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Post by RitaMarita on Mar 22, 2019 11:45:25 GMT -5
Please say a prayer for Father Joseph Collins (the priest who officiated at our wedding). I don't know all the details, but it sounds as if he has been having severe liver and jaundice problems. 😔
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Post by Pacelli on Mar 22, 2019 12:44:40 GMT -5
I just heard this too, and have been praying for him. How sad.
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Post by RitaMarita on Mar 26, 2019 13:59:10 GMT -5
I just heard this too, and have been praying for him. How sad. Most recent update email I got from a friend: Fr Collins catscan has revealed no cirrhosis and no cancer. Drs. believe Fr. may have a blocked bile duct. Very good news! Please keep him in your prayers.
Thank you all for the prayers!
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Post by RitaMarita on Mar 27, 2019 10:06:46 GMT -5
I just heard this too, and have been praying for him. Â How sad. Â Most recent update email I got from a friend: Fr Collins catscan has revealed no cirrhosis and no cancer. Drs. believe Fr. may have a blocked bile duct. Very good news! Please keep him in your prayers.
Thank you all for the prayers!  Just got this message this morning from a friend: "I just recvd a msg that Fr. Collins has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The msg came from a lady named Ann, whose husband Jeff was contacted by Bp. Sanborn."
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Post by RitaMarita on Mar 27, 2019 15:37:43 GMT -5
An official Email from Father Ahern:
Dear Friends:
There have been multiple reports and requests for information concerning the illness of Father Joseph Collins, and there is some variety of detail in circulation. The interest is an indication of your charity, and I hope that this update will bring some relief, and encourage you to prayer. Over the past year, Father Collins has undergone an uncharacteristic weight loss. Coming into March, he exhibited signs of jaundice, and on March 17 had great difficulty in offering Mass. A physical exam revealed a severely enlarged liver, then a CT scan indicated a blockage in the outlet of the liver. On Tuesday of this week, a full analysis of the CT scan revealed pancreatic cancer, with tumors on the liver and other cancer in the lymphatic system, and perhaps elsewhere. With all of this, Father Collins is able to get around, pray his Breviary, and consider offering Mass. His spirits are good, though he has considerable fatigue, and is quite aware of the gravity of his situation. He is encouraged and consoled by the many prayers of the faithful and brother clergy. There is a plan to do an outpatient procedure by which a stent will be inserted to open the bile duct, drain the liver, and relieve the jaundice symptoms. Treatment options for the cancer are limited, and of limited efficacy. Father Collins has received Extreme Unction, and will have ongoing access to the other sacraments as the need arises. How much longer in this vale of tears? From several weeks to a few months: a merciful amount of time in which to prepare for the last hour. What about Father's physical needs? With the offers of help, and plans being developed, he should be able to stay, and be cared for, at St. Michael's Rectory in Glenmont, NY. What can I do? Prayers, particularly an extra Rosary, and whatever else you can manage. Also, some serious spiritual preparation for your own last hour, which is all the more fitting in Lent. Can I email Father Collins? Not directly, but I will do my best to funnel messages to him. Please use frdahern@aol.com, and put Father's name in the subject line. You can also ask to be included in updates from me, though I realize that there are several other kindly conduits of information. Yours in Christ our Savior, - Fr. Daniel Ahern
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Post by Pacelli on Mar 27, 2019 22:47:48 GMT -5
Thanks for keeping us updated. I will keep praying for him.
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Post by Clotilde on Mar 28, 2019 13:07:35 GMT -5
This is such a sorrow but we are praying for him, and it is a reminder of our own end.
He is our family's favorite priest. We have known him for almost 20 years. He baptized one of my children and more. I am happy for him that he can prepare to go to his Eternal Reward but so sad...he's the best priest in the world.
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Post by Barbara on Mar 29, 2019 17:48:31 GMT -5
Yes, he's one of the best. On my Lenten list for special prayer intentions.
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Post by Marya Dabrowski on Mar 30, 2019 22:19:00 GMT -5
Prayed for him.
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Post by RitaMarita on Apr 2, 2019 11:46:09 GMT -5
Yes... It seems that anyone who knows him really loves him and respects him a lot... God bless him and grant him peace!
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Post by Marya Dabrowski on Apr 28, 2019 16:25:35 GMT -5
Father Joseph Collins passed away on Saturday morning. The cause of death was pancreatic cancer. Please pray for Father Collins' priestly soul.
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