Prayers for Jon Scharfenberger

Day One: Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes for Jon and the Other Victims »

Prayers for Jon Scharfenberger

October 10, 2011 by Gerard M. Nadal

Our other staff member injured in the accident that claimed Kortney and her baby, Sophy, is Jon Scharfenberger.

I’ve been in constant contact throughout the day with our SFLA staff getting updates.

It’s bad, and at 3 AM it turned really bad. It’s gotten worse throughout the day. At this point, we need a miracle for Jon to make it to tomorrow. If it’s God’s will, may Jon stay and grow old with us.

Please pray for this beautiful young man, and for his family who are beside themselves with grief and the hard work of keeping him alive. Jon’s mom is a nurse and at the hospital in Georgia. His dad is a physician and should be arriving there shortly, after coordinating efforts from their home here in New York.

Updates to follow, but for now, please pray!

UPDATE, 10/10/11, 11 PM, EST: Jon has pulled out of the steep decline he was in and has leveled off. That’s a major victory in and of itself. I won’t be posting details, at the request of the family. Each cessation of decline, each small improvement are huge victories. So, tonight will be the battle of maintaining Jon’s condition, and tomorrow will be the battles of maintaining, and improving that condition. We’re on square 1 of a 1,000-square board, with a long way to go, and much prayer and fasting to carry Jon and his family through. Starting at noon on Tuesday and every noon for 9 days, we’ll be praying the Lourdes Novena for healing of Jon and the others. Come and pray with us. Encourage others to do so.

NOVENA for Jon began today. Click Here.

UPDATE, 10/11/11, 1 PM EST: There is a ray of hope in the darkness. Jon’s neurological condition has stopped deteriorating and has held steady through the night and through the morning. From eye movements through his closed eyes, he is showing response to meaningful people in his life. Having lived through the day yesterday, and having no further decline today are very hopeful indicators, though he remains in extremely critical condition. The next 24 hours are crucial. I’m withholding specifics about John at the Family’s request. Please keep up the prayers. We’re praying the Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes every day here at Coming Home. Please join us. I’ll post further developments as I get them. God Bless.

UPDATE, 10/12/11, 12:15 PM EST: Jon has shown significant improvement by almost all parameters of his condition. Again, while I cannot give details, suffice it to say that he is trending in the right direction. His condition remains extremely critical. He pulled out of a steep dive two days ago, and within the last fifteen hours has begun to gain some altitude. Let’s continue to be the wind beneath his wings with constant prayer. The other two victims, whose names are being withheld, continue to progress in their healing.

UPDATE, 10/13/11 10:36 PM EST: Not long after posting yesterday, Jon went into some serious instability yesterday, and according to reports, we almost lost him. Things have once again stabilized. Jon’s condition remains extremely critical, as his stability has not been sustained. This is not at all unusual in an intensive care unit, and while we hope and pray, we may well see more of this see-saw battle in the days to come. Constant prayer for Jon is necessary, as it is for the other victims whose recovery remains on a stable trajectory, but will be long in duration.

UPDATE, 10/17/11, 7:30 AM EST: Late yesterday I received word that the physicians have induced a 72-hour coma in Jon. In the meantime, we wait, and hope, and pray.

UPDATE, 10/17/11, 5:20 PM EST: Jon has spiked a fever of 108 degrees F, which can be lethal. Urgent prayers are needed as this battle has taken a terrible turn for him.

Join in our vigil

10/18/11 It was a valiant struggle, Jon, and a life well lived. Pray for us.

Posted in Uncategorized | 71 Comments

71 Responses

on October 10, 2011 at 2:42 PM Ann Margaret Lewis

Prayers for Jon and his family.
on October 10, 2011 at 3:49 PM Mary Stuller

We are so proud of Jon for what he has been able to accomplish, for how rooted he is, for choosing to work for the organization Students for Life. We pray that he will get through this and live a normal healthy life.
on October 10, 2011 at 3:52 PM pamela

Dear heavenly Father, all powerful and all loving God, let your glory fall on Jon and his family. You revealed in Psalm 41 that blessed is he who has regard for the weak. That You will deliver him in times of trouble. That You, gracious and merciful Lord, will protect him and preserve his life. You will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his enemies. You Lord Jesus, will preserve him on his sick bed and restore him from his bed of illness. Loving Father, You have given him life, please make it a long happy one. Thank you for your love and your power.
on October 10, 2011 at 5:55 PM The Gutman Family

We are praying for this young man & his family.
on October 10, 2011 at 7:37 PM Lili

I had the pleasure of meeting this young man at a National Right to Life confrence last summer. He was a wonderful representative for innocent human life. Polite, helpful and charming, a true young hero. Praying for him, his family and friends.
on October 10, 2011 at 7:43 PM John D. Shea, J.D.

Jon is a class act, a fantastic young man and a good friend. Our prayers are with him.
on October 10, 2011 at 8:46 PM Pat Gohn

yes, will do.
on October 10, 2011 at 9:06 PM Donna Loomis

Storming Heaven for Jon–we love you!
on October 10, 2011 at 10:00 PM Donohue

The Donohue Family is praying every minute of the day for this young man and his family. We watched about 75-80 students pray the rosary this evening across from our house, seeking Mary’s intercession. May she bring our petitions to her Son for healing for Jon and consolation for his family and friends.
on October 10, 2011 at 10:35 PM Dittus family

Ave Maria is praying for Jon and his family! He is a wonderful young man who has made an impact on so many at AMU and in the prolife community. Our family will continue to storm heaven for Jon and for his family and for all those who were involved in the tragic accident.
on October 10, 2011 at 11:24 PM Leah Jacobson

Prayers for Jon and for a miraculous healing of his bodily injuries.
on October 10, 2011 at 11:24 PM Augustus Akudolu

God we ask u for quick intervention and healing upon Jon Scharfenberger. God we still need him, we still value him and we want to see him alive in Jesus Name we pray Amen.
on October 11, 2011 at 7:05 AM Kareem R. Smith

Jon the seminary Community here in New York is praying for you. The church…the world needs you!
on October 11, 2011 at 7:24 AM Stunning and sad news ... Please pray

[...] Update, 8:30 am, Tuesday, October 11: We’ve learned that, as of last night, Jon had pulled out of the steep decline that was reported yesterday. His condition has leveled off, which is a good news, but Jon still has a long way to go. SFLA is asking for prayer and fasting. A special time of prayer is requested at noon today and every day for the next 10 days (link). [...]
on October 11, 2011 at 8:27 AM Fr. Chris Ortega

I am a priest of the Diocese of Savannah, Georgia. I am a graduate of Ave Maria University and a brother of the household that Jon was a part of, Filii in Filio.

I celebrated mass for Jon this morning and for the two daughters of God whom have returned home to their heavenly Father.

Know that my prayers are with you all.
on October 11, 2011 at 9:04 AM Dinan

We pray the rosary and offer Communion for Jon and his family. May Our Lady intercede for Jon and his family.
on October 11, 2011 at 9:16 AM Leslie McClellan

Jon is an incredible man of God and I have always admired him….my rosaries and my Divine Mercy Chaplets are offered for him!
on October 11, 2011 at 10:25 AM karen lyford

The Lyford family is praying for Jon and his family. Jon is a former classmate of my daughter,Selah. While at Ave, Jon was instrumental in encouraging her to follow her heart in pursuing a music career. Selah will be coming out with an EP next spring and going on tour with her music. Every person has a special role in our lives. Jon is truly a shining light and his work with fighting to end abortion and standing up for life is significant. We need him to survive and have a full recovery! We must TRUST that God’s will be done and that Jon will have a second chance to continue on his mission! Peace to all of his friends and family. He is truly a very precious soul! We are continuing to pray!
on October 11, 2011 at 10:30 AM Carole Carpenter

Please know that Jon is being lifted up in prayer, minute by minute, at Ave Maria University. We are asking God to fight this battle for him and we are interceding for his family. May God’ love and grace be present to them as they are with Jon right now.
on October 11, 2011 at 10:37 AM Anthony Mize

Get well soon Jon. You and your family are in my prayers.
on October 11, 2011 at 12:59 PM Update on Jon Scharfenberger's condition

[...] 2:00 pm, Tuesday, October 11: There is a ray of hope. Jon’s neurological condition has stopped deteriorating and has held steady through the night and through the morning. From eye movements through his closed eyes, he is showing response to meaningful people in his life. Having lived through the day yesterday, and having no further decline today are very hopeful indicators, though he remains in extremely critical condition. The next 24 hours are crucial. Specific are being withheld at the Family’s request. Please keep up the prayers. (link to source) [...]
on October 11, 2011 at 3:58 PM Amy

I attended the Mercer conference they were travelling from, and have been keeping the 5 people in Kortney’s car constantly in my thoughts and prayers. May God in his tremendous mercy and grace give Jon more time to serve Christ on this earth, and may God also bring complete healing and comfort to passengers Leo Buckle (President of the Students for Life group at the University of South Carolina) and Ginny Stone (a pro-life activist from a pregnancy center in Durham, NC). May God continue to use Kortney, Sophy, Jon, Leo, and Ginny for His glory, according to His will.
on October 11, 2011 at 4:00 PM Mary Schmidt

Jon: You are in my prayers! I am praying for your speedy and complete recovery, and for your family. – Mary Schmidt
on October 11, 2011 at 8:21 PM Mandy

To The Scharfenberger Family. You are in my thoughts throughout the day. I am praying for your son, Jon and I am hoping for a speedy recovery for him. Keep strong for your son, and look to God for support to get you through this tough time.
-Mandy Blanton-Warwick
on October 11, 2011 at 9:45 PM Renate M. Ferrante

We are praying for you, Jon. The pro-life community in Naples long to hear news of God’s healing power in your life and all those hurting from this accident.
God bless you, your family, and friends,
Renate Ferrante
on October 11, 2011 at 10:10 PM frank and Dara Moore

We are praying fervently for Jon and your whole family and are confident that God will heal him.
Moore Family
on October 12, 2011 at 1:30 AM Rev USMC

I offered Mass for Kortney, her family and Jon yesterday.
Peace.
on October 12, 2011 at 1:54 AM Brian McSherry

I only met Jon briefly while we were doing community service at a local church in Monroe, NY but he has left a remarkable impact in my life with his commitments in life even through it was at an early age that we had met each other. He is a remarkable young man and when my fiancee told me about what had happened he has been in my prayers ever since and I pray that he makes a speedy recovery
on October 12, 2011 at 5:40 AM pat foiles

Jon is a ray of sunshine to all of us. My prayers for Jon and his family will never stop. God Bless you and stay by your side through this terrible time. We love you!!
on October 12, 2011 at 6:57 AM Heather Guidone

We continue to keep this wonderful family and amazing young man in our thoughts and prayers, and our hearts go out to the other families involved in this tragedy as well. In support, Heather Guidone & Family
on October 12, 2011 at 8:09 AM Molly

I am praying nonstop for Jon, his family, and all others involved in this tragic accident. May the LORD grant full healing to all: Physically, Psycologically, Emotionally, Spiritually… God can use this for good if we all lay it at His feet in humble, fervent prayer.
on October 12, 2011 at 8:14 AM Deacon Tom MacDougall

The people of St. Stephen’s parish have been knocked down on our knees in pain and in love for Jon. Lord Jesus, you and the one in whom we place all our trust.
on October 12, 2011 at 9:25 AM Fr. Dominic Tran, sdb

The Salesian Family is praying for Jon and the family.
on October 12, 2011 at 12:27 PM Cheryl and Al Sanza

Jon and his wonderful family are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
on October 12, 2011 at 1:21 PM Anthony and Lorraine Portelli

Our prayers continue for Jon and his family.
on October 12, 2011 at 1:24 PM Anthony and Lorraine Portelli

God Bless You All in your time of need and heal Jon.
We pray to our Lord!
on October 12, 2011 at 2:56 PM Anne Shea

Dear Scharfenberger family, the Shea family in St. Augustine has been in prayer for you daily since hearing this terrible news from our dear friend, Racine Pfab. Our daughter, Sr. Kathryn, graduated from Ave in 2005 and I am part of the Respect Life Team here in St. Augustine, which invited Jon to speak at the March for Life in January. We pray for a miracle and know that our Blessed Mother is holding Jon close to her heart, as well as all of you. I am so blessed to hear how our Lord has provided you with care there in Macon with our friend Jane. God is in control no doubt. His will is the perfect plan for all of us. We offer our daily rosary for Jon’s speedy recovery. God bless you and give you His peace.
on October 12, 2011 at 3:30 PM Linda

I met Jon a couple years ago when he used to be a student at Ave Maria University and I saw him a day before his accident. He has been in my prayers and I pray for a speedy recovery. Please keep us all updated in anything new. God Bless Jon his family and friends.
on October 12, 2011 at 9:15 PM Lisa Olschewske

The Olschewske family in St Augustine has been praying since we heard also from Racine Pfab . Though I have yet to meet Jon my two oldest daughters have and my 15 yo got to hear him at national right to life conference .
So many are praying together for Jon and your family. May God continue to give you grace.
God bless you
Lisa
on October 12, 2011 at 10:51 PM Carol Dixon Klein

All of us in the Pro-Life Movements are praying for the family and Jon. Saturday at St. Peter the Apostle Church we will be at the Rosary Rally at noon, and will remember Jon then. Most of us were volunteers at Ave Maria when they were just a small campus in Naples, and we remember fondly all the activities, fellowship, and joy the University has brought to us. May God hold you in His comforting arms, Joh.
on October 13, 2011 at 12:03 AM jill marie

Blessed Lord and Merciful Father, Send Your healing power upon Jon that he may continue to improve and return to his normal self, to continue his work for You. Bless his family with hope and strength as they gather before Your throne on his behalf, and seek his return to their family life. In Jesus Name, Amen
on October 13, 2011 at 4:34 PM Rose Mary

I heard about Jon through Lane, and I’m an old friend of Racine.. so I feel very connected, especially since it is a Brother for Life. I will pray that today, the feast day of St.Margaret Mary and the Miracle of The Sun at Fatima..that Our Blessed Mother will gain a special favor from her Son to shine down His blessings on Jon.
It is also the anniversary of my son Thomas’ baptism.. he died at age 17..I ask that he also intercede if he can… for Jon…

Rose Mary Danforth
on October 13, 2011 at 5:46 PM Cathy

Fr Dennis Cooney, Pastor, St. Raphael Church/Lehigh Acres, and Respect Life Moderator said that he will offer up 2 Masses at the 2011 Florida Respect Life Conference in Sarasota, FL.this weekend (Oct. 14 and 15) for Jon’s complete recovery, for the souls of the departed and all those injured in the accident. Fr. Cooney is a friend of Jon through his association with Ave Maria University. The theme of the Conference is, “With God All Things are Possible.” Dear Lord please give a complete healing to Jon and all who have been injured – because with you all things are possible!
on October 13, 2011 at 8:50 PM Daniel Folz

God has placed Jon on my heart and has asked that me to pray for him as often as possible. I placed his picture as my background on my mobile phone so every time I get email, a text message or a phone call I see his picture and I’m reminded to pray. May God send every Grace, Blessing, and His Merciful healing to Jon and shower Jon’s friends and family with His Peace.

Daniel Folz, Brothers and Sisters of Charity – Domestic Expression
on October 13, 2011 at 9:09 PM chrislyford

Continuing to pray for Jon and his family. Love the Lyford family <3
on October 13, 2011 at 10:00 PM SK Bill

“May the Lord Jesus Christ be with you that He may defend you, within you that He may sustain you, before you that He may lead you, behind you that He may protect you, above you that He may bless you. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
on October 14, 2011 at 3:01 AM robin

For Jon:

Please, please play this prayer message outloud on a phone for Jon to hear, please listen to it when you are about to pray for him, Please google Sister Briege McKenna if you have any questions.

She wrote the book, “Miracles do Happen” and she is one of many who is our Lord’s instrument of healing. Jesus showed Sr.Briege that she is able to transcend time/space w/her prayers for others, she has a recorded prayer message updated frequently. She prays for all of us to Jesus, every day. Every day she is before the Tabernacle/Eucharist Adoration for 3 hours lifting us up, who ask for her prayers.

Her prayer line is: 1-727-781-5906 You just dial and listen.

(when my son is in the hospital for multiple heart surgeries, I dialed and listened…and dialed and listened again! It is so beautiful!)

Prayers for Jon, Peace for family and for you all to feel Jesus’s presence and Mary’s comfort. God Bless, you all are amazing. Jon is inspirational, as a mom of 3 boys, my heart swells to have read about all the AMAZING things Jon does and has done. WOW! He is such a good son, such a good young man and is a true current day soldier of Christ.

Love you all and will keep Jon in prayers and daily meditations.

Mrs.Robin Parra
on October 14, 2011 at 9:30 AM Mariann Sicina

Father, I pray that all the healing power that is in the Blood of Jesus, might flow through Jon and touch him in the very places he needs to be touched the most. Let Your love bathe him and flow though him. I pray that You would send Your spirit which is the healing power of Your love to touch every physical ailment and as Your love flows through him bring any dead cell or nerve-ending back to life, as Your love flows through him bring new life and health to every cell, every nerve-ending every organ. Let Your peace flow through his whole being with Your healing grace. As I pray before You Father, in Jesus name, I pray with deep gratitude because I know You hear my prayer. I know You have heard me and I know You will answer. I ask You to wrap his family in Your arms as they stay at his side and walk through this with him. I trust in Your love, I trust in Your wisdom, and I trust in Your Fatherly care. I give You thanks now and always, Amen.
on October 14, 2011 at 9:44 AM Heidi Freilich

Dear Dr. Scharfenberger, Anna & Family,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We pray for Jon’s recovery. May God provide comfort and healing to Jon and his loved ones.

Love,
Heidi, David, Adam, Andy & Austin Freilich
on October 14, 2011 at 12:57 PM Susan Lynch

Dear Dr. Scharfenberger, Anna and family,

We pray every day for Jon’s recovery, strength to all of your family members and that you feel God’s love even through this very dark time.

with love,

Ed, Susan, Sarah and Michael Lynch
on October 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM Cathy Pacos

Pacos Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time. We are praying for Jon’s recovery, and all our friends and family are also praying for him.
on October 16, 2011 at 8:46 AM Bonnie Rodgers (@kroro43)

Lifting you all up in prayer, May God Bless you in this time of need.
on October 16, 2011 at 7:11 PM alma Gonzalez

God bless you and all the family.
on October 16, 2011 at 11:19 PM Daniel Folz

Praying for Jon constantly. If it’d be possible may we have a small update on Jon’s condition, even if it is unchanged . My prayer partner and I are asking for Blessed Pope John Paul II’s intercession for a miraculous healing — if it is God’s will..

Peace and Good.
Daniel Folz, BSCD
on October 17, 2011 at 7:37 AM Theresa

constant prayers…

may Mary hold him safely beneath her mantle…
on October 17, 2011 at 7:47 AM Warren Mass

We continue to pray for Jon, my Don Bosco Prep fellow alumnus and partner in several pro-life projects here at Ave. Martha and I extend our support to Jon’s wonderful parents, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at Jon’s commencement last May. — Warren Mass
on October 17, 2011 at 9:29 AM nancy freeman

Jon is still affecting and influencing more people even as he lies near death. God is so good that He can still use us even though the worldly circcumstances look their worst.
on October 17, 2011 at 10:24 AM Benjamin Pacher

Jon is a fighter so I know he is fighting this
on October 17, 2011 at 5:32 PM Johanna B. Germano

Sending prayers.
on October 17, 2011 at 6:06 PM Shay LeBlanc

There’s an amazing priest, Fr. Jon Parks, sdb, who at the age of 60 years old, died alast July, 2010, after battling amyloidosis . Whenever we pray for someone fervantly, I also pray through Fr. Jon to intercede. I pray that your young and sweet Jon’s healing is complete, Dear Lord, Jesus Christ, and through Our Holy Mother Mary and special advocate, Fr. Jonathan Parks’, sdb, intercession. May the peace of Christ envelope Jon’s family and his friends with His assuring strength, and peace.
on October 17, 2011 at 6:51 PM Rose L

Praying…

I trust your might, your kindness, Mother Dear,
I do believe that you are always near,
Whatever happens O Mother Mild,
I blindly trust in You and in Your Child.
on October 17, 2011 at 6:53 PM Daniel Dix

So many in Ave Maria are praying for you, Jon. God be with you, your family, and Erica. -the Dix family
on October 18, 2011 at 10:39 AM Megan

We just heard Jon has gone to be with the Lord. I’m so sorry. Please keep praying for his family and friends and for all the young people within the pro-life community who are devastated and hurt and questioning God right now.
on October 18, 2011 at 11:16 AM David Kirsch

Eternal rest grant unto him, oh Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace.

I will continue to pray for him.
on October 18, 2011 at 11:40 AM Jenni Coffin - Life Educator

I just heard he passed this morning. Please pray for his family everyone, this is another tragic loss in this same accident. I hope that he is smiling with Kortney and Sophy in Heaven now, knowing their work for the unborn did not go in vain. You made a difference.

-Jenni Coffin
on October 18, 2011 at 12:03 PM Megan F.

Prayed the Novena after Mass before Our Blessed Mother at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, PA. God Bless!

Prayer to Saint Luke
Most charming and saintly Physician, you were animated by the heavenly Spirit of love. In faithfully detailing the humanity of Jesus, you also showed his divinity and his genuine compassion for all human beings. Inspire our physicians with your professionalism and with the divine compassion for their patients. Enable them to cure the ills of both body and spirit that afflict so many in our day. Amen.
on October 18, 2011 at 3:37 PM Linda

My heartfelt prayers go out to Jon, his family and friends. You will be truly missed and I can’t accept the fact that you are no longer with us. I will remember you as the person that you were. You spoke for alot of innocent little lives and we all thank you for that. May you continue to do that from heaven. All of us here at AMU are saddened by this tragedy. RIP Jon you will never be forgotten.
on October 18, 2011 at 5:42 PM Rose L

We’ll be praying for your family and the repose of your soul, Jon. You died working for God, and as a hero. Please pray for us while you’re in heaven. You will never be forgotten, and we will always love you.
on October 18, 2011 at 8:12 PM E

Poor thing. What an angel.
on October 20, 2011 at 1:49 PM Rosanna Carabelas and Clark Kasheta

May Jon find rest in the arms of our Blessed Mother and Peace in God’s eternal love. For his family, no words can comfort this overwhelming loss. Know that you all will continue to be in our prayers for the grace of strength to get by one day at a time.
on December 31, 2011 at 12:42 PM Coming Home’s Top Ten for 2011 « Coming Home

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