FR. TOM UPDATE: January 21

Jesson Mata, Director of Liturgy and Music, sent out the following message earlier today. We all continue to pray for our dear Fr. Tom in these, his final days on earth. May his transition into eternal glory with our Lord and Saviour be gentle and peaceful.

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Dearest family and friends of Fr. Tom:

As I compose this update tonight, Fr. Tom is sleeping peacefully in the priory. Although he has been verbally unresponsive for over three days, he has given signs to us that he is able to hear. Fr. Tom is now essentially in a very deep sleep. Although he is not actively awake, we are told that his hearing will be the last to diminish, so we are surrounding him with the audible prayers and love of his family and friends.

Throughout the course of these last three days, his mobility has completely diminished, yet his peaceful demeanor has remained fully in tact. We have developed a daily routine with Fr. Tom. He undergoes complete hygiene care daily. We all know that Fr. Tom is quite meticulous, so we ensure that his oral and bodily hygiene is addressed on a regular basis. Prior to his decline, Fr. Tom actually enjoyed receiving manicures and pedicures. Although he commented at one point that he was "getting spoiled," it was evident that he liked them very much. Subsequently, he welcomed the massages with lotions and ointments. We are continuing to provide Fr. Tom with these little comforts so he enjoys the very last moments of his life. Practically, they also assist with his circulation as well as protect his skin. We have also increased his time-released pain medication while supplementing it with liquid morphine, which is administered on a regular basis. By all accounts Fr. Tom is not in any pain. He has appeared very much at peace.

In the past few days, Fr. Tom's breathing has been fairly regular with some intermittent labor. Tonight his breathing is calm, but sleep apnea is beginning to set in—these are moments during his sleep when breathing pauses for a period of time, usually brief but up to a full minute. This is common and indicates a decrease in the circulation of the body's internal organs. We will be with Fr. Tom during these moments to ensure that he is comforted on every level, both spiritually and physically.

We continue to celebrate Mass with Fr. Tom on a daily basis. He dons a stole, which signifies his priesthood, and he also receives Holy Communion. The reading from today's Mass is quite appropriate for it tells us that Fr. Tom is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." We could not agree more. Fr. Tom has followed through on his vocation as a priest in these last days of his life. Fr. Daniel, along with Fr. Michael Fones and in my presence, administered the Last Rites. Fr. Tom is spiritually prepared for his journey home.

We can never determine with precision how long someone has left, particularly Fr. Tom. He is young and exceptionally healthy, so it is difficult to gauge how much time he has left with us. It is apparent, however, that he is now closer to death. Let us begin our vigil for Fr. Tom and pray for him unceasingly throughout these days. May our loving God bring him closer to Himself and may He shine upon all of you, his friends and loved ones.

I remain always yours in Christ,

Jesson