Companion Spotlight: Dave and Jane McNeal
Dave and Jane McNeal made their first covenant with Missionaries of the Precious Blood more than 30 years ago. They are also a part of Missionary Hearts Mission and Ministry Society. For the past eight years, Dave, a retired librarian, and Jane have been working on a project at the St. Charles Living Center: automating the library. The project has allowed them to have a closer relationship with the Precious Blood members who live at the center and to learn about the charisms of spirituality, reconciliation, and hospitality through this experience.
How does the Precious Blood community support your continuing spiritual growth?
Jane: The Precious Blood community supports my continuing spiritual growth by providing days of reflection and retreats for Companions. We receive newsletters and emails that keep us informed of what is happening in the Precious Blood family and ways to grow our spirituality. We are lucky enough to live near enough to St. Charles that we are there fairly often and, for me, being with the members who live at St. Charles and interacting with them gives me a boost.
How does St. Gaspar inspire you?
Dave: One of the wishes that St. Gaspar had for the Precious Blood community was that he wanted to have a thousand tongues to spread the importance of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. I am inspired to be one of those tongues. I do this by making efforts to inspire others to consider becoming a Precious Blood Companion. I hope that my joy of being a Companion also is evident in my daily life.
How does your Precious Blood spirituality come through in your relationships with other people?
Jane: I volunteer at a local hospital in the radiology department, escorting patients and family members to the proper area for their tests. One never knows what that particular patient’s situation is. Many times, they’re concerned as to the outcome of the tests being performed that day, wondering what illness they might be diagnosed with, whether their cancer has returned, afraid the test may show nothing and offer no relief. Family members wonder how to support their loved one and if they have the strength.
On my way to the hospital each week, I pray to Saint Gaspar to show me who I should reach out and touch that day. St Gaspar, you ministered to those on the fringes. Guide me to know who is the person on the fringes today. Show me who needs a physical touch, or those who need a friendly, “Hi, how is your day going?” or even just a smile. It is not always a patient who needs reached out to — it may be the young man cleaning the floor or the lady in the cafeteria. I recently read, “A quiet act of kindness can leave a lasting imprint in moments of pain,” and while this is not a quote from St. Gaspar, I do try to live this quote from our founder: “Do ordinary things with great Spirit.”
How has being a Companion challenged you and how did you respond to that challenge?
Dave: As a Companion, I have been challenged to resist the temptation to take shelter or shy away from people and projects because of my introverted nature. I have had the honor of being selected to be a member of committees and teams that have made efforts and plans to improve the structure and outlook of Companions and other aspects of the Precious Blood community.
I am thankful that I am part of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood family. At a recent retreat for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood Community, it was stated the retreats and similar gatherings are half retreat and half family reunion. This is inspiring for me. I feel accepted by all who are present at the gatherings, and I am energized by this acceptance.
“We were able to travel to Rome in 2015 and participate in the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. That celebration gave us insight as to what it truly means to be a Precious Blood family. There were hundreds of pilgrims from many countries singing, praying, and celebrating together. It is our common faith and Saint Gaspar that brought us all together as family.”