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Servant of God Frank Parater |
| Frank Parater was one of the first scouts in Richmond to earn the rank of Eagle (1915) and served as director of the Richmond-area scout council's summer camp in Chesterfield County. He was one of the most well liked and respected young men of his day. Parater was stricken with rheumatic fever while studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Knowing death was near, Parater wrote an open letter to the Scouts of Richmond. Parater died on February 7, 1920. His "Open Letter to the Scouts of Richmond" was discovered after his death and subsequently published in the Richmond News Leader. Bishop Walter F. Sullivan declared Parater a "Servant of God" on January 24, 2002. An edited version of Parater's letter is reproduced below. | |
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Pontifical North American College December 8, 1919 Dear Old Scouts, You may never see this letter, but if you do, it is to tell you that God has granted me the greatest desire of my life: to die for love of Him and of my fellow man. I have loved each of you … and now that God has called me to Himself, don’t think I shall forget you, but will be nearer to you than I could ever be in this life. And now, old scouts, I must say ‘so long’ for a time. But occasionally think of your old friend and camp director and when the time comes for you to hit the trail for home, I’ll promise to be near and to welcome you to the Campfire of Eternal Life. God’s blessing be with you all. Sincerely, your friend,
Frank Parater
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Catholic scouts of Boy Scout Troop 498 carry on the tradition of Servant of God Frank Parater by serving at the altar. Star Scout J. B. received the 2004 Bishop Walter F. Sullivan Youth Leadership Award. |
Eagle Scout E. P. (right) received the 2003 Bishop Walter F. Sullivan Youth Leadership Award. |
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Learn more about Eagle Scout Frank Parater's life and
his cause for sainthood by clicking the link below. If you
are a Catholic scouter, please consider adding this link to your
troop or diocesan scout council Web site.
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