God’s very special gift

Father John Harvey was God’s very special gift, especially to Catholics with particular struggles with sexuality.

Father Harvey spent his life helping restless hearts climb the mountainous road to God.

I knew Fr. Harvey since about 1991 after learning about and attending a Courage conference.  “We were made for Thee, O God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee” – St Augustine - is my all time favorite quote.  Father Harvey spent his life helping restless hearts climb the mountainous road to God.

My job moved me frequently so I’ve experienced many priests in confession. Too many confessors were actually less than helpful. With no Courage chapter in the area, Father Harvey’s people helped us contact others and guided us to find a bishop who eventually established our Courage chapter.

Father Harvey offered Mass and addressed us personally at least once. Through Father’s guidance we learned that our search for why we are the way we are was really not as important as is living the life God designed for us. Fr Harvey stressed the necessity of having like minded friends – sharing our failings, praying together, and always striving to master our passions. 

Years have passed since I attended frequent meetings.  God alleviated those particular addictions.  I still treasure friends from those early days.

Life is a journey climbing the mountain to God.  Being long retired, I see myself perhaps 80+% of the way up the mountain - whose days are filled with prayer, music, making and distributing rosaries, chaplets, and other sacramentals.  I gave one to Father Harvey years ago.   I’m quite sure that he is on top that mountain still helping pull up so many of us.

Father Harvey, please intercede for a healing miracle for a special friend.  May you be quickly recognized by the church as the saint I believe you to be.  We pray for the opening of the cause for your canonization.

All to Jesus through Mary, 

Bernadette