October 20, 2023
Charley Monaghan, who with his wife Diane founded the Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents after losing their son Paul, recently passed away at 74 years old in Massachusetts. For more than 15 years, the couple was committed to helping parents who suffered the devastating loss of their precious child. Because of their efforts, the Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents is offered in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The following poem is one they handed out to parents during their retreats. We share it with you in memory of our cherished friend, Charley, who is being laid to rest today.
The Open Door
By Grace Coolidge
You, my son,
have shown me God.
Your kiss upon my cheek
has made me feel the gentle touch
of him who leads us on.
The memory of your smile, when young,
reveals his face,
as mellowing years come on apace.
And when you went before,
you left the Gates of Heaven ajar
that I might glimpse,
approaching from afar,
the glories of his grace.
Hold, Son, my hand,
guide me along the path,
that, coming,
I may stumble not
nor roam,
nor fail to show the way
which leads us home.
***
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