LIFE IN THE SEMINARY
The seventh in a series of articles by Leo Coshan, describing his experiences testing his vocation in the Societas Verbi Divini (S.V.D. Society of the Divine Word)

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An extended holiday
Greetings once again from Liverpool. As described in the last issue we were in Liverpool on a doctrinal course on 'Grace'. The lectures ended on Tuesday August 24th. It was, for me, a very enjoyable six weeks. Our plans then were to relax for 10 days and to go on to Carrog where I made my 
novitiate, to make our general retreat. After this we were to disperse and meet again in London for the opening Mass of the New sernieter at St. Joseph's, Mill Hill. While the rest of my confreres have heen able to·follow these plans, the Lord had other plans for me. On the day after the lectures ended I suffered a moderate coronary thrombosis. The pain began about
10.30 p.m. on the Wednesday, spread to my arms and caused me to collapse in a blackout. Coming to in an extremely weakened conditione  staggered to the Rector's room and reported faintly "I think I've had a heart attack". The doctor arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed the diagnosis
- a cardiac infarction. An ambulance whisked me off to Whiston Hospital where I remained for 16 days. There was an extended infarction which lasted a further 24 hours; after this I was on the mend. There was very little time for reflection during the heart attack. As soon as I realised the pain was not just cramp or indigestion or a wind catch but could possibly be heart failure I must admit to being scared, but not for long. The Lord was assuring me of His constant prescence. Though he took me to the threshold of
eternal life he gave me a new lease of temporal life. For he had yet a lot to
teach me and to show me about tthe meaning of His Great Love for all of us. While awaiting the ambulance he came to me with all his healing power in the Sacrament of the Sick and Viaticum.

So, My own plans for the immediate and near future were suspended. It was my time to rest and to let others look after my every need. The nurses and other staff at Whiston Hospital were very kind and helpful. There was not one thing I was allowed to do for myself during the first few days. At the time of writing this article all that happened some nine weeks ago. After 16 days in the hospital I was moved to Park House Nursing Home, run by  Augustinian Nursing Sisters of Mercy (O.S.A.). There I remained under their and the nurses' tender loving care for nearly four weeks. The treatment at both the hoepital and the nursing home was excellent; Many were the
friendships I was able to make and cultivate both among the nursing staff and the patients. All in all the whole experience was enjoyable and worthwhile.

Towards my enjoyment of this period in my life were the telegrams, phone messages, cards, letters and visitors which I was blessed to receive. Here I would like to record my thanks to you all for your prayers remembrnnce and the card you sent me from Allington. It Was really great to know that so many were concerned about me and were praying for my recovery. Please know that the Lord united all your prayers with mine and answered them all. Praise and thank him forever !

There was much time to meditate and to pray in depth while in the hospital bed. The Lord kept feeding'me with marvellous food for prayer and I was able to contemplate his terrific goodness, full of surprises, and good humour. To try to set down some of these thoughts would make this issue far too
long. Perhaps there will be occasions for a greater sharing when we meet again. When that will be is not certain yet. The doctors have advised me to rest for about 3 months, so I am taking it easy and enjoying an extended holiday, making no firm plans for the future. Having had to miss this term of study there is no pressure on me untiI January, when I hope to resume my
basic ordination course. 

On October 14th I renewed my vows to the Society of the Divine Word for another year. This was done at a splendid Mass concelebrated by seven SVD priests and some 15 guests. For those interested in the Liturgy of the
Word the readings I chose were:
1. Isaiah 41; 9-10, 13
2. Psalm 33(32): 1-2, 4-5, 12-13
with response V.12
3. Philippians 3: 8-16,

4. Alleluia John 15: 5
5. Gospel John 15: 9-17

Among the guests were three from the prayer group at Notre Dame , Mount Pleasant. These three were loyal and faithful visitors during my illness. Two of them read the first and second lessons. Also among the guests Were two of the sisters from Park House, who had given me such great joy while I was with them. 

Some of the Liverpool Catholic Ramblers came to visit me at the nursing home. I was able to meet with them last Sunday,  Oct. 25th, at the Cenacle Convent for a day's retreat,under the direction of Father Michael Lane, whom I had seen the previous Friday at our prayer group. It was a great day and the Lord gave us all some wonderful sharing.

And so, dear friends, I hope to meet with most of you before the end of the year. The remainder of my stay here is spent studying Scripture on my own. I'm up to isaiah now. Odd jobs and errands, light in nature, make up my other occupations.

My farewell message s from Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 3,  Vv.14 -19 "I fall on my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. I ask God from the wealth of His Glory,
to give you power through the Spirit to be strong in your inner selves, and that Christ will make his home in your hearts, through fa!th. I pray that you may have your roots andfounatations in love and: that you, together
with all God's people may have the power to understand how broad and long
and high and deep is Christ's love. Yes, may you come to know his love -
although it can never he fully known - and so be completely filled with the
perfect fullness of God" (GOOD NEWS translation of New Testament)
Need I say more. Cheers,
LEO COSHAN, S.V.D.

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