THE PIETA

The wait continues at heaven’s gate. It is a difficult and demanding vigil for both Jacques and his family.

The only thing he's eaten in the past four days is one small cup of vanilla ice cream.  His intake of fluids is also decreasing.

Jacques’ legs are failing him now and any thought of going outside to enjoy his garden has disappeared.

No longer a clandestine menace, he now can feel the cancer spreading throughout his core.

Jacques is being humbled in body but not in spirit.

As we prayed the first decade of the Sorrowful Mysteries this afternoon, I couldn’t help but look at a marble statue of The Pieta that was sitting in Jacques’ living room, that famous work of art by Michelangelo that depicts the Blessed Virgin cradling the dead body of Jesus.

When we had finished the decade, aptly named The Agony in the Garden, I remarked somewhat inappropriately,

“Jacques, look at the thin legs of Jesus in the statue. They look like yours.”

“I know,” Jacques replied. “Mary will soon be holding me too.”

Months ago, he had explained that he had bought the statue of The Pieta in Rome while on a visit in 1979. It has special meaning for Jacques and has graced his bedroom dresser ever since. No wonder the rosary is his favourite prayer.

In an amazing act of generosity and thoughtfulness, Jacques wants to donate his Pieta to Brebeuf College so it can rest on the altar in the school’s chapel. His hope is that others may come to understand and appreciate the consolation, peace and love that radiates from this most famous mother and child reunion.