I write this Spirit Spot with a heavy heart because I just received word of the sudden death of a dear friend of mine, Father Lawrence Signey of Los Angeles. I'm not sure of the exact cause of death, but he was hospitalized last Thursday (3/8/07) because of complications with his liver. He died Saturday morning as he was receiving the Sacrament of Anointing.

Only 19 years ordained, Father Lawrence was the young and dedicated pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Burbank, California. I've known Lawrence since he was a kid because his older brother Phill is my classmate and best friend from our own seminary days way back when. The Signeys and Canedos have always been close. My mom used to babysit Phill's son Thomas when he was a toddler. I taught Lawrence piano lessons when he was in eighth grade.

Death is always a challenge, but a friend's death is especially difficult, even more so when the friend was so young. My faith is keeping me strong, but I'm still feeling empty and sad. I'm now at Oakland International Airport, waiting to catch a plane home to Portland after spending a few days in the Bay Area to do research for the book I am writing. Sure, there are thousands of other travelers at this airport, but I might as well be on the moon since I don't know anybody here that I can turn to. Dealing with my friend's death while alone is not easy, so I am finding solace in writing this column.

Father Lawrence grew up to be a much-loved priest in every parish where he was assigned. An outstanding homilist and compassionate pastor, he will be greatly missed by those he served. But I still see him in memory as an enthusiastic kid with a great sense of humor who always made me laugh.

I'm meandering a little here, but the song that is playing in my head right now is Matt Maher's Jesus, My Everything. My youth choir is just learning this song and we're loving it.

As I hear and pray this song I can't help but to think about Father Lawrence. He responded to the Lord's call when he was in eighth grade with his decision to join the high school seminary in Los Angeles. All his life he has loved Jesus and, as far as I have observed, he lived a life of grace in total dedication to the Church. I can remember our occasional talks when he was in the minor seminary and I was in the major sem and how, even when he had questions about certain aspects of Church teaching, his faith was unwavering. I wish I had that gift. Now I can pray to him and ask him to help make my faith as strong as his.

In my heart's mind, I'm imagining a dialogue between Lawrence and me. I'm singing the verses of Matt Maher's song, the ones about doubt and struggles in faith. After all, I'm the one who composed Fly Like a Bird in response to my own Prodigal Son experience.

KEN:
I've been looking for a reason,
I've been looking for a purpose,
I'm losing all my meaning,
I've run out of excuses.
Lord, it's hard to know You,
I don't always see Your plan.
But holiness is calling me
so take me as I am.

Then Lawrence joins in the song, lifting me up with his faith in these words:

LAWRENCE:
'Cause You are my everything,
You are the song I sing;
I'll do anything for You.
Teach me how to pray,
to live a life of grace;
I'll go anywhere with You.
Jesus, be my everything.

Father Lawrence, your time on this earth was much too brief, but you made such a difference in the lives of countless people who were drawn by your faith and dedication to Christ. Jesus was truly your everything. You now join your parents who have gone before you in eternal glory with our Lord. Thank you for your friendship and inspiration. I am a better person because of you.

Story on Fr. Lawrence from the Los Angeles Tidings

Fr. Lawrence's youth ministry website