The cold weather and the recent death and serious burns suffered to Michael and Karen Philbin (son and wife of Kevin) should be reminders to all of us to make certain to care for the following:
1] the presence of operating smoke detectors in our homes;
2] the careful use of candles .... especially as we approach the holiday season;
3] the overloading of electrical wires in our homes.
As a former firefighter and then chaplain in several different fire departments, my experience during these times of the years has on occasion not been pleasant. Too many people have died or suffered serious and unfortunately permanent physical injury because one or all of the above areas of concern were ignored.
I write this to you because all of you are wonderful people, too good for us to lose you or to see you physically damaged. Caring for your soul is primary but without a body, there is no soul for your priests to include in our care.
