Many of you remember father Francis McCloskey as a man of utter brilliance, incredible humor, and a rich deposit of historical fact. But more than anything, he was and still is an eloquent voice for God’s preborn children. His brother Jim wrote me and relayed this message. “Dear Flip, I don’t know whether you know that my brother, Fr. Francis, is in a nursing home in Albany, NY with early onset dementia, complicated by possible Parkinson’s disease. Please pray for him. Jim McCloskey.”
Below is my response, and some great pictures of Father Francis, his brother Jim, and the saints in Connecticut. ~ Flip
Dear Jim,
Yes, we know about Father Francis. Thank you so much for thinking about me and making sure that I did know. Beth has been very good at keeping us all updated. We have been praying for him, especially in this difficult season in his life. Yes, it is a season, but it is certainly not the end. Thank God for Jesus who demonstrated the absolute truth of this through His resurrection.
Your brother makes me smile every time I think of him or pray for him. His mind was so razor sharp and his love for life and all those around him just makes me smile. I can’t help it. Check it out and see if this isn’t true with others who know him well. At first they will be sad and grave over the difficulties he is presently suffering through. But then, as they start remembering him and the wonderful times they had with him, a huge smile will begin to appear on their faces and their whole countenance will lift.
Who laughed more than your brother? Who lit up a room more than your brother? Who dared to do great and impossible things for God more than your brother? Who could see, in very ordinary things, the extraordinary works of Almighty God better than your brother? Who could take a very boring trip and make it the most fascinating adventure ever, better than your brother? Who knew history and His story better than your brother?
Your brother is free because he knows who he is and where he is going. This is his incredible secret that is available to all of us through Christ Jesus. When I spoke to him I always felt bigger than I really was. He made me feel that way. Though his intellect far surpassed my own and his knowledge of history unfathomable, I always felt like a better man after being with him.
Now Jim, it is upon you to help him navigate through the difficult trials and tribulations of this season in his life. How? Simply by reminding him, every day, of what a blessing he was and is to so many of us who are praying for him.
God bless you Jim. Please keep me updated.
In Christian love,
Flip
FR. FRANCIS ; A FATHER, A BROTHER AND FAMILY ALWAY’S AND FOREVER. A CHILD OF GOD ANOINTED AND APPOINTED BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BEFORE CONCEIVED IN HIS MOTHER’S WOMB TO BIRTH AN AWAKENING OF FIRE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITHIN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THROUGHOUT ALBANY SPREADING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE CAPITAL REGION. HIS SANDAL WORN FOOTPRINTS CARRIED JESUS FROM THE CHURCH WHERE WE WORSHIPED INTO OUR HEARTS AND HOMES. MEEK AND HUMBLE AS A LAMB BUT ROARED FEARLESS AS A LION ON THE FRONT ROW OF OUR LORD’S ARMY. AMEN!
So sad to hear about Father Francis.Met him years ago when we were with Christian Ireland Ministries. May God be with him and his family.