'When They Say This Chaplet'

By Becky Pippert, LNP

I want to share a miracle of God’s mercy that happened at work last night. I have worked as a nurse for more than 40 years. I was assigned to the COVID unit, and one resident became very ill. He was a devout Catholic. The hospital administrator told me that because of state regulations, a priest could not be called for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. I felt terrible for the resident and his family, who were not allowed to be with him either. No one should be alone at the hour of death.

Thankfully, I happen to carry holy water and keep Rosary beads in my vehicle. I tried to finish my work so I could be with him and pray. It seemed meant to be, because I was able to complete my work in time to pray with him. So I took my holy water and Rosary beads to his room. I was going to say the Rosary, but then I remembered the promises of praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet at the bedside of the dying. I learned this when I attended a Divine Mercy parish mission in 2014, given by Fr. Dan Cambra, MIC.

Here’s what Jesus told St. Faustina:

When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as a just Judge but as a merciful Savior. (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 1541)

While with this resident, I could tell he was close to death. I sat with him and held his hand while I recited the Divine Mercy Chaplet. I was just finishing, praying “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One,” when the resident peacefully closed his eyes and took his last breath.

Just at that time, another nurse came to the door and said, “The resident’s son is calling for a condition report.” I was able to share that his dad had died peacefully just moments before and that he had not been alone. Then the resident’s wife, Phyllis, called. I was happy to reassure her that her husband had died a peaceful, happy death. These moments make our hard work and extra care rewarding. We know we are being prayed for from Heaven.

The worst part of the pandemic has been the separation from loved ones. It truly breaks my heart that loved ones cannot be together after many years of marriage, parenthood, and friendship. God has made us to be together, to comfort and enjoy each other.

Another thing that may have comforted this resident: When I was praying with him, I believe I reminded him of his wife. I wasn’t sure if it was the sound of my voice or how I looked, but when he held my hand, he said, “You know I love you, Phyl.” My hope is that at the hour of his death, he believed that his wife was with him, holding his hand and praying. I know that her heart was with him. I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity to help a soul go to Heaven.

 

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