Rest In Peace….
The Diocese of Trenton experienced a sudden shock today. We have a House of Formation for men who are actively discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The men who stay there are usually either preparing to enter the seminary in the near future, or may be taking a break from the seminary. I spent a year there as a deacon. It is located at the first Catholic parish in the state of New Jersey, Sacred Heart.
This afternoon I got a message that one of the seminarians at the House of Formation died. That’s was it; no name or circumstances. I was able to get a hold of the administrative assistant for the Vocations Office and got more details.
The seminarian’s name was Edward Bulger. I am not sure how old he was, but I would say in his 30s or 40s. I only met him a couple of times, so did not know him well, but he was planning on entering the seminary in the Fall. Apparently he had an asthma attack while sleeping, and died from it. Needless to say the folks at the House of Formation are in shock. Someone so young, who was looking to do God’s work.
My mother is very involved with Serra International, the wonderful folks who support vocations with tons of prayers, was so shocked. All she could say was, “The devil is really attacking the Church.” Of course she does not mean that in a movie “Damien” way. She is just recognizing that there are spiritual forces that are actively trying to stop the spread of the Gospel. Tune in tomorrow for my Epiphany homily which addresses this somewhat.
Please pray for the repose of Ed’s soul. Also pray for his family and many friends. In the shock and grief the devil often tries to sow the seeds of despair and hopelessness. Our Faith assures us that Jesus is in our midst, particularly in a time like this. Like when He went to Martha and Mary after the death of Lazarus, Jesus weeps with us in our grief while all the time promising us that He is the Resurrection and the Life, and if we believe in Him we will live with Him in paradise.
Pray for vocations! Christ Jesus Victor!
