Father John Micheal O’neal, a Catholic priest from Massachusetts was officially declared dead for around 48 minutes before medics were able to re-start his heart with the aid of a high-tech machine called LUCAS 2, that kept the blood flowing to his brain.
The doctors managed to unblock vital arteries and return his heart to a normal rhythm. They were concerned that he might have suffered some brain damage from the incident, but Father O’neal woke up less than 48 minutes later and appeared to have perfectly recovered.
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In fact the 71-year-old cleric claims he had been to heaven and met God, which he described as a warm and comforting motherly figure.
Dailynaijanews.com reports: The elderly man claims that he has clear and vivid memories of what happened to him while he was dead. He describes a strange out-of-body experience, experiencing an intense feeling of unconditional love and acceptance, as well as being surrounded by an overwhelming light.
He claims that at that point in his experience, he went to heaven and encountered God, which he describes as a feminine, mother-like “Being of Light”.
The declarations of the cleric caused quite a stir in the catholic clergy of the archdiocese over the last few days, causing the Archbishop to summon a press conference to try and calm the rumors.
Despite the disapproval of his superiors, Father O’neal says that he will continue dedicating his life to God and spread the word of the “Holy Mother”.
“I wish to continue preaching” says the elderly cleric. “I would like to share my new knowledge of the Mother, the Son and the Holy Ghost with all catholics and even all Christians. God is great and almighty despite being a woman…”
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston has not confirmed however, if they will allow Father O’neal to resume his preaching in his former parish in South Boston.
Niamh Harris