Sacraments of the Church as we gathered at her bedside for the Anointing, and in her parish church for the funeral Mass. And, it is truly consoling to know that we continue to be united with her in the Communion of Saints whenever we gather to celebrate the Eucharist.

And, finally, I am grateful for the gift of knowing that Diane’s journey continues from her earthly life with us into her eternal life with all of the saints gazing on “the glorious and merciful face of the Father.” Her life lived here on earth and into eternity, she remains my sister. To know that our God is Divine Love and Mercy allows me to entrust Diane to His eternal embrace. “May she rest in peace!” Deo Gratias!

May the angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs greet you at your arrival and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels greet you and like Lazarus, who once was a poor man, may you have eternal rest. Amen.

-"In Paradisum"

Todd Graff is the Director of Lay Formation & RCIA for the Diocese of Winona-Rochester