On March 20, Yvonne and I hosted a special eucharistic celebration at home for Donna who was terminally ill from cancer. About 40 of us, family, friends, neighbours, and visitors from Donna's home in Nova Scotia celebrated with Fr. Pat, Superior General of the Holy Ghost Fathers.

Donna, 43 years old, had been a member of our Bible study group. She is the mother of two young adults and her husband, Lyndon, is recovering from rectal cancer. When Donna joined us four years ago, she had not been a regular church goer. She had come from a strong Nova Scotian Scottish catholic background but her faith was no longer strong and she wanted to rediscover the God of her youth. During the time we have had with her, we have come to know a wonderful Christian individual. Despite the agony of her suffering and the torment of her treatments and frequent visits to the hospital, Donna grew in her faith and acceptance of the inevitable.

To begin our eucharist, I told the group that we were joined in our prayers by a very special group of priests and their spouses, members of Corpus Canada, part of an international federation of married catholic priests. An atmosphere of peace, reverence, and mystery filled the evening. Fr. Pat in a homily that continued throughout the eucharist and anointing spoke of the mystery of how our lives entwine and how through "love, forgiveness, and reconciliation" we come to realize our fullness in Christ. I could not resist reflecting on Corpus and the significance of the word and on why so few have accepted the challenge Corpus represents.

Fr. Pat explained that having a personal belief in Jesus and a willingness to share in the banquet of Love in support of Donna was the important thing on this occasion. We sang, shared stories of Donna, held hands as we prayed the Our Father, and with outstretched hands participated in the anointing with blessed olive oil , the symbol of life. We shared in the "Agape" by giving to each other the Body and Blood . This moving moment left not a dry eye in the house. When I read your messages, Donna's eyes filled with tears. She could only reply with "Tell your friends I love them." She radiated a quiet peace. From the others, there were expressions of awe and thanks for the opportunity to participate in this gathering.

Donna fell asleep peacefully in the Lord early on May 9 knowing that her many friends and members of Corpus were storming heaven to assist her on her last journey. Two days before, she had prayed with me: "Jesus, take me. I am ready to come home." It has been a remarkable experience watching and praying with her. She became for all of us a sign of God's presence with us. In our small group, she openly offered the weight of her suffering for many in the community and often she prayed for us married priests that we would not lose our trust and confidence in Jesus.¢

I thank all of you again on behalf of Donna, Yvonne, and myself for the shared and the silent expressions of support. She is now able to repay your generosity.