Servant of God Francis J. Parater, A Life Given to the Sacred Heart

 

Servant of God Francis J. Parater

Francis Joseph Parater was born on October 10, 1897, in Richmond, Virginia. Known as Frank, he grew up in a devout Catholic family in the Church Hill neighborhood. He was baptized at Saint Patrick Church. His family’s modest home stood near the Visitation monastery of Monte Maria, where his father cared for the garden and where Frank’s own life of prayer began to take shape.

From the time of his First Communion until he left Richmond for college, Frank served daily Mass at the monastery. His devotion accompanied an active and accomplished youth. He became an Eagle Scout and graduated as valedictorian of Benedictine High School in 1917. Remembered as friendly, talented, and well rounded, he brought his faith into his studies, friendships, and scouting. The desire to become a priest grew within that ordinary life of responsibility and service.

After high school, Frank entered Belmont Abbey Seminary College in North Carolina. There, he followed a personal rule of life that included daily Holy Communion, weekly confession, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. He eventually decided to prepare for the diocesan priesthood, hoping to serve the Church in his native Virginia. His formation joined academic preparation with a deliberate effort to deepen his love for God.

In the autumn of 1919, Bishop Denis O’Connell sent him to the Pontifical North American College in Rome for theological studies. Frank’s humor and good cheer endeared him to his fellow seminarians. He continued the spiritual life he had cultivated at home and at Belmont. Far from Virginia, he remained devoted to the people he hoped one day to serve as a priest.

That December, Frank wrote an Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. He sealed it with instructions that it should be read only if he died in Rome. In this spiritual testament, he consecrated his life to the Sacred Heart and offered himself for the conversion of those outside the Catholic Church in Virginia. His offering encompassed the work of living as well as the possibility of death. He wanted every action to contribute to the Church’s mission.

Frank also explained that he loved his life at the college, his companions, and Rome. His offering expressed gratitude and confidence in God. He hoped that, if he died, he could continue helping his loved ones and his diocese through prayer. He wrote, “I shall be of more service to my diocese in heaven than I could ever be on earth.” Those words revealed how deeply his hope for heaven remained connected to his love for Virginia.

In late January 1920, Frank became seriously ill with rheumatic fever. He was admitted to the hospital of the Blue Nuns, where his illness brought pain and delirium. As his condition worsened, he received the Last Rites. Wishing to kneel for Holy Communion, he tried to leave his bed, but was prevented from doing so. He instead knelt on the bed to receive Viaticum. He died on February 7, aged twenty two, before he could be ordained.

After his death, his spiritual testament was discovered among his belongings. As it became known, Pope Benedict XV and later Pope Pius XI requested copies. Frank was buried in the North American College mausoleum at Rome’s Campo Verano cemetery. His short life left a lasting impression on those who had known him and on others who encountered his offering to God.

His cause for canonization began in 2001, and the diocesan inquiry concluded in 2005. He remains a Servant of God. The priesthood for which he prepared was never fulfilled on earth, but his written offering preserves the purpose that guided him. As a student, scout, and seminarian, Frank sought to give himself completely to Christ and to the salvation of others.

For a devotional image of Servant of God Francis, click here: Maryvale Catholic Press