Published by

Theresa Bonopartis

Last night I went to the live EWTN show that Fr Groeshel does on Sunday nights. His guest was a friend of mine, Father MIchael Sepp.

Father Michael was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer (not a smoker)a few months ago. It is also in his knees, back and hip.

Father is an extraordinary priest..very humble and gentle. Also very loved. It was no surprise to me that he chose to do the show so he could share being terminal with those out there in the TV audience who are experiencing the same thing. when he was first diagnosed, he shared with me that it was now time "to put into practice" what he had been telling many people over his 25 years of priesthood.

He says, he feels "blessed" since learning of his illness. He no longer takes things for granted, and,he has a great deal of support around him between family, friends and parishioners.

Unlike what most would do at this extremely private time, he is sharing his journey with is parishioners in his homilies, and teaching them how to die with faith. He is exposing the merciful love of God…

When I got home I was thinking of how we share our stories for the same reason… mine is one of God bringing good out of my worst sin by using it to bring me to His mercy. Father Michael’s is one of a humble holy priest, allowing God to use HIm to speak of His goodness and mercy in the midst of suffering.

I felt very blessed to have gone to the show, and I have always felt blessed to know him…please keep him in your prayers as he continues to be an example of living faith amid suffering and trials…

13 responses to “Living Faith”

joan muth

July 24, 2008

Michael is my cousin, I am so proud to be related to him ,I feel so blessed. He is the kindest soul i know.
His family siste eileen ,mary, joni brothers EJ. Allen.and of course my aunt and uncle are such lovely people I AM Proud to be part of the family even as a cousin or niece I FEEL SPECIAL. LOVE JONI MUTH

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Theresa

July 25, 2008

Joni
I agree, he is one of the kindest people I know as well, and a wonderful priest.
Daily prayers are said for him here…I actually know Eileen too although it is years since I have seen here.
I know his sufferings are bringing many to the Lord and to the priesthood.

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Ginny Galletta-Stevens

March 10, 2009

I have known Fr. Michael for a number of years. I remember when he and Fr Larry came down to Islamorada in the Florida Keys after my husband past and stay in my home for a few days. It was very comforting having both of my priest friends celebrate mass for my husband in my home and help me through my difficult time. We last saw one another in Montauk 2008 not knowing we both had cancer. We were trying to decided who was balder. We spent time talking about our love for the Lord and our friendship over the years. I pray for Fr. Michael every moring to St. Therese the Little Flower and I know Fr Michael prays for me as well.

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Theresa

March 10, 2009

I spoke to him on Friday. Keep the prayers coming. He was going to begin a new treatment. It has been tough.
However, he feels “blessed”. Typical Fr Michael.
I will keep you in my prayers too Ginny. Have you read the book “Audrey”. I have been praying to her as well for Father…it is a wonderful book about a young girl who had cancer.

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Kayri Fernandez

March 14, 2009

Rest in peace Father Michael. I remember so vividly when you used to come to our classrooms and give us lectures on religion and life.
Sacred Heart School and Church will miss you dearly.

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Kayri Fernandez

March 14, 2009

Rest in peace Father Michael. I remember so vividly when you used to come to our classrooms and give us lectures on religion and life.
Sacred Heart School and Church will miss you dearly.

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Dr. Mary Conley

March 16, 2009

Rest in peace Fr. Michael. I met you through EWTN and Fr. Groeschel. You brought many closer to God in our own suffering. You taught us not to be afraid.

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Joy

March 16, 2009

Fr. Michael was my Pastor at Resurrection. He did so much for the Youth Group there. He will be missed. Rest in peace

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Alicia Ann Paris (Noble)

March 16, 2009

I have known Father Michael since I was 11 years old. He was very close to my grandparents the Griffins from Our Lady of Angels as well as to myself and a bunch of young children he reached out to. He had an amazing gift of voice and he was very touched by God. He came into my life when I lost my mother to cancer. It is painful to think that I have lost him the same way. His family is amazing and I know they are suffering for him. Fr. Michael is in a better place but I selfishly miss him and the thought of him being gone from this world is painful and surreal. Happy Birthday Father. I love you as does my family. You have turned so many people to God, including myself. Please say hello to my Mother, Grandmother and Grandfather. I LOVE YOU…

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tb

March 16, 2009

Yes, Alicia..he had an amazing voice…like an angel!
Now he is singing God’s praises with your mom!

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Christian

March 16, 2009

Father Michael Patrick Sepp has to be the greatest man i have met. His presence always brought joy into my heart. He has helped me through my life and I thank him for everything. He will never be forgotten.

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Fortes Family

March 17, 2009

I met Father Michael about 5 years ago at Sacred Heart Parish when I decided to return to my catholic roots…He changed my life so much and he also married me..I know my husband feels the same he did a lot for us with his kind words and love..My children as well especially my oldest son who is 15…my home has been sad since learning of his passing on March 13, 2009. Wow we just spoke to him last Sunday…We will miss you dearly…you have touched us in a way no one will ever know

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Jasmine Laracuente

March 17, 2009

I have known Father Michael for many years. He has touched so many lives. He was and still is a great man, who is inspirational inspirational.He will be greatly missed.

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