27 March 2009

Requiescat in Pace Bernard Elliott

I am the resurrection and the Life, says the Lord
Those who die in me, shall have everlasting life.

I ask your prayers for my cousin, Bernard Elliott who graduated from this life to the life of perfect freedom at 10.30 p.m. Thursday night.

I ask your prayers for his wife Zela, Bernie died on their 59th wedding anniversary.

I ask your prayers also for their children Valerie, Craig, Kim and Brett. The latter three are mentally disabled.

I ask your prayers for Maxine, Bernie's sister who was with Bernie and Zela when he died.

I spent the day yesterday with Bernie and the family. Bernie died from cancer although his emphysema had plagued him for nearly five years and he was little more than an invalid. Bernie had been though so many medical crises that I didn't really believe he would actually die.

It was not until Fr. Beason came with the Viaticum that I realized Bernie was really and truly going to die. It was the most emotional moment of this process. Bernie, Zela, his sister Maixine, his daughter Valerie, Zela's sisters and brother and I all received Holy Communion.

As Fr. Beason gave Bernie a drop of wine (Bernie was in a non responsive condition), after the words of administration, he said, "Bernie, next time we do this, we'll be together in heaven."

What comfort it is to know that for us life does not end, only changes and that we shall be together in the eternities.

Let us pray:
    O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant Bernie, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, on God, now and for ever. Amen.
    Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with Zela, Valerie, Craig, Brett, Kim, Maxine and all their families, and all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And light perpetual shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the departed
though the mercies of God, rest in peace

Blessed Bernie, pray for us.

If you make the Stations of the Cross today (post below) please remember Bernie.