Many years before, while we were still living in Kingston upon Thames, a similar thing happened. There was a young man who assisted Fr. Kieran during at mass at St. Agatha’s Church. He must have been about 17/18 years of age and was there every Sunday acting in a very devout manner.
One Sunday we arrived late and sat at the back of the church not to cause too much distraction as two of our boys were with us. I realized that the young man who served was sitting in front of us and I was surprised because he was being inattentive and playing around with what appeared to be a motorcycle helmet. I was getting irritated as I am easily likely to lose my concentration and focus on the wrong things. The inner command which I heard was very clear and pronounced. “Pray for him and stop being so fussy.” I did, as I had by now, learned to obey these promptings.
We all went home and the next day I heard how this young man was celebrating his birthday and had been given a motorcycle as a present by his parents. Regrettably, within minutes of his leaving the church on it, there was a hideous accident, and he was killed outright. I feel sure this lovely young man was with the Lord before long.