Chase Received his First Holy Communion

We had a wonderful Easter week, celebrating the miracle of Jesus’ resurrection and the His promise of eternal life. We enjoyed the time to celebrate with family and friends, although as with any holiday, it was very painful to view Chase in his current condition. Nonetheless, we’re continuing to maintain our hope and faith in the power of prayer and the fact that miracles happen every day. We know that there is nothing beyond the power of God – the fact that Chase is still with us 20 months after being diagnosed with this terrible affliction is a miracle in and of itself.

This past week, we were visited by one of Chase’s Prayer Warriors (Bonita, who lost two sons to this terrible disease). She brought her Spiritual Director, Father George, and we celebrated a beautiful mass together in Chase’s room. Fr. George was moved to give Chase his first Holy Communion – what a blessing and an answer to prayer. We’re just about to celebrate Barbara’s Holy Communion next Sunday (April 22nd) and had been hoping for Chase to take part as well. Now that he has received this Sacrament, the celebration will be for both of them. We’re hoping to have Chase in his wheelchair (outfitted with a vent) to enjoy the party with us.

Chase has continued to be very stable in terms of his vitals and bloodwork, which is quite a relief after the bout he had a few weeks ago with several different issues. He’s also breathing quite well, although somewhat inconsistently. Sometimes he does most of the breathing on his own (over the settings on the ventilator) and other times he lets the machine do all the work. This is somewhat to be expected, so we’re told, as he regains his respiratory strength. Hopefully, his progress will be able to continue and enable us to wean him further off the vent as soon as possible.

We truly appreciate the continued prayers and support from Chase’s Prayer Warriors around the world, as well as the messages of encouragement. We hope this collective journey brings many blessings to all who are joining us in spirit – that is our daily prayer, along with the petition for Chase’s return to divine health.

God Bless!!

John & Carol Sammut
Chase & Barbara Ann