A Tribute to My Uncle Mike Mulligan (RIP)

Pictured here is my dad's twin brother, Mike Mulligan, born on Christmas day, the last male relative of his generation to finish the race and enter Heaven where he joins brothers, Jim, Dickie, Thomas, Patrick, John, and sisters, Mary, and Peggy.  If you happen to be a Padres fan like our family and my uncle Mike, you know how difficult life can be at times, especially this year when the Padres were one win away from defeating the eventual World Series Champions this year.  

The family is asking for special prayers tomorrow.   Here is an excerpt from a family post shared by daughter-in-law, Laurie...

In memory of Mike Mulligan, please take a moment in solitude this Sunday, November 3 and celebrate him in a quiet prayer. His modesty wouldn’t call for anything more than a lit candle or a little donation to a good cause. He was still able to recite the Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary so he carried his faith all the way through. He proved that a kind smile goes a long way to helping others. It’s a gift he gave freely. His ashes will be scattered at sea.

May he rest in peace.

I would like to add my two cents.  It's one of those oops moments.  I intended to go to my house of worship yesterday on All Souls Day and offer a prayer for my uncle but I failed to remember until it was too late.  A mulligan was needed to correct the mishap.  This morning, my wife and I turned to our favorite YouTube pastor, Fr. Mike Schmitz of Dubuth, Minnesota.  We found a worship service from All Souls Day, November 1, 2023.  This was a special mass for Fr. Mike because it was the first All Souls Day Mass he celebrated for his mother, another new arrival in Heaven.  Perhaps you could join me in offering a prayer for my uncle Mike while listening to Fr. Mike Schmitz.  His talk about participating in family Ironman triathlons resonates with me because I attempted my own 1/2 Ironman triathlon twice unable to cross the finish line.  

22 years ago we selected a reading about finishing the race when our dad entered heaven after his battle with cancer.  It brings me great joy to know these Mulligan siblings are together again.  Your prayers for my uncle and his family are much appreciated.  Here is the mass I offered to my uncle.  It's worth checking out if you have a loved one who crossed the finish line.  Have a great day.