Via The Remnant, I’ve learned that John Vennari (editor of Catholic Family News) went into surgery this morning for a gastric obstruction related to cancer, which he was diagnosed with earlier this year. I do not have an update. This is what John posted yesterday on his Facebook page:
JOHN VENNARI SCHEDULED FOR SURGERY SATURDAY MORNING Requesting Prayers
This is a note to tell my friends that I have to go into surgery on Saturday morning, November 26. Cancer is a nasty beast, and it has caused an obstruction in the GI that must be addressed immediately. Immediately. As noted already, my case has been serious from the start, and this latest problem came to a head at the same time I returned from three weeks of cancer treatment in Mexico.
I am presently not able to update my CFN webpage (I write this note from the hospital). I was blessed to receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction this afternoon.
Please feel free to forward and/or post this, along with the link below that provides background and info for those who wish to share prayerful and financial support. http://www.oltyn.org/vennari.htm
Thank you for all your prayers and support up until now. Please pray and ask others to pray, especially communities of religious and convents of nuns.
Am I am a little afraid of surgery? Who wouldn’t be? But I place my trust in Our and Our Lady, and take heart from all the kindness and concern I’ve received. Your outpouring of love has been astounding.
I may not be able to update for a few days.
Thank you.
John Vennari
I met John Vennari in Steubenville last year, where he attended the symposium on the family led by Cardinal Burke. When the presentation was over, I saw him walking toward me up the aisle, a smile on his face. Despite being a trailblazer in the traditional Catholic community — a man who has literally been fighting this fight since I was a kid — he sought me out, introduced himself, shook my hand, and congratulated me on the success of 1P5. It was an incredibly classy thing to do, and while we only had the chance to talk for a few minutes, I got the sense immediately of what a good and decent man he is.
Michael Matt, editor of The Remnant, has, unlike me, known John for many years. He writes:
This is too personal for me to comment on here in any detail. John is a brother to me, and this is a very serious surgery. One thing I can do for him right now is to beg the friends and allies of The Remnant all over to the world to stop what you’re doing right now and storm heaven with prayers for our old friend and champion of the Catholic cause–John Vennari. St. Philomena, please intercede on behalf of our brother who is so devoted to you. Our Lady of Fatima, be with him now.
We’re with you every step of the way, John, and we all know exactly what kind of a fighter you are. So fight this too, and we’ll see you after.
I have not heard any updates on his surgery, but at the time of this writing, I’m certain its over. Please, in your kindness, say a prayer for John, and for his health and recovery.
He has been a great defender of the Faith for many years. Many prayers!!
Our Lady of Fatima watch over our brother John.
AMEN.
Yes, I saw this on CF News. Offered my Mass today for him, and a Rosary. He is a true soldier of Christ in His Church, and an avid defender of the faith for many many years, fighting against the modernity that has invaded Christ’s Church. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for him!
Please offer a Mass for his wife and three children as well!
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Adorable Face of Thy Beloved Son for the honor and glory of Thy Holy Name and for the health and salvation of John Vennari.
No fears about John’s eternal destiny, it’s just that we need him so badly here right now. Just finished the Sorrowful Mysteries specifically speedy recovery.
True, we need him badly here right now, but the Enemy goes especially after the servants of Our Lady. May she crush the head of the Enemy and protect her servant John.
I have prayed for him and will continue to do so, but let us remember that Death is not an enemy for the Faithful Christian Soul, rather it is the Beginning of the Reward of the Just. I just preached this very evening that every faithful Christian should long for death in order to go Home to the Lord. On earth we dwell in a Vale of Sorrow shrouded beneath the Veil of Tears for the sins of our soul and those of the brethren, and yet we do not despair, for Christ is victorious over Sin and Death and He has vouchsafed an eternal reward for those who love Him.
Advent is upon us so let us make ready to Meet Christ the Lord.
Dear Fr. RP, Thank you.
Yeah, we all talk about how we love God and can’t wait to be in Heaven, but when push comes to shove, none of us want to die. I guess we would all prefer to be raptured instead. But only after we’ve had that last roast beef sandwich. Lol.
This is a matter of life and death, and a family left without a father! Have some respect!
Prayers are on the way, John. Do doubt Our Lady is with you and your family tonight.
I think you meant “Don’t doubt” in your second sentence. 😉
I will pray for this good and faithful Catholic
Praying a rosary tonight, thanks for the info. John is a great and inspiring Catholic.
John is a warrior of Our Lady. God bless him and bring him home safely.
And if you have the means, please visit the link he posted above and give what you can so he and his family can have what they need in this challenging time.
John’s surgery was successful – God be praised.
Could you please post the news on the Remnant website?
http://remnantnewspaper.com/web/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2901:john-vennari-needs-prayers-now
Please Jesus, be with him, heal him, and strengthen those who love him. Amen.
I have watched a number of his videos that the Fatima Center has posted on youtube. I have learned so much from this wonderful man. Prayers for a speedy recovery!
Good article, Thanks Steve. Praying for John Venarri’s recovery.
He is dying! Pray for his soul, and the welfare of his wife and 3 children,
Hi Helen, Will keep praying for John and his family.
Lord, have mercy!
From JV, a couple hours ago: “The surgery still holds. I am still rather tender at the incision scars, slowly introducing solid foods but I am doing this very slowly. So far so good. Still weak from surgery but everyone here says this is par for the course. Starting to walk a little each day. I might be discharged from hospital on Thursday (we’ll see) and we are set for some arms-length non-invasive home assistance.”
Thank God.
Any update on John’s condition?
He’s back in the hospital.
Thanks for the update.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for John Vennari!
He has been out of the hospital, and has home care now.
How is John? I’m still praying for him.
Is John still in the hospital?