An Amazing Witness

Father Tarcey is a Franciscan whose ministry was at the House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus (Selcuk Turkey), until his recent retirement, though he is remaining in community there. The House of the Virgin Mary is a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike and is seen by many as a place where miracles can occur especially healing and conception. Father Tarcey’s ministry is with anyone who is searching for something no matter their background. He is one of the most amazing witnesses to the Christian faith. He is full of the love of Christ as he touches in a very warm and sincere way the lives of those he comes in contact with. When I was primary caregiver for a close friend facing the challenges of lung cancer, he arrived in the hospital room one day bearing a statue of the Virgin Mary. Ironically my friend had just had a vision of the Virgin Mary that sustained her during hours of pain in the ICU. He knew my friend’s mother and traveled to be present with her and with her daughter, a ministry of presence. He prayed with us during that visit and through the months ahead. Through letters he has continued to be a real and tangible source of spiritual support for me. We, as Christians, should remember how meaningful a phone call or letter can be to a person who is going through a difficult time.

{mosimage}Alison Stendahl

Alison Stendahl serves as a missionary with the Near East Mission, Istanbul, Turkey. She is Academic Dean of and a math teacher at Uskudar American Academy in Istanbul Turkey.