Brother John Thomas and the ladder incident

It was always very apparent that Brother John Thomas was the epitome of piety, devotion and service, yet my fellow students and me quite often found amusement in some of his rather quirky mannerisms and unique approach to life. There is one specific incident that I will always remember about “BJT”.

During the middle of one of the daily Masses in the new wing chapel, Brother John Thomas, without hardly being noticed, very quietly got up and left by the rear doors. Several minutes later, the side door to chapel opens and in comes a rather frail Brother John Thomas carrying a heavy stepladder. I am sure it was not his intent but of course, with all eyes upon him, the entire Mass came to a complete stand still. Even the Priest just stood there with his mouth wide open. Apparently, Brother John Thomas was the only one who had noticed that the Tabernacle Candle had burned out. Brother John Thomas just went about his task of replacing and relighting the candle just as if he was all alone doing his every day maintenance. Afterwards, he folded up the ladder, exited the side door in a dignified manner and a few minutes later returned to his seat at Mass.

At the time, we all found difficult to stifle the laughter at someone who seem to be so oblivious to the attention that he had brought to himself but later in life I have come to respect BJT’s conviction and dedication to the school and to the Lord.