The power of an unexpected rose: Fr Paddy O’Kane

Many years ago, I was leaving the parochial house and on my way to see an elderly lady in hospital.

I saw a beautiful red rose in the grounds so I decided I would give her to brighten up her day.

When I arrived at her ward, rose in hand, I found that she had just been discharged.

Rather than turning on my heels, I went around the other patients and gave it to the first lady I met.

I thought no more about it until a week later when a man appeared at my door.

“Did you give my wife a rose last week?” he asked.

The first thought that crossed my mind was “Oops, Paddy, you’re in bother now – another jealous husband.

“My wife is in the car,” he said “Can I bring her in?’

This is her story: “My mother died recently. It was a sudden death and we had fallen out a short time beforehand. I had been carrying a heavy burden of guilt and that morning before you arrived I asked my mother to send me a sign that we were reconciled. Then you appeared with a rose. My mother loved roses. It has taken us a week to trace you for we wanted you to know how God used you to bring me the consolation and peace I needed. In Africa I’m told the word for co-incidence is God- incidence.”

My father, Dominic, is gradually slipping out of our grip. He is 96.

He is confined to bed most of the time and it is hard to have a conversation with him.

Mostly, he just smiles back when you ask him a question and his silence leaves me sad.

Last Sunda,y I visited him in Nazareth House in Fahan.

It was the most unrewarding visit I ever made. When I returned to the parochial house I felt down and empty.

The weather did no help as the rain beat against the window (and I miss my bees).

Then the doorbell rang. I was expecting someone looking for money as often happens on Sunday afternoons.

I was surprised to see a smiling lady with a bright red rose.

“This flower has been blessed today at the Novena to the Little Flower in St. Eugene’s Cathedral. I got it for you,’ she said.

I told her “You could not have come at a better time” and thanked God for using her to remind me of His constant love.

Which brings me to the Novena I attended on two evenings.

How they can find such interesting speakers every year amazes me.

Seeing the church packed to capacity reminded me of the May Retreats during my time as a young curate in the 70s.

Well done, Fr Paul, and your team!

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