And there are thousands more like me, giving their lives to their little missions, trying to kape the people's hearts clean and honest, so that their souls may go to Him when their journey is ended." Father Cahill took a deep breath as he finished.

He had indeed summed up his life's work.

He had given it freely to his poor little flock.
His only happiness had been in ministering to their needs.

And now to have one to whom he had taught his first prayer, heard his first confession and given him his first Holy Communion speak scoffingly of the priest, hurt him as nothing else could hurt and bruise him.
The appeal was not lost on O'Connell.

In his heart he loved Father Cahill for the Christ-like life of self-denial he had passed in this little place.