Today we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Eileen George’s birth. What an extraordinary gift God the Father gave to His Church through her life.

Those of us who were privileged to know Eileen personally, attend her teaching and healing services, participate in her retreats, or simply spend time with her know how profoundly she touched our lives. For those of us who were blessed to call her a friend, her friendship remains one of God’s greatest gifts.

There is hardly a day that goes by when I don’t wish I could pick up the telephone and call Eileen, just as I did so many times during our thirty-three years of friendship. Whenever I was troubled, discouraged, or facing difficult decisions, she had a remarkable ability to calm my fears, point me back to God, and remind me to trust completely in His providence.

As many of you know, I suffer from a neurological voice disorder called Spasmodic Dysphonia, a condition that has made speaking one of the greatest crosses of my priesthood. Almost every day, I ask Eileen to “pick some flowers” from the heavenly garden and throw them down upon her family and friends, that those flowers might be transformed into graces.

Sometimes, with a smile, I even tease her: “What kind of a friend are you?” Of course, I already know the answer. She is the very best kind of friend—a friend who desires nothing less than the perfect will of God for each of us.

So I continue to ask for her prayers, especially for the healing of my voice. I have not given up hope, nor will I. In God’s perfect time, if it is His will, I believe that healing will come. Until then, I will continue to trust, to pray, and to thank God for the lasting gift of Eileen’s friendship and for the countless ways she continues to intercede for all those who call upon her.

If you are carrying a burden today—a family struggle, an illness, a broken relationship, or any trial that weighs upon your heart—I encourage you to ask for Eileen’s prayers. She was the devoted mother of eight children and knew well the joys, sacrifices, and heartaches of family life. She understands what it means to love deeply and to care for her children.

Ask Eileen to bring your needs before God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask her to pray that the Father’s perfect will may be accomplished in your life and that, if it pleases Him, He may grant the miracle or grace you so earnestly seek.

As many of you know, I speak to Eileen every day. And, with a smile, I often say:

“Eileen, I need a miracle, and so do all your family and friends. So please stop just having fun in the Kingdom and get moving!”

I know she smiles at that. But I also know she is already at work. Like any loving mother, she never stops caring for her children. She continues to bring our prayers before the Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

Happy 100th Birthday, dear Eileen.

Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for introducing so many of us to the infinite love of God the Father, to a deeper relationship with Jesus, and to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Please continue to pray for us until the day we are all reunited in the Father’s house.

As I reflected on Eileen’s 100th birthday, another thought came to mind.

The Church has always seen meaning in the liturgical calendar. For centuries, Catholics have looked to the saint whose feast marked the day of their birth as a heavenly companion and inspiration. That led me to wonder: Which saint welcomed Eileen into the world on July 23, 1926?

The answer is both fascinating and providential.

When Eileen was born, July 23rd was the feast of St. Apollinaris, Bishop and Martyr, in the traditional Roman Calendar. Today, the Church celebrates St. Bridget of Sweden on that same date—a saint for whom Eileen herself had a special affection, often noting that, like St. Bridget, she was also the mother of eight children.

Whether by God’s providence or simply by the unfolding of the Church’s liturgical calendar, the lives of these two saints beautifully illuminate different aspects of Eileen’s own journey.

Allow me to share a few reflections.

Before we conclude this special centennial reflection, I would like to share something new with you.

To mark Eileen’s 100th birthday, I have prepared a new audio/video presentation of the Prayer for the Intercession of Eileen George. It is my hope that this prayer will help you draw closer to God the Father through the intercession of His faithful servant.

If you have a particular need or intention, I invite you to pray along with me and ask Eileen to intercede for you.

I hope you enjoy it, and may God richly bless you.
Fr. Jay Finelli