UPDATE: Father William Evans died 7:15 PM 20 August 2012 R.I.P.

Father Bill, a priest in the near vicinity of Holy Souls Mountain, passed away.

I no sooner arrived to Holy Souls Mountain the other year when I was called to anoint him in the hospital.

Please say a prayer for the repose of his soul and the souls of all departed priests:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Funeral Mass: August 30 at 11:00 AM at Saint Jude in Sapphire. Bishop Peter Joseph Jugis main celebrant. Father James Cahill homilist.

UPDATE (2 September 2012): Still praying for the repose of the soul of Father Bill. Today this hermit received some of his things, including, of course, this donkey with the Holy Family:

He seems to be missing an ear. But perhaps that ear is bent back out of sight, so much is he trying to listen attentively to the breathing of the sleeping Little One being carried by our Lady, just making sure that all is O.K. Donkey’s are like that, you know.

Speaking of our Lady, let’s ask her to intercede for the repose of the soul of Father Bill: Hail Mary…