Dear Editor,
Earlier this year on a Sunday, my priest wished to take Communion and give extreme unction to a parishioner who was in St. Vincent’s Hospital here in Billings. My priest has been in multiple hospitals throughout the state without a problem all during the COVID lockdown. But when we called to find out if there would be any problems, we were told that their nurses could give him the communion. Now maybe if St. Vincent’s was still a Catholic Hospital, (the name on the door is a lie), they would know that not just anyone touches the Host, especially when it comes from the Latin Mass. They also attempted to dictate to us our religion by saying one of their ministers could give him last rites. Those on the floor would not hear our pleas that what they had for ministers and what we do is very different. Nor are any of their ministers qualified to give extreme unction. We argued for days. Meanwhile our parishioner went into a coma he would never wake up from and never receive Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament again.
Finally, I contacted State Rep. Brad Molnar. In his benevolence, he was able to reach the new president of St. Vincent Healthcare, Jen Alderfer on Wednesday. We were told that our priest would be able to see the parishioner and give him extreme unction. But by the time he could get to the hospital, it was about 1 minute after 6pm, and he was not allowed to enter. The priest had the email stating he had permission to enter, but instead they called security to escort him out of the hospital. We called Brad again, and it was arranged so he would be able to go in the morning. So, it took five days for the sacrament to be administered. He could have died before receiving it. After all he was denied the opportunity to go to communion one last time. The next morning the priest was escorted in by Jen’s assistant BJ, who was very polite and the sacrament was administered.
But at this point in time, I am afraid to enter a hospital if in need. Especially “St. Vincent’s” Hospital. Will I be denied my right to worship as I believe if I do? I would rather stay home and at least be able to have family and my faith, even if it costs my life.
Lee Ann Wood
Park City, MT
