Thursday, June 9, 2016
I was so sad to hear about Father Jude. He was so influential during my college years at Fairmont State in 1975 to 1979. I met him while walking past his house/church on the way to class every day. He would sit on his swing on the porch. I was Catholic and had gone to Catholic School all my life, but I can truly say I was introduced to the "real" Jesus by Father Jude. He gave me books to read and introduced me to Thomas Merton. I attended daily Mass around a little square altar at 4:00 pm every day and Sunday Mass also. Father Jude would talk about the Holocaust and understanding Judaism, Passover, etc. One day a couple of weeks before Easter, I asked Father Jude to hear my confession. As I was confessing I felt Jesus' Love and that confession changed my life! I felt the Holy Spirit rushing in. I never felt such humility or peace! I knew God was REAL and He loved me! Father Jude was an incredible priest who always challenged his congregation to seek and find God, and then to serve God. I pray Father Jude is fully embraced by God and filled with His Peace and Love for all eternity! I pray He knows how much he is loved.
