Eagle Scout Nears Sainthood

Just the other day, Deacon Greg Kandra posted the sad story of a seminarian who died just before his ordination. In a few days, we’ll be marking the passing of another seminarian who died young, and whose canonization cause is underway. February 7 marks the passing of Frank Parater (1897-1920), a seminarian from the Richmond Diocese who died while he was enrolled at the North American College in Rome. Born in Richmond, Frank Parater studied at local Catholic schools and at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. He made an impression on everyone he met, and the “Rule of Life” he wrote for himself gives a clue as to why:

Be large minded. Don’t be a bluffer. Be frank, but be gentle. Love the poor. Make every minute count. Strive to be a man of your ideals. Let your charity be unbounded. Don’t be disheartened at failures. Remember the sunny smile with the hearty hand shake is the foundation stone of a successful life.

In the fall of 1919 Frank was sent to the North Anerican College. That December he wrote an Act of Oblation (offering) to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, only to be opend in the event of his death:

I have nothing to leave or to give but my life and this I have consecrated to the Sacred Heart to be used as He wills…This is what I live for and in case of death what I die for.Since my childhood, I have wanted to die for God and my neighbor. Shall I have this grace? I do not know, but if I go on living, I shall live for this same purpose; every action of my life hereis offered to God for the spread and success of the Catholic Church in Virginia. I shall be of more service to my diocese in Heaven than I can ever be on earth.

In late January 1920, Frank Parater contracted rheumatism that developed into rheumatic fever causing him tremendous suffering. After his death, the oblation was discovered and news of it spread quickly. It even caught the attention of Pope Benedict XV, who had it published in the Vatican’s Newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano. Benedict’s successor, Pius XI, “had it copied for his own edification.” Back home, local Richmond newspapers praised Frank’s virtues. Richmond’s Bishop Denis O’Connell held him up as a model for all seminarians. His cause for canonization was intiated in 2001.

He also may be the first Eagle Scout canonized!

H/T to the good Deacon for pointing this one out!