If a miracle were to occur, Father Moineau mentioned in one message, it wouldn’t resemble Christ transforming water into wine instantaneously. Instead, it would happen gradually, if it were to happen at all.

“I genuinely believe my miracle is on its way,” he stated in one of his initial video updates. “However, we need to consider what we anticipate when we pray.”

Father Moineau has never given up hope throughout the challenging journey. Chemotherapy sessions left him feeling ill and drained for days. Nevertheless, he persisted with his pastoral duties and inspired others to embrace their burdens to partake in the suffering of Christ.

“Prior to my diagnosis, I was asking in prayer, ‘How can I encourage people to begin praying once more?'” he stated.

Individuals reacted each time he shared a video. He motivated them to pray the sorrowful mysteries in a fresh manner, incorporating the Divine Mercy prayers between the decades of the Rosary. It’s a method, he clarified, to keep in mind all those who are in greatest need of God’s compassion.

“Whether it was the pain, the side effects of therapy, the fear and worry, God has a sacred purpose through prayer,” Father Moineau remarked. “Some individuals ask, ‘Why pray at all then?’ God indeed desires to hear us. He yearns to establish that connection with us. What God wishes to offer us is greater and more significant. God has a purpose for us, and his purpose will be one that we will take pride in being a part of.”

‘Not traveling solo’

Openly confronting his health challenges has been a continual testament that resonates with countless individuals. Thousands have viewed and circulated Father Moineau’s videos, with a single post receiving over 10,000 views. Kids send him messages, and individuals in the community have arranged events to assist him.

He has been given supportive messages and encouraging words from individuals of all ages, both locally and from afar, including classmates from his early school years and throughout seminary, with many coming from different churches and denominations. Some request his prayers as they encounter their own challenges.

“I’m truly pleased that I’m not traveling solo and that I possess the bravery granted to me by the Holy Spirit,” Father Moineau stated. “The fleeting nature of life is evident to all. When they view me in the videos, they come to understand the delicacy of existence. It’s short. Regardless of whether I reach 60, 70, or 90, life remains brief.”

Confronting his own fragility, he stated, was “a fresh type of chance” to consider his own existence, which, amid the demanding responsibilities of priesthood, aimed at the redemption of others. For many years, he had prayed that God would grant him five years at the conclusion of his life “to save my own soul,” he remarked. “I do not fear death whatsoever.”

‘Praising God’

Father Moineau got uplifting news at the close of December. There were indications of advancements in fighting off the cancer. Then followed the eagerly anticipated declaration that many had been hoping for. On Jan. 7, he revealed the positive update that he claimed was “better than I could have envisioned.”

There were no abnormal tumors or lesions found in his chest, abdomen, or pelvis, and the two in the liver and one in the pancreas had persisted in shrinking. The most significant update, he mentioned, was that another tumor in the pancreas had fully resolved.

“That tumor has disappeared,” he stated. “That’s important, and the pancreas isn’t actually generating any new cancer cells.”

There was even more positive news in late February, a continuation of an announcement made a few weeks prior.

“The last 10 to 15 days have been incredible,” Father Moineau stated in his video. He had undergone 15 cycles of chemotherapy, was working out consistently and had covered two miles. He was also in the process of reducing his pain medication.

His most recent video update, shared on April 11, remained positive. The three-month imaging indicated that the cancerous growths in the liver persisted in decreasing in size, and there were no signs of metastasis. Treatment will proceed.

Father Moineau, whose videos can be located at his parish’s website and by looking up his name on YouTube, expressed gratitude to everyone for their ongoing prayers and remarked: “Keep in mind, there are others too — your loved ones and friends — who require that same kind of affection. Kindly offer it to them as well as to me.”

“It’s wonderful to feel this way, and it’s difficult for me to accept that I have come this far,” he stated. “But I genuinely understand that it is real. It’s a blessing. I am giving thanks to God and his magnificence for alleviating this suffering and progressing, and I appreciate your prayers that have helped me endure this.”

Maryann Gogniat Eidemiller writes from Pennsylvania.