Rest in peace: 'Miracle deacon' Ken Conklin has died

Friday evening, Bishop Rick Stika posted the news on Facebook:

It is with sadness that I share with you the death of the miracle deacon. He was originally given a week to live following his ordination which I celebrated at his home. Well, he lived well over a year, served as a deacon at All Saints and even began training as a police chaplain.

Deacon Ken Conklin died this evening shortly after 5 pm and so I will again join with his family this week to celebrate his funeral!

He was given a miracle and now we commend him to God! I gave him the diaconate and he gave me, along with his family, friendship.

I chronicled Deacon Ken’s amazing story on these pages across many months, from his early ordination to his first homily and more.

I remain humbled by his grace and good cheer — and grateful for the times we exchanged emails. What a blessing he has been, and what a glorious witness to this beautiful vocation.

Well done, good and faithful servant. Ken, please pray for us as we pray for you!

From A Deacon Prays:

Father of mercies,
I pray at this hour for one of your servants,
a brother deacon who has completed his earthly journey
and entered eternal life.
Father, wipe away our tears:
comfort those who love him,
console those who grieve him,
and, as you welcome him home,
look lovingly on him with grateful remembrance.
Remember the times he prayed, sacrificed, worshipped, served.
Remember the hours he gave to those in need:
the hungry, the lost, the poor, the searching.
Remember the rosaries he said, the novenas he whispered,
the children he baptized, the couples he brought together in marriage,
the homes he blessed, the love he lived and preached,
the Gospel he received, believed, taught, practiced.
Remember his family, who shared him with your Church,
and remind them of his love.
And this I humbly pray:
may this brother of mine, this child of yours,
find peace in your presence and joy in the words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Amen.