URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR A DYING PRIEST: Fr. Charles Briggs

My good friend Fr. Tim Finigan has, at his excellent blog The Hermeneutic of Continuity, a sad piece of news about a mutual friend, and a fine priest, Fr. Charles Briggs, P.P. of Chistlehurst.  Fr. Briggs is the last days of late stage cancer.

Fr. Briggs asked Fr. Finigan to post his news. I will also post it in solidarity and friendship and with great confidence that all you dear readers will – on your knees – pray for Fr. Briggs.

A personal message from Fr Charles Briggs

Dear friends,

I must let you know that my health has recently taken a turn for the worse. Just over two weeks ago I woke up to find that a tooth had fallen out. After a visit to the hospital, I was diagnosed with cancer of the jaw.

Since then, events have moved quickly. After some investigation, the doctors have told me that there is no effective treatment for my condition and that the tumour is growing fast. Although it is difficult to predict with accuracy how quickly things may develop, it is likely that I may have only months, or weeks, left for this world. My mobility has further decreased since my diagnosis and quite soon I will need to move into nursing care.

Your prayers would naturally be very much appreciated. As a priest, I am well familiar with the truths of our faith concerning the last things of death, judgement, hell, and heaven, but the end of life here below is a trial for which none may presume on being fully prepared to face.

I will offer up my sufferings; for you, my dear family and friends, in reparation for my sins, and in union with our dear Saviour’s redeeming sacrifice on the Cross.

My apologies if I do not get to say “Goodbye” personally, but as St Thomas More said, “Pray for me, as I will for thee, that we may merrily meet in heaven.”

Fr Charles Briggs

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11 Comments

  1. Joy1985 says:

    For a peaceful passing for Fr. Charles Briggs.

  2. oledocfarmer says:

    Prayers going up!

  3. Littlemore says:

    Met Fr. Briggs when tagged along at a parish pilgrimage to Lourdes (Blackfen) in 2003. A fine priest, prayers being offered for him.

  4. KateD says:

    Father Charles Briggs-We will pray for an immediate and full and lasting healing and pass on the prayer request. Is there a particular Blessed or Saint to request the assistance of?

  5. Antonin says:

    I said a prayer for him. I lost my sister in law who was young as well to cancer. I obviously don’t know him but just reading of his faith, piety and his openness to being vulnerable in facing this transition is an inspiration for me. I thank him for his service to the people of God.

  6. Kathleen10 says:

    Prayers for the repose of the soul of Herman Cain, the Patriot, and for Msgr. Pope and Fr. Briggs, God be with them at every moment and heal them and console them. What an experience, this life.

  7. Semper Gumby says:

    “Pray for me, as I will for thee, that we may merrily meet in heaven.”

    A-men.

  8. Fr_Sotelo says:

    May our brother, Fr. Briggs, receive a visit from the Angel of the Passion, who comforted Jesus in Gethsemane, so that Father will know the full spiritual fruits of his priesthood and victimhood.

  9. JustaSinner says:

    Let’s ask Bishop Sheehan for an intervention. A two-fer really; save the life of a good priest AND get a great Saint!!!

  10. catholiccomelately says:

    Prayers for the healing of Msgr. Pope and Fr. Briggs, for the soul of Herman Cain, and for all who are suffering. Lord, have mercy.

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