Dear Friend,

As we know, cancer is a fearful disease, and all too many people have been affected by it in some way, either as a patient or caregiver. Recently my life, too, has been touched by the harsh reality of cancer, as I witnessed firsthand the brave battle waged by one of my brother Oblates. His struggle taught me the importance of being a messenger of God’s love and hope to those affected by cancer.

Father Ernest Sylvestre, O.M.I. was an amazing priest who brought Christ’s Good News to people in need from the Philippines to Florida. As we both served in Miami, Florida last year, I watched Fr. Ernie bravely battle cancer. I saw the disease cripple his body, but never his spirit. He remained in active ministry until the very end.

Father Ernie’s last assignment was as pastor of Christ the King Church in Miami. He referred to the parish as “mission country” because it had been nearly wiped out in 1992 by Hurricane Andrew. Parishioners are still using a converted community center as a place of worship. Father Ernie dreamed of building a new church for his parish. His last request to the congregation was to have any donation made in his honor go to the parish building fund.

Father Ernie passed away just a few weeks after I began working here at the Missionary Association. Shortly after I received his death notice, I came across the cards that are shown below with this letter. How I wish I would have known about them earlier. I would have sent one to Fr. Ernie, and I’m sure it would have brought a smile to his face.

You probably have someone in your life right now who is fighting cancer and who would appreciate receiving one of these Cards of Hope. This is such a simple act of kindness, but it can be a great source of comfort to someone in need.

For your gift of $12, $15, $18 or $25 I will send you one of the gifts pictured on the attached page that can raise the spirits of your special person. I will send you a complimentary “Pray For A Cure” pin with every gift you request. Or, if you prefer, for a donation of $12, I will see that you receive a set of two “Pray For A Cure” pins.

Please know that when you send a card or gift to a loved one, you are also helping the Missionary Oblates bring healing and hope to cancer patients around the world.

A Prayer for You Card
God has put His Angels in charge of you...Card

When Fr. Ernie worked in the Philippines he built medical facilities for some of the poorest people in the world. Today the Missionary Oblates are still building clinics where cancer patients obtain treatment that they otherwise would never receive. Can you imagine battling cancer without the help of a doctor, or without any medicine?

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Fr. Ernie and our healing ministries for people dealing with the uncertainty of cancer. Please send me the names of people in your life who are dealing with this dreaded disease so that my brother Oblates and I can remember them in our Masses and prayers.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows has been a sacred oasis of healing and hope for many years. Be assured that your prayers and special intentions for those affected by cancer will be offered up to God through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. For 150 years pilgrims from all over the world have come to the Sacred Grotto in Lourdes, France seeking physical and spiritual healing. For your donation of $50 I will see that a Healing Candle is lit for you at the Sacred Grotto in Lourdes.

In the Healing and Hope of Christ,

Fr. John Madigan, O.M.I.
Oblate Director

P.S. For your donation of $25 or more, I will light a Candle of Hope for your loved one at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. Also, the name of the person will be prayed for at a special Cancer Mass which is celebrated the first Monday of each month at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.