Mystery priest in Missouri rescue comes forward

The mysterious Missouri priest who gave anointing to a woman in her wrecked car has been identified as Father Patrick Dowling, of the Diocese of Jefferson City, reports CNA.

“I thank God and the amazingly competent rescue workers,” Fr Dowling stated yesterday in a comment on CNA's original article on the August 4 incident in the town of Center, Missouri. “I thank them for making me welcome in such a highly charged situation and allowing me to minister as a priest.”

Katie Lentz was trapped in her older-model Mercedes, which had been struck by another vehicle which passed into her lane. That car's driver has been charged with DWI. Rescue workers spent an hour trying to get Lentz out of her car, but the solid materials of its construction were dulling the fire department's emergency equipment.

Though the highway was blocked off, “I did not leave with the other cars,” Fr. Dowling commented. He parked as close as he could, “and walked the remaining 150 yards. I asked the Sheriff if a priest might be needed … on checking, he permitted me to approach.”

“When the young lady asked that I pray her leg stop hurting, I did so. She asked me to pray aloud and I did briefly … the rescue workers needed space, and would not have appreciated distraction. I stepped to one side and said my rosary silently until the lady was taken from the car.”

Once Lentz was removed from her vehicle, he explained, “I then shook hands with the Sheriff, and thanked him, as I left. I have to admire the calmness of everybody involved.”