One morning, in the spring of 2016, as I was praying in the chapel after Mass at Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Altoona, PA, I looked up at the Crucifix behind the altar which has a picture of the Blessed Mother on one side and a picture of Jesus blessing His people on the other. The thought occurred to me that the Crucifix in the middle, with our Blessed Mother on one side and Jesus on the other would be a good start for a revised website.
The story behind this site began almost forty years ago. From 1981 to 1993, I survived four brain tumor operations and the effects of a severe back injury. Since recuperating from my third brain tumor operation in December of 1991, I have shared with anyone who would listen, the phrase that you saw on the Home page of this site, focus on the moment and TRUST in GOD'S LOVE.
In addition to being blessed with a wonderful wife, three great sons, four beautiful grandchildren, wonderful parents and my Catholic Faith, the discovery of that little phrase and the true meaning behind it has made the most difference in my life.
That little phrase only came together in the spring, summer and fall of 1991. Initially it was on a fold-over card which I have shared with thousands of people over the last twenty-nine years. With each card I tried to give the person who received it a short explanation of how living that truth could make a difference in their life. Now, with the encouragement of my spiritual director and a number of friends who wanted to know how it came about and what it really means, I have completed a book which should bring it all into "focus".
Fr. Silvan Rouse, CP., who remained as my Spiritual Director until about a year before his death, on October 25, 2014. confirmed that the motto on my little card is a message of Abandonment to Divine Providence that I need to share with everyone.
I am trying to heed his advice to the best of my ability.
This site is another step in that direction.
To learn more about what it took for me to get here, click
My Personal Journey
© 2004- 2023 Gene P. Neral