This is the letter the mother of Father Alban Butler, the author of the classic Catholic books “Lives of the Saints” when she knew she was close to death, which she wrote to her children. It is taken from the introductory notes of Volume one of “Lives of the Saints” the 2018 edition published by Loreto Publications, Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire.
“My dear children,
Since it pleases almighty God to take me out of this world, as no doubt wisely forseeing I am no longer a useful parent to you, (for no person ought to be thought necessary in this world when God thinks proper to take them out so I hope you will offer the loss of me with a resignation suitable to the religion you are of, and offer yourselves. He who makes you orphans so young, without a parent to take care of you, will take you into his protection and fatherly care, if you do love and serve him who is the author of all good ness. Above all things, prepare yourselves while you are young to suffer patiently what afflictions he shall think proper to lay upon you, for it is by this he trieth his best servants. In the first place, give him thanks for you education in the true faith, (which many thousands want;) and them I beg of you earnestly to petition his direction what state of life you shall undertake, whether it be for religion, or to get your livings in the world. No doubt but you may be saved either way, if you do your duty to God, your neighbor and yourselves. And I beg of you to make constant resolutions rather to die a thousand times, if possible, than quit your faith; and always have in your thoughts what you would think of were you as night death as I now think myself. There is no preparation for a good death but a good life. Do not omit your prayers, and to make an act of contrition and examen of conscience every night, and frequent the blessed sacraments of the church. I am so weak I can say no more to you, but I pray God bless and direct you, and yor friends to take care of you. Lastly, I beg of you never to forget to pray for your poor father and mother when they are not capable of helping themselves as I take leave of you, hoping to meet you in heaven, to be happy for all eternity.
Your affectionate mother,
Ann Butler She basically said God challenges those that love him to make them better, God knows best even in this case of your mother dying while her children are young, trust in God, give thanks to God, keep the faith, frequent the sacraments and pray for your parents and we hope to meet you in heaven to be happy for all eternity. These are the sentiments I think all good Catholic parents want to pass on to their children before they die or like in this case as they are dying.
Traditional Thomistic Catholic 