Fr Peter Helman

"To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul." (Psalm 25:1)

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Dear friend in Christ,

There is an account of the death of Abba Sisoes, a fourth-century hermit living in the Egyptian desert, that I ran across the other day:
 
It was said of Abba Sisoes that when he was at the point of death, while the Fathers were sitting beside him, his face shone like the sun. He said to them: “Look, Abba Anthony is coming.” A little later he said, “Look, the choir of prophets is coming.” Again, his countenance shone with brightness and he said, “Look, the choir of apostles is coming.” His countenance increased in brightness, and lo, he spoke with someone. And the old men asked him, “With whom are you speaking, Father?” He said: “Look, the angels are coming to fetch me, and I am begging them to let me do a little penance.” The old men said to him, “You have no need to do penance, Father.” But the old man said to them, “Truly, I do not think I have even made a beginning yet.” Now they all knew that he was perfect. Once more his countenance suddenly became like the sun and they were all filled with fear. He said to them, “Look, the Lord is coming and he’s saying, ‘Bring me the vessel from the desert.’” And at that moment, he gave up his spirit. Then there was a flash of lightening and all the house was filled with a sweet odour.
 
What a marvelous account of the gospel. Abba Sisoes’ final breaths like a death knell give way to the life of God and the gate of awe. The Father steps toward the eternal habitations where there are neither fears nor hopes but one equal possession.  

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This afternoon Saint Philip’s will offer the eighteenth of 30 consecutive Memorials of the Faithful Departed that commemorate the more than 1 million people worldwide who have died from COVID-19, of those in our city and nation who have perished from gun violence and hate crimes, and of our many parishioners who have gone before us in faith. We set aside these 30 days to prepare our hearts for All Souls’ Day on November 2. We raise to God our prayers of lamentation and grief. We acknowledge life’s fragility and our need for deliverance from suffering and sin. We lift to God our fears, sorrows, and torments that God may heal us. I hope you will join us for these online services (Mon. – Sat. 12:15 p.m., Sun. 7:30 p.m.), live-streamed on Facebook and at our parish webpage (www.stphilipstucson.org).
 
Two other things to note. As we approach All Souls’ Day, please continue to submit the names of those who have died that you wish to be read aloud at the beginning of the All Souls’ requiem. Names may be forwarded to Fr. Peter Helman (peter.helman@stphilipstucson.org).
 
The requiem will conclude with prayers at an ofrenda set up in the garden portico immediately to the west of Saint Philip’s Great Doors. Please visit the church and place your memento mori on the ofrenda. Such items may include keepsakes and photographs, among other things that remind us of our loved one. There are signs on the steps of the Great Doors leading the way.