- 31 July, 2026
Arizona, July 31, 2026 : After nearly a century of life marked by war, public service and personal loss, World War II veteran Raymond “Ray” Martin Sr. has fulfilled a lifelong spiritual desire by becoming a Catholic at the age of 98.
Martin, who lives in Tucson, Arizona, was baptised, confirmed and received his First Holy Communion on 16 July in a deeply moving ceremony held at his assisted living home. His remarkable journey to the Catholic Church was inspired by the enduring faith of his late wife, Ann Marie, and the encouragement of a hospice chaplain who helped him prepare for the sacraments.
His story is a powerful reminder that God's call can be answered at any stage of life.
Before embracing the Catholic faith, Martin had already lived an extraordinary life of service.
He served in the United States Army during the Second World War, spending time in Okinawa, Japan, and the Philippines. After returning home, he devoted 27 years to law enforcement as a police officer in Illinois.
His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life, earning the respect of those around him.
It was this shared background in policing that first connected him with Deacon Jacinto “Jack” Trevino, a hospice chaplain and parochial associate at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in the Diocese of Tucson.
Although Martin had never been baptised, Catholicism had long been part of his life through his wife, Ann Marie.
He regularly accompanied her to Mass, prayed the Rosary alongside her and quietly embraced many Catholic devotions. Even without formally joining the Church, he often prayed the Act of Contrition and developed a deep belief in Christ and the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
During conversations with Deacon Trevino, Martin revealed that becoming Catholic had always been close to his heart.
"He expressed true belief in Christ and the teaching of the Catholic Church," Trevino said. "He believed in the Eucharist and understood the importance of Baptism and Confirmation."
Martin's declining health gave new urgency to his request.
Having survived several falls, a previous stroke and other serious health challenges, he suffered another stroke in May that left those around him fearing for his life. Remarkably, he recovered and clearly expressed his wish to receive the sacraments before it was too late.
Recognising both the sincerity of his faith and his fragile condition, Deacon Trevino and Father Edson Elizarraras sought permission to use the Church's shorter Order of Christian Initiation for those in danger of death.
The request was granted, allowing Martin to receive Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist without delay.
The ceremony took place in the assisted living home's lounge, specially prepared with crosses and banners for the occasion. Family members, caregivers and fellow residents gathered to witness the historic moment.
As Father Elizarraras approached him, Martin smiled through tears, fully aware of the significance of the day.
When asked if he desired Baptism and eternal life through Christ, he responded firmly: "I do, yes!"
Throughout the liturgy, he remained deeply attentive, occasionally closing his eyes in prayer before opening them as the baptismal waters were poured over him.
"It was one of the most important days of his life," Father Elizarraras recalled.
Following the Mass, those present celebrated with cupcakes, marking the beginning of Martin's new life in the Catholic faith.
Martin's first concern after receiving the sacraments was how he could continue receiving Holy Communion since he was unable to attend Mass regularly.
Deacon Trevino assured him that Communion would be brought directly to him, while he could continue participating in Mass through EWTN broadcasts.
He also asked for a St. Christopher medal, choosing the saint as his Confirmation patron.
Reflecting on the occasion, Father Elizarraras quoted Pope Benedict XVI, who wrote that becoming a Christian is "the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction."
For Raymond Martin, that encounter came at the age of 98. After a lifetime of service and quiet faith, he finally discovered what one visitor later described as the "great treasure"—full communion with the Catholic Church.
Courtesy : EWTN News (Kate Quiñones)
Photo courtesy of Deacon Jack Trevino
© 2026 CATHOLIC CONNECT POWERED BY ATCONLINE LLP
