I got that quotation wrong. It should have read:

Those who die in grace go no further from us than God. And God is very near.

Maura

“Those who die in grace go no further than us from God. And God is very near.”

Michael was graced to write that last column for you and your family, Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us, as generously as you have shared yourself for so long.

I am a longtime reader from Canada of your blog and books. They have meant a great deal to me. I am also a mother of five whose last child was born when I was 43. I am deeply saddened for your loss. You and your children and your husband are in my prayers and will be for a long time to come.

Maura B.

We are so sorry. Michael will be missed by so, so many! I know Bishop Baker is among those who will feel a great loss. Please know we are keeping you all in our prayers. We will have Masses said for Michael.

Love and prayers,
Kay and Clark

I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.

May God comfort you and speed Michael to his eternal reward.

Mike was never one to be wishy-washy about his beliefs. It was always very clear what he believed and he was untiring in his sharing of what he held true. While he might compromise on what time to eat lunch or other insignificant details of life, he was unwavering in his dedication to the Faith. His love for the Lord was not just something he talked or wrote about, he lived it. Prayers were shared, as well as blessed oil or the name of a favorite shrine he had visited. There was no bushel that could have contained the light of his faith. It was so bright he just naturally had to share it. What a blessing that the light will still continue in his numerous writings. Hopefully his books will afford his children a glimpse into their father’s heart, a heart that held them close always and loved them dearly. Mike will be missed. May he rest in peace and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace. Amen.

A prayer Mike included in his book, The How-To Book of the Mass:

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.

Our prayers for you, Amy, for the children and for all the family will continue. May the presence of our gracious Lord comfort you and give you peace – Don & Jackie Lindsey.

Ask God… sigh… God… only He can tell you how.

I would have come up there, but my prayers would do better than filling up my gas tank and driving 4 hours up there to St. Auggie.

Ask God how I am praying for you. Ask Him about my being on prayer call for you and anyone who needs it.