MURPHY — Father Patrick “Pat” Martin conducted the annual mission at St. William Church during weekend Masses in August and two weekday evening Masses.
He also led missions at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville and St. Francis of Assisi Church just across the state line in Blairsville, Ga.
Known as the unstoppable priest, Father Martin has spoken to more than 1,200 parishes worldwide, and St. William parishioners experienced an intense renewal guided by the Holy Spirit and this priest “gifted with blindness.” The themes for these missions were: God’s love, God’s forgiving love, and God’s redeeming love.
One of 22 children, he was born in Maine, suffered meningitis and subsequent blindness, and was ordained to the priesthood through a special appeal to Blessed Pope Paul VI. Since 1977, he has dedicated his life not just to the priesthood but also to bringing his unique gifts to thousands. “God doesn’t give us our suffering, but look what he has done with it,” he said at the beginning of the mission.
“God speaks through him,” said Father Alex Ayala, pastor.
— Craig Allen, correspondent