12/24/24-Frank Thornton

This is probably the last in my series of role models, but for someone who I only knew for a short time Frank Thornton made a big impact on my life.

Mr. Thornton was born in 1916 and served in Europe in WW2, where he lost his leg in combat.  Following the war he eventually ended up in San Diego, becoming the principal at Patrick Henry High School in the 1970's.

Our paths crossed when I was receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in my late teens.  It is the custom when getting Confirmed in the Catholic Church you have a sponsor, who guides you through the process of preparing to receive the Holy Spirit.  Usually a sponsor is an Aunt or Uncle or family friend who is active in the Church.  I didn't have a natural sponsor, but through the Church Mr. Thornton was asked to be my sponsor.  I couldn't have asked for a better guide.  Naturally, I respected him as a war hero, and he knew exactly how to deal with a teenager to keep me engaged and excited about being Confirmed.

We would meet at least weekly and discuss the Church's teachings and what the expectations were for a young man getting ready to receive the Holy Spirit in Confirmation.  The day that truly means more to me than almost any moment in my life is the day we were sitting in Burger King across from the Church and he used the term "transubstantiation."  To this moment I think I understood that the bread and wine we received at Communion were only a symbol of the body and blood of Jesus.  That all changed over a hamburger.

I was just enamored over that term.  And the fact that we believe that the Eucharist, when it is in the Priest's hands, becomes the actual Body and Blood of Christ.  I know that is one of the things that separates Catholics from some of our Protestant brothers and sisters, but from that moment on The Eucharist meant something extra to me.  To this day receiving the moment of transubstantiation at mass and receiving the actual Body and Blood of Christ in Communion are some of the highlights of the week.

My relationship with the Eucharist continues to this day.  I was able to lead Eucharistic Services and distribute the Eucharist when I was in the Navy and we were underway.  As a civilian I continue to distribute the Eucharist at mass, a responsibility I am honored to do and take very seriously.

I owe my life long relationship with the Eucharist to that moment in a fast food restaurant and to Frank Thornton. 

Mr. Thornton passed away in 2006.  I hope to be able to look him up in heaven someday to thank him for truly introducing me to Jesus.