In Need Of Prayer

As no doubt you know the writer Christopher Hitchens has died, succumbing to cancer.  It is said he died nobly, passing away writing, which was the joy of his life.

I am deeply saddened by his death. He was a man with great talent and ability, but one who used it to denigrate not only those who believe in God, but even God himself.  I hope and pray that in those milliseconds before his death he encountered God and embraced Him, seeking reconciliation and mercy.

He had a particular hatred for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: his book Hell's Angel was an attack on her mission and her life of service to the poor.  I think it caused Blessed Teresa some suffering, but I have no doubt that she was moved to pray for him and for his conversion.  I have no doubt that when she entered heaven she was praying for him with great earnestness:  may her prayers produce much fruit.

Ironically, while Christopher was lolling in his atheism, his brother, Peter, had a conversion and is now a great defender of faith in general, and of the Christian faith in particular, of which he is a member - he is a member of the Church of England.  I have no doubt he too was praying for his brother. 

Let us pray for them all: that the Lord will grant mercy to Christopher and consolation to his family.   We commend them to the intercession of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.