My beloved friend, Monsignor Perkinton

     I have known this wonderful man of God for quite some time now. Like many, I have found, to say that his witness to God is incredible, and the kindness and guidance spreads to so many. Everyone knows Monsignor. Besides being a Disciple of God, his talents are multiplied by his ability to fix pretty much of anything. His father was a pipefitter, so he grew up around quite an able-bodied fixer. His beautiful mama was a deeply religious woman, who I am sure was the heart of the family. 

     Knowing him since 1994, having the experience intriguing enough, I had come to daily mass at 6:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church. All the while, with fervent prayer, that the Church would allow me an Annulment after 15 years of marriage. I had four sweet girls ranging from 7 to 14, that I was with complete guardianship and desperately trying to make ends meet... I divorced my ex-husband so this was pretty much my doing. I cried and I prayed. Hard. Somehow, so tenderly, a whisper came in my ear and the words "go talk to that priest, he will direct you". In desperation I stood up after Church when everyone had already left, and walked into the Sacristy, where I timidly told him the words I heard earlier, "go talk to him". He looked a little stunned and asked who I was, and I told him my name and in all professionalism must have seen the desperation in my eyes and made an appointment for me to come talk to him at St John the 23rd facility. We have been friends ever since. Things seemed to go a little smoother, receiving the Annulment, after he taught me how to surrender, will always be a treasure in my heart. 

     I am blessed to know him and to be able to receive his Blessing on me and my family. I might not have many friends, but I know I have one, true one, in him. Forever.