Pray for a Courageous Seminarian

Philip Gerard Johnson  For Healing of Inoperable Brain Cancer

Philip is a seminarian at St. Charles Borromeo seminary in Pennsylvania, and has completed his first year.  He has his own blog called In Caritate Non Ficta, found here.  He has an inoperable brain tumour and is commencing a round of chemotherapy this summer.  He believes that he has been called to be a priest, and so he needs our prayers for the miraculous healing of Our Lord and Saviour to come upon him.

Here is a bit about him written by John Brodeur, a brother in the Lord, on Facebook.

Philip Gerard Johnson is a 25 year-old Catholic man from Virginia. He was also a Surface Warfare Officer in the United States Navy having served various positions since graduating from the US Naval Academy in 2006.

After two years as an officer in the Navy, Philip's life was changed forever when he was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer on October 15, 2008. The average prognosis for such a tumor is 18-24 months.

Despite all that has happened to him, he is determined to respond to the call he has felt to the Priesthood of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has been encouraged by countless laity, clergy, and even bishops to do so, and with trust that "nothing is impossible for God," he is moving forward to embrace the most noble of vocations. (Update: Philip entered St. Charles Borromeo seminary in the Summer of 2009).

I have never been so awestruck by the Faith and devotion of a single person. Philip really does believe God can work miracles, and he remains content to submit to God's will in all circumstances - even if it means never having the chance to become a priest.

This, my brothers and sisters, is the character of a true man of God: a man who has been called to shepherd, guide, and minister to the world. I ask that you join with me in prayer for Philip Johnson - that God have mercy upon his body, heal it, and allow him to become a Roman Catholic Priest for his own good and for the good of every soul he will minister to. I believe in miracles because I believe in one powerful enough to make them happen. The question is: do you?

In keeping with Philip's own requests, all those who join this group are asked to recite the following intercessory prayer to Fr. Thomas Frederick Price daily:

"Father Thomas Frederick Price, intercede for our brother, Philip Gerard Johnson. Heavenly Father, who desires that the faithful be drawn to the heroic virtues of Your priest, Fr. Thomas Frederick Price, grant Your healing gifts to Your son, Philip Gerard Johnson. We ask this in the Name of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

Sacred Heart of Jesus, we trust in your love for your son Philip.  Sacred Heart of Jesus fill him with your blood.