A Friend and Our Foundation

Some twenty years ago, while my wife and I were parishioners at Our Lady of Grace, we received a new priest fresh from the Philippines. From the very beginning, something within me recognized him. A spiritual connection was forming and eventual friendship. I felt a deep spiritual connection to him almost immediately. Over the next twenty years, he became one of the most important people in my life.

Our friendship grew even more after my ordination. In time, I was serving both as a practicing mortician and deacon, and because of those roles, many people contacted me during moments of crisis and loss. Families would call needing a priest for the hospital, for an emergency anointing, for someone approaching death, or simply for spiritual consolation during suffering.

If I could not locate a priest already on duty or available locally, more often than not I would reach out to Father Philip.

And he would go.

Over the years, this became part of the rhythm of our friendship and ministry together. Quietly, faithfully, and without complaint, he would answer those calls time and time again. Sometimes he would later call me back and share only a small glimpse of the visit, never focused on himself, always concerned for the souls he had encountered. I always made a point of sending a stipend knowing today's economy is tough on everyone.

Looking back now, I realize how many moments of grace passed through those hospital rooms, nursing homes, homes of suffering, and bedsides of the dying. In many ways, for over twenty years, we became instruments in the care and salvation of souls together.

That leaves a mark upon the heart.

Over time, I developed an even deeper gratitude for priests and pastors of souls. Whenever I could, I would send a little financial help. It felt necessary to me. It felt right. So often, people do not realize the sacrifices these men make. They are not in ministry for money but rather, they spend themselves for others quietly and often unnoticed.

About six months before Father Philip passed away, I spoke with him on the phone. By then I was already retired, but I still continued receiving calls asking if I could help locate a priest. Once again, I called Father Philip.

At the end of our conversation, I told him I was sending him a little something. He thanked me sincerely, and then he spoke words that broke my heart.

He told me that in retirement he often found himself trying to decide between buying a little fuel, purchasing medicine, or simply eating less so he could make it through the month. I was deeply moved to tears, I felt a profound sadness.

Today’s economy no longer sustains what perhaps once worked adequately in the past. Times have changed drastically, and many retired servants of God now quietly struggle in ways most people never see.

When we hung up the phone, I wept for a long time and for many reasons.

I wept because I realized how often the sacrifices of shepherds go unnoticed. People expect immediate service from the Church nowadays without ever considering what these priests themselves are carrying. They experience loss, grief, sickness, financial burdens, and the ordinary hardships of life just like everyone else. Yet they continue to pour themselves out for souls.

That conversation remained with me deeply.

I turned to the Lord and prayed:

“Lord, if there is any way at all that I can help these priests and help others in need, please show me.”

In the months that followed, under what I can only describe as grace and inspiration, the work began. Paperwork was completed, steps were taken, and eventually the Prayer On Canvas Christian Foundation came into existence.

At sixty-five years old, I sometimes stop and ask myself, “Lord, what in the world am I doing?”

And the answer that rises in my heart is simple: Keep painting, keep writing, Trust and Do just as always and keep moving forward.

Nothing is impossible for God.

Even if we only help one person, blessed be the Lord.

If one retired priest receives assistance, blessed be the Lord. If one child is strengthened in faith, blessed be the Lord. If one soul encounters hope, beauty, or encouragement through this mission, then it is already worthwhile.

The foundation was born from gratitude, compassion, and the desire to give something back to those who have spent their lives serving others.

Our focus has always been clear in my heart: to help retired shepherds who have given their lives in service, to help guide and strengthen the young in the faith, and to do whatever good Christian charity the Lord places before us, moving forward in peace, trusting in God’s providence and simply continuing, as I always have, to trust and do, while my soul exalts in our saving God.

Peace and blessings.

Your unworthy servant,

Deacon Rudy Calsoncin (Ret.)