A few years ago, the Confraternity of Penitents received an inquiry from Ameil (Doc) Klein, a retired American physician who was living in Germany with his wife Helene. Doc had battled cancer off and on for many years, but, despite the struggles and the brushes with death, he kept an upbeat and off beat sense of humor, a profound joy, and an ever deepening faith. All of these came together in Doc's teaching and performing country line dancing, a marvel in Germany who thought of him as the dancing cowboy. Doc and Helene often danced for elderly patients in nursing homes, who loved the performance, and also taught many others how to dance.
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| Doc dancing. When Doc sent this photo, he said that this is how he would like to be remembered. |
When it was apparent later in 2013 that Doc was losing his battle with cancer, he received permission from the CFP Visitor to complete his Novice 3 lessons as quickly as possible and pledge and vow for life. This Doc did on October 13, 2013 (the day the sun danced at Fatima in 1917). He took the privately vowed name of brother Philip Julius after Saint Philip Neri, a saint who had a deep faith and an offbeat, upbeat sense of humor that could laugh best of all at Philip himself, and after Pope Saint Julius who was a strong defender of the faith during the Arian controversy which claimed that Jesus was not really divine and had not coexisted with the Father forever.
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| Doc (br. Philip Julius) reading his pledge and vow at the Mass of his pledging, October 13, 2013 in Germany. |
Doc's joy and faith and sense of humor all show themselves in a meditation he wrote in which he described himself as a little dog at the feet of Christ. His story inspired the Dog in My Pocket and Dog at the Manger, both of which are offered through the CFP Holy Angels Gift Shop.
Shortly before his death, Doc (br. Philip Julius) called the CFP Office and said how he was so very, very blessed. He wished everyone could have the experiences he was then experiencing as he was dying. So many people came to visit him and Helene, so many told him how much he had meant to them, how much he had done for them, how his example strengthened their faith, and he didn't know what he had done. He could not think he had done much at all. But he was so blessed to have these visits and this strong faith. While he didn't say that he had phoned to say good-bye, we knew that was the case.
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| Doc (br. Philip Julius) returning to his seat following his pledge and private vow. |
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| Doc (br Philip Julius) and his wife of 59 years, Helene, following Doc's pledge and private vow to live the CFP Rule for life. |
Doc (br PJ as he liked to call himself with a smile, or br Pajamas if he really wanted to laugh) had been in a race with his ailing spiritual director to see who would first meet Jesus. Doc (br PJ) won.
We had all been praying for our dear brother Philip Julius and our prayers were answered. Helene told us that Doc (br. Philip Julius) passed away on February 22, 2014, at 7 pm, at his house surrounded by his friends as he wished to die. He was fully aware and grateful for all. His death was very peaceful. Helene said that Doc had a beautiful funeral Mass of the Resurrection in which the priest talked about Doc's entire life from birth to death and many people were present and weeping. The music was so uplifting, and people remarked that they had never heard a sermon like the one the priest said for Doc. This gave Helene great strength. Doc (br. Philip Julius) is buried in the woods under a large tree which is what he wanted.
Doc (br. PJ), we will pray for you, but we also ask you to pray for us! We gave you this assignment when we spoke to you before you died. So do remember us here, still on the journey. You are the model of who a penitent should be--peaceful, joyful, humble, joyful, faithful, with total reliance on God and His Will. Oh, do pray for us. May God develop in us more of your qualities, dear brother. We are so grateful for having known you as a dear penitent brother in Christ!
--Madeline Pecora Nugent
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