Called by Name
Monsignor Vincent Foy, the legendary Canadian pro-life champion, had taken a fall. The Sisters visited him regularly for a few weeks as he lay in recovery in the ICU. One week, two novices went with Sr. Antoniana to visit Monsignor. Sister had become so used to the routine that she sailed past the nurse’s station to Monsignor’s room. Usually, he was alone, but this time, there was a distraught-looking couple with him. Monsignor had taken a turn for the worse. His broad frame was significantly diminished, he was on a ventilator, and wore a large oxygen mask that covered most of his face. Only his white hair remained recognizable. Sr. Antoniana went to his side and tenderly clasped his hand. “Monsignor Foy, the Sisters are here. We are praying for you. We have two novices from New York here praying for you, too.” The couple seemed confused, but grateful. One of the nurses overheard and exclaimed, “That’s not Monsignor! That’s Loretta!” Sr. Antoniana froze. The woman motioned to the patient. “This is my mother!” Let’s just say, Sister wanted to sink into a hole. Trying to recover from her piercing embarrassment and calling on the Holy Spirit, she said, “This is not a mistake! God wanted us to be here. Would you like to pray?” With tears in their eyes, the couple leaned in to pray for a full restoration of Loretta’s health, to hear words of hope, and to receive miraculous medals. After praying, the husband began to laugh: “Yeah, I thought “Monsignor” was a term of endearment or a nickname you had given Loretta!” Later, upon hearing the whole ordeal, the real Monsignor Foy, who had been in low spirits, howled and howled with delight.
Originally printed in IMPRINT Magazine Fall 2016.
