The Cardinal and the Crook

John proved himself to be an especially dear friend during their junior year.

John returned from a weekend visit home in early October. As he entered their room, he found Fran sitting on the edge of his bed. His eyes were red and swollen from crying.

John immediately went to his friend and asked, “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“It’s . . . it’s my mom. She has cancer. It’s really . . . really bad!”

Fran’s mother—Lauren—had been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer. The doctors in Connecticut suggested that she seek treatment in Boston.

“My uncle Tom arranged for her to meet with one of the top oncologists at the Dan a-Farber Cancer Institute. An entire team of doctors evaluated her case. They said that the cancer has spread to other organs, and they are unable to operate until the tumor is shrunk.”

John was shocked at this news. Mrs. Roland had always appeared to be so healthy and vibrant. He could actually feel Fran’s anguish.

“Why is this happening to my mom?” Fran screamed angrily as tears rolled down his cheeks. “Why would God do this to such a wonderful person?” His whole body shook as he shouted these words.

John tried to think of how his father would respond to someone who was so distraught. “I wish I could give you an answer. I’ve heard Father Pat say that when a person gets a serious illness, it’s not a punishment from God. He says that God loves and cares for all of his children and that he hurts when they hurt.”

“I don’t know how I could handle it if anything happened to her.” Fran broke down and began crying again.

John held his friend in his arms and said in a soothing whisper, “I’m here for you, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.”

During the entire time of Lauren’s illness, John provided invaluable support and empathy to his friend. While John realized that he couldn’t take away his friend’s pain, he did his best to help Fran deal with it. He also became aware of something else. This compassionate instinct was moving him more closely toward the priesthood.