The 99-Year-Old Altar Boy

"You could say that Melvin Harris became an altar boy a little late in life.  Actually, he was 97, which makes it a 'lot late' in life.  Still, it wasn't too late because he is now a vital part of three parish communities in the Columbus, Ohio area.

"Harris was raised Baptist, but found himself impressed by the masses he saw when he worked his childhood job of delivering newspapers at St. Anthony Hospital.  With the influence of a Catholic neighbor, he converted at age 12.

"As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, Harris only became an altar server two years ago when his elderly sister couldn't handle it anymore.  Rev. Joshua Wagner, pastor of three local parishes, relies on the 99-year-old to serve his weekday and weekend masses.  He said, '[Melvin] is one of the happiest people I have ever met.  We've talked about some of the crises in his life, and I know it's his faith that has gotten him through.'

"Harris himself remains grounded in God's love.  He said, 'I believe if God made me, God has to love me because I'm part of His making.'"

This is a recent "Three Minutes a Day" offering from The Christophers. (Three Minutes a Day is an annual book that is designed to offer inspirational stories and reflections for each day of the year. For more information about this publication, please visit "The Christophers in Print.")