The Necropolitan Sentinel

As many of you may know, my father-in-law, Dr. Daniel P. Collins, has been in the hospital since the 14^th of August, and in ICU since the 19^th. Though you may not know him personally, I hope that your affection and respect for Dan and Matt (Enoch Root) will encourage you to read on, and act on my plea. I feel moved to write this piece because I feel that it important that the greatest number of people participate in praying for his recovery.  Again, I know that you have been asked for prayers and positive intentions, etc., but I am asking that you say a specific prayer.

My father-in-law is erudite, witty, fun-loving, and wise.  His greatest attribute, however, is his deep capacity for faith.  He has truly lived a Catholic Christian life, and he has always had a particular devotion to the Blessed Mother Mary.  There is a stained glass window in their bedroom of the Madonna and Child; there are a number of other representations of the Virgin Mary throughout the house, as well.  He has spoken often to me about the grace and comfort he experiences through his veneration of the Blessed Mother.  And this special relationship has translated into a consistent and profound respect for all women.  Many years ago, he was talking to me about love.  He said, “The language of love is sacrifice.”  I recognize the truth of that statement more and more every year.  But the truly remarkable thing is the example that he gave.  He said that no matter how early he had to get up in the morning, even when he was doing his residency and specialty and had crazy hours, his wife, Caroline, would get up with him and make him breakfast.  “That”, he said, “is sacrifice.  That is love.”  This man could have easily referenced any number of sacrifices that he had made, large and small.  I have remembered that often these last few years while witnessing him caring for his beloved wife who suffers from frontal lobe dementia.  He is unfailingly loving toward her, even as his eyesight diminishes and it becomes more and more difficult to find the objects she has “tidied” away. 

Today, when I saw him in the hospital, I told him that I have been saying the Memorare for him repeatedly, and said it aloud.  He was very moved.  Tomorrow (30^th August), he undergoes two procedures (one surgical), and it would be truly wonderful if Dan and Matt could tell him that a lot of people are saying the Memorare for him.  Please take a few moments to say the following prayer for healing and health for Dr. Daniel P. Collins.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary

That never was it known

That anyone who flew to thy protection,

Implored thy help, or sought thy intercession

Was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,

I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.

To thee I come.  Before thee I stand,

Sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

Despise not my petition,

But hear, and answer me.

Amen.

Tweet