ALBANY Creek parishioners are praying for their parish priest of 34 years who was rushed to hospital after suffering a stroke.
Fr Ron Mollison was found at the presbytery in Albany Creek having suffered a “significant” stroke on January 6, the day after the parish celebrated its 34th anniversary.
The 80-year-old has been in the parish from the day it was opened and blessed on January 5, 1986.
Parish secretary Sue Hutton said the parish was remembering Fr Mollison in their daily prayers, as well as sending numerous cards.
“We’re all saddened by the news and we’re keeping a candle burning in our church from Monday to Friday, and inviting everyone who wants to drop in and pray for Fr Ron,” she said.
Mrs Hutton said Fr Mollison was looking visibly tired after Christmas but “we couldn’t slow him down as much as we tried”.
She said the parish was in regular contact with Fr Mollison’s family, who were by his side. The family offered a message of thanks in the parish’s newsletter.
“Father Ron feels surrounded by love and is very grateful for all prayers you can offer for him,” the family said.
Mrs Hutton said Fr Mollison’s medical team had advised the family to limit the number of visitors, stating that his weakened state was making even small conversations “exhausting”.
Parishioners have been asked not to visit Fr Mollison. Mrs Hutton said it had been difficult for parishioners to keep away from their beloved priest.
“He’s been bedside to them and they think they should be bedside to him,” she said.
“But if they were bedside to him there would be a queue all the way to the car park.
“The best way we can help is to keep praying, keep positive, and keep away.”
Mrs Hutton said she was constantly reminding the parish of the power of prayer.
“I keep telling people, if faith can move mountains, our combined prayers can make a difference,” she said. “He’s in God’s hands.”
