The Catholic Defender: Novena to Blessed Michael Mcgivney, Day 7 – A Holy Death

For I consider that the suerings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us. (Rom 8:18)

Intention: For the dying and those suering from serious illness.

Virtue: Hope for eternal life.

Falling ill amid the influenza pandemic of 1889-90, Father McGivney traveled far to find effective treatments but always returned to his parish to tend to his duties while his health lasted.

In his final days, priests visited to comfort him, learn from him, and administer the last rites.

For his own part, he prayed fervently for his parishioners and his Knights, offering his sufferings for their spiritual and temporal welfare.

A man of practical action till the end, he updated his will, providing for the seminary education of his youngest brother and dividing his goods among his siblings.

The flu, known as the “grippe,” that consumed the world’s attention also grabbed hold of his body.

He was confined to bed in his rectory for much of the summer before succumbing to the virus, with an underlying condition of tuberculosis, on Aug. 14, 1890, two days past his 38th birthday, on the vigil of the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He was a model of goodness and patience and — in his last priestly act on earth — offered himself to God in a holy death. As one of his Knights remembered, “He was a man of the people. He was zealous of his people’s welfare, and all the kindness of his priestly soul asserted itself more strongly in his unceasing efforts for the betterment of their condition.”

The remembrance card at his funeral quoted a passage from the Book of Wisdom that highlighted his holiness of life and closeness to God: “Being made perfect in a short space, he fulfilled a long time; for his soul pleased God, therefore He hastened to bring him out of the midst of iniquity” (Wis 4:13-14).

Petitions For our loved ones who have died, that they may soon see the face of God in the land of the living.

Grant our prayer, Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney. For those who suer in mind, body or soul, that they may be comforted and healed by God’s gracious hand. R/ Grant our prayer, Lord, through the intercession of Blessed Michael McGivney