Father Tom Hagen---Hands Together

I just spent a few minutes writing about Father Mike Figler, and I decided I needed to write about another priest, Father Tom Hagen, OSFS, an oblate priest of St. Francis Desales.

I first met Father Hagen when I attended Northeast Catholic High School. He was a young, energetic, very devout and holy priest.

I graduated, moved on with my life and about 30 years later (probably about 2003), I was in a pew at Church listening to someone talk about an organization called Hands Together

http://www.handstogether.org/

which does charity work in Haiti. The organization was founded by Father Tom Hagen, OSFS in 1986.

I remember going on the Internet, checking out the organization, and marvelling at everything this man had done.

Haiti, one of the poorest countries on earth, is also pretty dangerous, and the stories I read about Father Tom and his organization were unbelievable.

I believe I either mailed a check or clicked on a Credit Card link to send some money---and from time to time, when someone mentioned Haiti, I probably said I know someone doing charitable work there, but like everything, you tend to take these things for granted---until Monday, January 11th, when the earthquake hit.

I immediately thought of Father Tom and wondered and was worried about his safety.

I was hoping that Hands Together would provide me some information about Father Tom---I must admit, I never called them, but I was hoping their website would have something on it. It didn't. I also know that at any given time they have a group of volunteers in the country---no word on them either.

However, yesterday, my internet radar found a link that indicates that he's alive and well--but that the country, and his mission, face tremendous challenges ahead.

Today, Hands Together did have a status report on the group---2 seminarians had been killed, and the chief-of-staff's daughter was also killed. Father Tom is headed back to the United States---undoubtedly, he'll be going back to Haiti sometime.

In trying to find word on Father Tom, I came upon a large number of postings which made me marvel even more at his vocation, passion, and real courage. This man--this priest---is the Mother Theresa of Haiti. I pray for his health and safety.

Again, here is the link for Hands Together...

http://www.handstogether.org/

Here's a video that shows some of the work being done. Not be forgotten in all of the work is Executive Director Doug Campbell.

http://www.handstogether.org/video

Here's a link that gives you an idea of the struggles the organization faces each day...

http://www.handstogether.org/news/

I have a feeling I'll be writing more about Father Hagen, Doug Campbell, and Hands Together.