My spiritual Father

The first year that I attended a Courage Conference, I prayed that I would meet Father Harvey. To my surprise, we ended up sitting near each other for dinner and I almost fainted! We had a great conversation that evening. Later, as always, the many brave Fathers who attend this Conference heard Confessions. I can still remember how afraid I was to have mine heard. I was full of wonder about which one of the Fathers would hear mine. I entered the Chapel where the Confessions were being heard I knelt in a pew and I prayed for a few seconds. Then I turned to my left and saw Father Harvey - he was just sitting, praying, and no one was next to have their Confession heard. I Jumped! Father heard my Confession and gave me very sound advice. It was one of the most compelling Confessions I have ever had. The man was so gentle and understanding. That night, I thanked God for the Grace that I had received that day. I told our loving Father that I would have been happy if Father Harvey had just shaken my hand.

But wait! God can not be outdone! I have more!

The next morning at breakfast, I was like a school boy talking to all the other men at my table about my short but wonderful time with Father. One of the other men at the table where I was doing all of the talking said “Look, David, here he comes to sit next to you again!” I nearly melted right there in my seat! At this point, my Conference was made! I needed no more. A year later I saw him again and he needed a lot of assistance to get around; however, he did do it and he even participated at the Mass! It was painful to watch him as he had gone down. Soon he would be gone. He is one of my heroes! Like many of us men of Courage, he became my spiritual Father. In my opinion this man was a great modern Saint.

This took place at my first Conference and it was held in Philly. The second time that I saw him was in Mundelein.

With great love and respect,
David DeJiacomo