Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

In November 2022, Edward Visel, at the age of 36, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His sister, Sister Jeana Visel, OSB, began asking family and friends to pray for him through Father Augustine Tolton. "I knew from the beginning that this was probably going to be a terminal illness," she stated.

Edward underwent chemotherapy and radiation but eventually went on hospice care in March 2024. He passed away on March 11 after a difficult journey with the disease.

Despite not receiving physical healing, Sister Jeana believes Edward experienced spiritual healing during his illness. She recounted how he had distanced himself from his faith after college but later returned to it. In early January 2024, he received Communion and was anointed. "He now was open to the faith," said Sister Jeana.

Edward's final days were marked by pain and withdrawal from medications. His mother helped him find peace through spiritual guidance. After his death, a Catholic funeral was held at St. Anthony of Padua in Rockford.

Sister Jeana credits Father Tolton’s prayers for Edward's spiritual journey and continues to hope for Father Tolton's sainthood recognition.

Father Augustine Tolton was born into slavery in 1854 and became a significant figure in the Catholic Church despite facing racial barriers in his pursuit of priesthood. He died in 1897 and is buried at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Quincy.