Bishop John R. Keating of Arlington, Virginia, died in Rome the night of March 21-22, shortly after he met with Pope John Paul II to report on the state of his diocese. He was 63.
He suffered a massive heart attack at the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales residence in Rome. His body was discovered in his room when he did not appear for breakfast. In his 14-year tenure as bishop, he made national news for his vocations success. He ordained 84 men to the priesthood. He also established six new parishes and dedicated 17 churches.
The diocese also has opened a new elementary school annually for the past eight years, with another due to open this fall. He and other bishops of Region 4, which covers the mid-Atlantic and Southeast, were in Rome for their ad limina visits, which are required every five years of heads of dioceses. They had a group meeting with the Pope March 17, and Bishop Keating met privately with the pontiff March 19.
Editors notes
481 years ago, Martin Luther risked life and limb to warn the world that Satan's headquarters was at the Vatican and that it was the deadliest place on earth. He sounded the trumpet loud and clear and opened the door for the remnant to escape the Babylonian Captivity. Many even to this day still will not listen and take the God's warning seriously. God does not play games:
"And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Rev. 18:4).
Roman bishops are under tremendous pressure to produce numbers. Since very few ever convert, the increase must come from high birth rates, emigration or when opportunity allows - by force!!
An old Irish poem
To go to Rome is little profit, endless pain;
The Master that you seek at Rome,
you find at home, or seek in vain.