Mateo's father, himself a convert, was not a practicing Catholic. However, he was basically a religious man. He placed no obstacles in the way of the practice of the faith of his pious wife and their children, on the contrary, he gave them every possible encouragement.
An example of his upright character and sens of justice is to be found in his attitude toward his son's vocation. When Edward informed his father that he wanted to join the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts, the father visited the superior to find out the true purpose and goals of a religious congregation. On returning home, he informed his son that he had been to find out the main purpose of the life which the priests and brothers were leader. It was, said Edward's father, "to become a saint," and if Edward was determined to strive to reach that goal, if he really had made up his mind to become a saint, then he had his father's permission to join. Otherwise, he had better stay home. "My father," comments Father Mateo, "was not a practicing Catholic, but he was an intelligent man." He gave his son a lesson he would never forget and one that the future retreat master would hand on to countless priests and religious throughout the world.
For years Eduward's mother went daily to Mass and Communion, in spite of the burden of raising a large family. Fervently she prayed for the conversion of her husband. Although God seemed to be deaf to her prayers, she never lost hope. Years later, she had the happiness of seeing her spouse begin the practice of his faith and become a staunch Catholic. He died relatively young and under unusual circumstances on February 15, 1989, at the age of 49. One day immediately after receiving Holy Communion he had a stroke. His Communion proved to be his Viaticum. This special grace given to Mr. Crawley-Boevey had a profound effect on his son, soon to be ordained a priest, and strengthened his confidence in the fidelity of the Sacred Heart to His promises.
Saved by a Stomach-Ache
When Edward was still a baby, his father was ordered to report back to England, where he was to remain for
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