Fr. Bradley collapses; dies

Catholic Priest Gary Bradley succumbed to a heart attack yesterday morning while saying mass at Kristo Rai Parish amid the shocked parishioners. He was 53.

Bishop Tomas Camacho who rushed to the hospital and check on his Vicar General, saw how doctors at the Commonwealth Health Center worked hard to revive Fr. Bradley at the emergency room. He was pronounced dead past 7:00 a.m.

“He is a personal friend. I will miss him very badly because I seek his advice on major decisions for the diocese,” Bishop Camacho said.

At 9:30 a.m., the Bishop held mass in Kristo Rai where he announced Fr. Gary’s death to the parishioners.

The Bishop noted that Fr. Bradley’s untimely demise coincided with the celebration of the Ascension of the Lord and just as he was about to give communion. Fr. Bradley’s last words were “peace be with you.”

“We saw him bend over to the altar and we thought he was going to kneel but he collapsed,” said Margaret Dela Cruz. One of the altar boys swiftly caught Fr. Bradley’s head before he fell on the floor.

According to witnesses, some of the people who
attended the mass called 911 for help. An ambulance later arrived and rushed Fr. Bradley to CHC. The lay ministers took over in giving the communion to the people.

“He is very accommodating. He always finds time for everyone whenever anybody asks him to do something. It is just so shocking that someone with such a big heart will leave us just like that,” Ms. Dela Cruz said.

There was an outpouring of grief as people rushed to Kristo Rai to console each other after learning about the death of Fr. Bradley. Another mass was held 6:00 p.m. by Bishop Camacho with Fr. Kenneth Hezel, superior of Fr. Gary, who came all the way from Guam.

“Everybody just feels very bad right now since we lost a dear friend who finds time for everyone in need,” said Vicente Songsong , president of the Parish.

Cesar Biscocho, who handles maintenance at Kristo Rai, said “I have always consulted him about my problems. I have always relied on his advice.”

During Saturday’s 6:00 p.m. mass, Fr. Gary told his parishioners that he will be gone for a week because he was going to attend a seminar in Chuuk where he lived for 25 years.

Fr. Gary was also looking forward to his vacation where he planned to visit his brother and sister in New Jersey and a trip to the Holy Land.

Fr. Gary stayed in Saipan for six years, serving at St. Jude Parish in Koblerville first before his assignment at Kristo Rai.
While serving as faculty member of Mt. Carmel High School, Fr. Gary was able to squeeze in various community projects aside from his regular visits to the sick at the hospital.