Massachusetts

Abandoned but not forgotten: The Lazarus Ministry

Abandoned but not forgotten: The Lazarus Ministry

Mary McCleary

The Lazarus Ministry at St. Anthony's Shrine in Boston is an oasis of hope in a harsh cultural climate that dismisses "inconvenient" human life. One of the great human tragedies is to die alone and abandoned. But the self-effacing friars and volunteers at the church respond generously whenever the Boston Medical Examiner's office calls for help with an unclaimed deceased person. Their discreet ministry provides funerals and burials for the homeless, the poor, and abandoned infants.

Although they are Catholic, the Lazarus Ministry is open to anyone in need, irrespective of religion, nationality, or economic status. They are "dedicated to the entire person, in death and in life." It is an inspiring witness that each human life is worthy of our respect, even after death. The Franciscan friars stand by people whom they never knew and affirm the intrinsic value of their existence, if only in memory.

A love story about faith, family and miracles
Massachusetts

A love story about faith, family and miracles

Diane Kilgore

There's something compelling and unshakeable in the simplicity of this elegant love story. Like most great stories, this one begins unexpectedly, there's a sense of wonder and a time of coming together. There's a realization; this is meant to be. Everyone around feels the inevitability of it all. A desire to celebrate the mysteries of love's many gifts becomes timely. It feels like destiny.

This love story isn't of youthful burning desire, rather one of embers that have warmly glowed for more than 80 years. It's a love story about faith, family and miracles. It is the story of Susan Szetela and of how her family prayerfully brought her to and through hospice. To the Szetelas, and their countless friends, Susan's story feels like a miracle.

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