A FEW WORDS FROM FR. JOE
“Life is fragile, grab it with your two hands; hold onto it - it’s all we know - and treasure it. Even with my illness now, I still treasure what I have. It’s a different kind of life but I still treasure it.” There were many amazing moments in the ‘Walk While You Can’ documentary on RTE on Thursday evening. The camera crew were travelling the length of Ireland, walking with Fr Tony Coote, watching him making a pilgrimage, gathering people, raising awareness, shaking buckets, eating sandwiches and talking, talking, talking. Tony poured himself into this adventure, his constant good humour transformed everyone they encountered along the way. When he made a connection he also drove home a message; from the altar in Knock; on local radio; at gigs and gatherings: “Sick people are more than their illness; life is precious; God is waiting; more public monies need to be given for support of people with Motor Neuron Disease; never give up”. He shared his faith, his family and his friendships, and he allowed his love of God to flow freely. If you didn’t see it, take an hour, sit down at the RTE Player and be touched by the story of an amazing man, and the community of life, and the goodness of the people along the road.