September 11, 2001 changed America forever, and many individual lives. We
saw politics take a temporary backseat, we saw a unity in being an American, and
many step up and be counted. Their character they had always had was given a
moment in time to shine, and many did. Among them was my friend, fellow
patriot, fellow brother in Christ Father Alphonse Mescherino. Fr. Al as he was
known, was manning a small parish on 9-11, and when thrown into action, acted on
the vision God gave him. His vision was to provide a place of healing, a place
of peace, a place where all could come, not be divided on religion or politics,
and have their souls comforted. His gift to us was the Flight 93 Memorial
Chapel. A 100 year old building, once a church, in recent years had been used
to store wheat and grain, some 7 miles from Somerset, and 3 miles from
Shanksville. In the middle of a corn field. Starting his dream with no more
than the promise God gave him, he would go down to 84 Lumber and buy $50-75 of
supplies at a time to renovate the chapel. When Maggie, the owner’s daughter
found out, she took care of all supplies, and labor, completing the project just
days before the first anniversary in 2002. And the vision God had given Fr. Al
had become real...and soon I would be part of it.
In 2005 Torches Across America rode into Shanksville, and the urge to
return was born. Hallowed ground if ever there was, we were to return in 2006,
the 5th anniversary. It was to be a big deal, President Bush will be there, the
Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania, United Airlines crews, and families of Flight 93
and friends. When I found out, I contacted Fr. Al, told him of our ride, and
offered to help, picking up trash or whatever needed to be done. His response
surprised me, but was later be known as typical of him, “why don’t you come and
speak? We get many bikers here, and they need to be healed too.” A humility I
wish I could emulate, his vision deeper and wider than mine. And so I did, and
introduced a new CMA Chapter to the chapel. Dave and Linda to this day are part
of the vision, even ministering to Fr. Al when he was close to death. Again the
vision touching many. And showing how God’s grace is multiplied.
But on this 9-11 in 2006, it rained. I mean it poured, and the tent that
held 250, was filled to overflowing, at least 500 in attendance. People from
all walks of life had come, and after I spoke, at 10:06 am, we did a bell
ringing ceremony, and just like Fr. Al’s vision, there were 40 bell ringers, one
each for the 40 who gave their lives on Flight 93. Shades of the Twilight Zone,
but remember God is in charge here. And as we waited that day, emptying the
rain off the tents, we made many friends. We met Chris Taggert, who created the
marble benches and statues. We were later able to introduce her to the Homer
family, Leroy was the co-pilot on Flight 93. We had to wait first for the bus
loads of United Airline personnel, then for the President, delayed by the rain.
A rain the locals describe as God shedding tears, it seems to rain each 9-11, as
I can testify to. And just as we were about out of patience, the North Star
Kids broke out in song “proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m
free...” and not a dry eye could be found. A day I will never forget, a moment
in time frozen. Then it was Jason Dahl’s wife’s turn, and she greeted us with
“Man plans, God laughs.” She the widow of Flight 93 pilot Jason. And the
conversations flowed, the songs were sang, memories of friends and families
shared, and new friends made. All based on the vision that Fr. Al had been
given by God. A tribute to a man who once told me “so many Catholics need
Jesus,” and who served Communion to all who wanted it, Catholic and others,
Jesus being the difference. A humble man, who with no money, just a vision, had
pulled it off. Or rather God had, as where God guides, he provides. A lesson
for all of us. And a day that was to be one of many that we would visit the
chapel, both on 9-11 and other days. Greeting guests, listening to stories, and
sharing the love of Jesus Christ. But Fr. Al is no longer with us, but the
dream lives on...
We last saw him in 2011, had breakfast and caught up with his plans. He
and another priest were buying old churches, and allowing all those in the
community to use them. A place to gather, a place to worship, and a place to
spend with God. Leave religion at the door, this was God’s love pure and
simple. And today Farzi is still carrying out the dream. And Dave and Linda
and CMA are part of it, using a phone call to Fr. Al, to direct me to these
friends I had never met 3000 miles away to be part of the vision. With all
glory going to God.
There are many stories about the chapel, and I was present or part of
them. I saw first hand how God worked, and how healing works. Nothing man
could do could ever duplicate what God has done at the Chapel. We stayed many
times at the cottage, another miracle bought with no money adjacent to the
Chapel, to be used for friends to stay free. Where I met Mary White, whose
daughter Beth Waino was one of the heroes of Flight 93. The Lt. Governor of
Pennsylvania, after the 2006 service, came up to me, “hey, I‘m a biker too, my
husband and I both ride Harleys.” Where else but the Chapel could God use such
diverse people to come together. But God had saved the best for last for Fr.
Al. After being healed of cancer three times, three miracles, he was found to
be legally blind, and had cataract surgery. He was excited to see an Easter
sunrise service for the first time, and found a Methodist one to attend. I
wonder if they knew who he was...But due to the miraculous healings, he opened
the Chapel every Sunday afternoon to church groups, to sing and worship God, and
then to have a healing service afterwards. Wishing again to bring glory to God
on high, the vision complete.
My good friend died in 2012, and I miss him. We would email each other,
and many times he would ask me to pray when he needed to make a decision, I was
his prayer partner. And like a loving father, kept our picture on the
refrigerator at the cottage. And I would like to leave you with one memory,
good advice and a true description of the man. He was offered a position of
Bishop, and was concerned if he should take it or not. He wasn’t into pomp and
circumstance, but wanted to do God’s will. We talked and prayed, and he took
the position, his reasoning simple, “the same God who offered me the
position,will be the same God to see I fulfill it.” Once again, all about
Jesus.
So on this day when we remember heroes of 9-11, remember this precious man
of God, who in helping the victims touched the lives of so many. Remember the
Flight 93 heroes, and pray for all who attend the Chapel tomorrow. It will be
another day of healing, and I wish I could be there. Maybe arrive unannounced
early, and let myself in, like I have many times before, for Fr. Al told me
where the key is hidden. The key to the Chapel, but also the key to healing and
peace. Only found in Jesus Christ, where my friend spends all his days
eternally. Jesus is the key...we only need to let him unlock the hurt in our
hearts and let him in. Fr. Al knew that, I hope you do too. I miss my friend,
but will see him in glory soon, I can only imagine the talks he and Jesus are
having. My two friends, oh how precious that day will be when I can join in.
And like the stories mentioned in John, no library can hold the ones that God
performed at the Chapel. I know, I was there.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
the following is just one of many letters from my friend.
Dear Brother in the
Lord:
Share as you will. This is
new and in progress.
I am sending this in the
spirit of Onesimus and that means I am sending you my heart.
I am so inspired by your words
and your enc0uragement.
I am in touch with Brother
Tony and Bishop Bayshore, my retired Methodist Bishop friend, who is himself a
beloved example of faith. In him I have been sustained through many a dark
moment. His faith is a shining and brilliant example.
I am blessed in so many
ways.
And so you see how you are a
blessing to those who come to the Chapel, for inspiration,
encouragement!
They are like lost sheep in
search of a shepherd. And we are not the shepherds, but, we can direct them to
the Good Shepherd.
We plant a seed, someone else
will cultivate and God will reap the harvest.
I have so many things to say,
dear Friend, but, you know, by the time I get the words out, things have already
passed by at the speed of ight.
And so, I will be sending a
letter to you, following on this. I expect to do that soon. I have been
working on it for two solid months, and I just could not berring myself to send
it off as it was, hoping and praying that God would give me the light to do it
the way He wants. And here comes your letter, a light to the nations, to the
world, to me, and you reveal to me this is the moment, this is the time, this is
the fullness of time.
Thank you for this
revelation
We stand on the threshhold.
The Kingdom is at hand, and we are very near, on the threshhold
itself.
I want to take that leap with
you, the very next step.
Hand in hand in faith, with
confidence, hope and joy.
God bless America, God bless
CMA.
With love to you all in Him
Whom we serve,
Fr. AL
