By Leonard M. Kuras Santa Monica
This letter is being written in praise of Father Maurice Chase... In loud and continuous praise of a man of God who brings love... hope and charity to the poor and homeless in the Los Angeles area.
Week after week father Chase distributes dollar bills to those among us most in need and while the good father brings dollar bills what he leaves is priceless.
What father Chase brings is dignity, choice, honest human compassion and concern.
I speak from experience. I have been the recipient of Father Chase’s kindness. I speak from the heart. I know of nothing that will make a long line of homeless individuals stand taller and smile wider than the knowledge that “Father Dollar” has arrived. A friend has come to call. A good man has come to pay a visit. To stop by and say hello and every soul present. No matter how burdened will be a bit better off when he leaves.
Finally, father Chase brings the timeless message that in God’s eyes, rich and poor are one and the same. Haves and have-nots twin sides of a single coin.
A true friend father Chase treats his friends not as a case worker, not as a job, not as faceless paper plates passing before the evening meal but rather as a human being worthy of love, time, appreciation and respect.
May the Lord grant father Maurice Chase a long and healthy life to continue his mission and may he serve as a shining example for others.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 7, 2002. Read the original PDF.