John Vennari, editor and publisher of Catholic Family News, appears to be on his deathbed – “in the active stages of dying” from colon cancer. Please remember him in your prayers and commend his soul to God, if it be his will that he leave the fight here on earth to be joined to the Church Suffering/Church Triumphant, to intercede for us still left in the battle for the truths of the Faith under attack. He begs for our prayers. In your charity, join with Traditional Catholics all over the world and pray for John. May God be with him and may he be rewarded for his faithfulness to Catholic Tradition and his defense of the Faith.
Michael Matt’s heartfelt post about his brother in Christ:
A few moments ago I spoke via telephone with a Catholic gentleman, a beloved husband, a father and dear friend. His name is John Vennari, and he was told earlier today by his doctors that he is now in the “active stages of dying.”
John asked me to do him a favor and help him notify his many, many friends all around the world that he may not live to see his birthday on Friday. He wishes everyone to know that he’s not in pain. He wishes us all to know that, as he put it, “either we believe in Divine Providence or we don’t. I believe in it, and I know that God has known for all eternity that I would be here in this hospital today, ready to die.”
John also believes in miracles, as do I. And so anything is possible with God. But John said nothing about miracles just now. I think he wants us all to know that he’s ready, that he loves God, and that his faith is so much stronger than his body just now. He wants our prayers.After all this man has done for us, for the Church, for the Catholic cause, I don’t think I need to beg for prayers for John Vennari. All I need to do is tell you that this beautiful soul wants us to pray for him, and I know that tens of thousands of grateful Catholics will do it.His last words to me just now were to plead that , no matter what happens, we not give up the fight for Catholic restoration. “Please, keep it going. You must keep it going.” What does it say about the caliber of this warrior for Christ that, from what his doctors are now calling his deathbed, John Vennari’s concerns are still for the Traditional Catholic cause he defended all his life.
I will share whatever updates and information I receive from John and his dear wife, Susan—who now stands faithful watch at John’s side. Also, please pray for John’s beloved young daughters, Elizabeth and Philomena, and for his loyal son, Benedict, but especially for their dad who they love and cherish and respect more deeply than I can describe.
Thank you, John, for everything. God is with you, Mary is at your side and, all over the world, thousands of your brothers and sisters in Christ are with you right now, every step of the way, united with you in prayer. You are not alone, and your unshakable faith shines like a beacon for us all. Pray for us, John. And I know you know these are the most difficult words I’ve ever written.
God bless you, and Mary keep.
St. Philomena and Our Lady of Fatima—please pray for our brother John.
“The doctors say I don’t have much time left. Please pray for me and for my Purgatory. Was blessed to receive Last Rites yesterday and the apostolic blessing.”
St. Joseph, Patron of a happy death, ora pro John!
~Damsel of the Faith
Damsel of the Faith 