Marian Helper • Winter 2022-23 • Marian.org 15 “I just really think it comes down to example more than anything. We saw Mum and Dad being accepting to people and mindful of the poor, open to what happens in life, and taking the good with the bad.” Recent years took a toll on the couple. For the past two years, Margaret had suffered from stage 4 cancer and was confined to her home. Peter has mobility issues and is in a nursing home. “We would bring Dad down frequently so they could spend time together,” Gerard said. “On their last visit, they received Holy Communion together. It was nice for that to be their final shared experience.” A letter fromMum Margaret had a great devotion to Our Lady, and was aware of the Marian Fathers and the message of Divine Mercy. She was also a fan of Mother Angelica and EWTN. “A couple of years ago, when the pandemic was in full swing, we were looking for things for Mum to watch at home,” Gerard said. “Mum was always very Marian-focused. She discovered Fr. Chris’ talks onYouTube, and really connected with his messages. He’s so enthusiastic. He’s pretty amped up and a great communicator. He’s giving a lot of solid faith teaching, but in a way people can understand.” Soon Gerard and his two sisters, who took turns caring for Margaret, gathered around to watch Fr. Chris’ “Explaining the Faith” talks. “Mumwas so impressed and she was always talking about Fr. Chris,” Gerard continued. “I said to her, ‘Well, I get over to America every once in a while. I won’t get there for a while now, thanks to COVID. But on my next trip, why don’t you write down a few words and I’ll hand-deliver a letter to Fr. Chris for you?’” Margaret did just that. And she added a set of Rosary beads. “She had been praying the Rosary with those every day, and she wanted Fr. Chris, if he met someone in need, to pass them on,” Gerard explained. “He could pay it forward and say, ‘These belonged to someone who really believed in the Rosary.’” “This is one of the most touching stories,” Fr. Chris told Gerard. “It’s an honor and a blessing to have someone who sounds like such a wonderful lady to watch our programs and be tuned into the message of Divine Mercy. God’s Providence worked it out for her last request. “Margaret’s note says that she learned so much about our faith,” Fr. Chris continued. “I’m honored to be part of that and know that she offered up her sufferings for the salvation of souls. To think that we could be a part of that is just amazing.” Prayers for Australia After taking a photo with Gerard, Fr. Chris promised, “I will offer Margaret up in prayer along with you, your dad, the entire family, and, in fact, all of our friends in Australia. I am always happily surprised by how many letters I get from Australia.” As the sun set on Eden Hill, Gerard left, seemingly walking on air, with a broad smile and the knowledge that his beloved mother would be pleased. “It was a promise I had to keep,” he said. “I mean, everyone loves their mother, but I just knew I was very lucky.” Peter and Margaret Young were married for 59 years.
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