R.I.P Fr. Leo Leblanc, O.M.I.

This afternoon I got the shocking news that Fr. Leo, whom I've mentioned countless times on this blog, had passed away yesterday. He fell off something in the parish and hit his head... and then he was gone. Mom didn't know how to break the news to me because he was my favorite priest and she knew I'd take it hard. He was also my spiritual adviser and I was actually due for a visit. I've been fighting the urge to cry since I received this sad news.

Fr. Leo was a great man. He was also joking around or in a great mood. Never did I see him in a foul mood. He gave me some of the best advice I'd ever received. Thanks to him, I figured out that I wasn't meant to have a religious vocation. When he found out I had anxiety (when it was much worse), he told me not to worry if I had to leave for a couple of minutes while it calmed down. Almost every time he saw me, he told me he was still praying for me. I can't even begin to imagine how many prayers he said for me. Also, thanks to him, we were able to bury my father both quicker and without having to pay for much of it (since we didn't have the money) this past summer. I'm getting choked up just thinking about the countless ways he helped not only me but everyone that asked for his help.

Today, I'd been happy and excited about what was in store this evening. In about an hour, I'm leaving to receive an academic award at my college. We were going to celebrate afterwards but I'm no longer in the mood. What I'm in the mood for is praying for his soul... and finding comfort in reading more on Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati's life, just like I did right when my father passed away. (Honestly, reading this biography helped me put things intro perspective.) It's a bit ironic that I received something in the mail from Frassati USA this afternoon. Perhaps a sign from above?

Tomorrow evening will be the vigil, which I will be attending. He won't be buried because he's donated his body to UCLA Medical. He was always giving towards others, right up to his death. I'd like to ask y'all to please pray for Fr. Leo's soul. He was a good man and he deserves all the prayers he can get.

I don't know exactly how to end this blog. I'm still in shock here.

Thanks in advance for the prayers.