A Family Re-United

by Mike Conger (MI)*

In spite of a rich Catholic upbringing, early in my education at university, I decided to leave the Church as an

atheist. This would last for nearly 20 years. I finally answered the call to return, receiving the gift of faith in February of 2011.

Six months later, my beautiful brother, Matthew Conger, passed away due to liver cancer. After his diagnosis, he was only with us for one month’s time. He was 42 and too young to die, but my renewed faith had prepared me to accept God’s will.

In the short month from diagnosis to death, our family experienced many Graces and even miracles. Admittedly, it is seldom easy to see God’s plan in the death of loved ones, but this time it was clear. Matt himself had said he wanted his death to reunite the family. We had been without another brother, his wife and my two nephews for 17 years. But our entire family united again around our love for my sick brother.

Matt was a lapsed Catholic, but expressed some interest in coming back to the faith. Through God’s Grace, he soon found himself with an opportunity for reconciliation. There was a parish priest in his hospital room. That day Matt felt stressed and somewhat blindsided, so I asked for a chance to speak to him alone. I asked him to simply listen to father, telling him he didn’t have do anything he did not wish to do.

Some time later, father emerged having heard Matt’s confession. My brother also received the Holy Eucharist as well as the Anointing of the Sick. I can hear my mother’s voice on that early afternoon crying, “In six months, 2 of my babies have come back to The Lord.” My parents have a devotion to the Blessed Mother, praying the rosary every night, praying for our conversion. They live the spirit of bringing souls to Jesus through Mary.

One of many of the pieces of art work
produced by Mike.

My brother died on the morning of September 8, 2011, the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. I am so thankful for this special connection to Our Lady’s Feast Day. Around 6:00 am, the day after his funeral mass, I decided to walk to my parent’s church. There I found a beautiful garden dedicated to the Blessed Mother. I knelt down to pray to her, and open my heart. I felt a comfort I had not felt before. I expressed a sorrow for never having cultivated a real relationship with her.

Over the next several months, my relationship with Mary grew, and I was called to discover The Militia of the Immaculata (MI). Here I learned of Total Consecration to Mary, the Immaculata. Through this act, we entrust ourselves to the heart of Our Lady, pledging to listen to Mary’s will, which is in unison with God’s will. This is all so we can become closer to her Son and help to bring others to Christ.

I will forever have the connection of my brother’s death coinciding with Our Lady’s Feast Day. After every mass I attend, I thank her for praying for Matt’s soul. Each morning I ask her to guide me and wrap me in her mantle of protection. She will never let us down. I love the Blessed Virgin, and I am so grateful to be Consecrated to Our Lady. 

*Mike was born and raised in Southern California. A man of many talents, Mike is an elementary school teacher, gifted artist, and collaborator with the Fr. Kolbe Missionaries.