St Philip Neri

OBIT: Judith (Judy) Ellen Christofferson

Judy Ellen Hand, daughter of Edgar (Pat) and Irva (Deehr) Hand was born October 18, 1940 at McVille, ND. Judy lived in Tolna, where she graduated from high school in 1958. She attended UND, Valley City State College and Moorhead State, receiving her degree in education in 1982. Judy taught in Wimbeldon, ND, before her marriage to Dennis Christofferson on June 5, 1962 at St. Joseph’s Church at Tolna. They lived in McLaughlin, SD, and Belview, MN, where Judy was a homemaker and also at Sherburn, MN where Judy worked as a preschool teacher. In 1980 the family moved to Fargo, ND, where Judy worked with preschool children in Fargo and as a paraprofessional with the Moorhead School District. Always, she was supportive of Dennis’ career in teaching/coaching and later in the insurance business (Dawson/Ag Force). After retirement, Judy and Dennis continued to live in Fargo, while wintering in Phoenix, AZ. Judy enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren, watching baseball, basketball, walking, golfing, reading, crossword puzzles and keeping track of events in Tolna. Judy is survived by her son, Curt (Jolene) Christofferson and family, Emily and Abby, Napoleon, ND; two daughters, Sue (Steve) Frelich and family, Noah and Jude, Madelia, MN; Katie (Michael) Bryant and their daughter, Sydney, Gilbert, AZ; two sisters, Patricia (Jerald) Enstad, McVille, ND; Jean Hand, Tolna, ND; two sisters-in-law, Edna Ellison, Tioga, ND and Iona Christofferson, Lemmon, SD; nine nieces, three nephews; many grand nieces and nephews and several cousins. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis, an infant son, her granddaughter, Amy, her parents, Pat and Irva Hand, her father and mother-in-law, Elwood and Berna Christofferson and her brothers-in-law, Jerry and Neil Christofferson. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Napoleon Care Center, American Lung Association or the Tolna School Fund in memory of Judy. Share memories and sign online guestbook at  www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com.

Feast of Dear St. Philip Neri | The Anchoress

) In Rome feels like a very natural and welcoming second home, for me — where I was able to participate, daily, in the mass on my last visit.

In her column, “A Word in Season” Pat Gohn takes a really wonderful look at this very great saint, whose “mission” was to the people of Rome; the churches and hospitals he built are still serving. The Oratory he founded saw one of his spiritual sons, Bl. John Henry Newman , beatified within the last year, and if you ask St. Philip to teach you what he knows, his first lesson will be a simple one: you’re not all that, so don’t take yourself too seriously. Be joyful, instead, in the Lord.

In her piece, Pat Gohn confesses to having a “fairly serious temperament” (which is not immediately apparent to anyone who has attended one of her fast-witted and amusing talks) which she suggests needs Philip’s example and exhortations to be of good cheer:

. . . my seventh grade homeroom teacher was fond of calling me out by saying: “You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, Missy.” [...]St. Philip Neri’s wisdom was rooted in the delight he took in being a Child of God. Such a life was worthy of celebration and joy! Philip’s witness reminds me that a sad saint really is a sad saint. In other words, if God loves you and you know it, kindly inform your face!

Philip knew that, over time, the Christian needs to cultivate an attitude that was worthy of the long road to heaven:

As a young layman, Philip was searching for the higher things in life, drawn to a hermit’s lifestyle even as he lived and worked in the city. He found his peace in prayer and silence. He developed a deep love for Jesus, especially in the Eucharist. He was ardent about the efficacy of frequent confession, for it was the meeting place between Jesus’ mercy and the heart of men.

There were healings that flowed from the prayers of this man. Pressed against his chest, one could feel the warmth radiating from his heart and some felt what seemed to be a tumor-like bulge around his heart. It was something he tried to hide for most of his life . . .

In the year 1593, I was called upon because Philip was sick. I observed a strong heartbeat and was told that was something of long standing, which he had since his youth.