There is a very interesting article featured today on the American Catholic website. It is about the son of Red Skelton, who died of leukemia, just days before his tenth birthday, in 1958. The article also highlights another side of Red, which was his devotion to children, especially those who were suffering or handicapped. As a child, Richard Skelton, although raised a Protestant by his Masonic father, had Catholic religious cards and statues all over his bedroom, the fruit of being educated at a Catholic school. The Skelton’s had a private audience with Pope Pius XII after Richard’s fatal illness had been diagnosed. Just a day or so Richard’s death a parcel arrived for him from the Vatican. It was a crucifix which he had requested from the Holy Father in a personal letter. It came in time for the nine year-old to hold it between his folded hands in his coffin.
Here is the inspiring story.
