Bishop McDevitt Assembly #920 would like to make you aware of blessings received and continue to be received by praying to Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney.
On or about December 15, 2025, our Worthy Brother, Mel McConnell, FN, FDD, had not responded to his relatives after repeated tries. A wellness check was completed, and he was found in his apartment on the floor.
911 was called and he was transported to the York Hospital.
It was determined that Mel had a very serious stroke. The left side of his body was lifeless. Vision and ability to speak were problematic.
Mel was put on our Blessed Father J. Michael McGivney prayer list immediately and communication sent out to council and 4th degree members.
After several weeks at York Hospital working with physical and occupational therapists, Mel was taken to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital. He still could not feel his left arm and leg. Speech and vision were still a problem. Mel received treatment at this facility for several weeks and was then transferred to Seaton Springwood, a Personal & Memory Care Community.
Mel had a hernia problem that was not resolved before his stroke. Additionally, he had four nodules in his stomach that needed to be biopsied and treated or removed.
His hernia became so painful that he was transported to the York Hospital Emergency Room on February 23, 2026. Two surgeries and two surgical teams were scheduled for 1:00pm surgery on February 24th. The hernia on his lower right abdomen was to be repaired. Team #1. Four nodules in his stomach were to be biopsied. Team #2.
The hernia was repaired. When Team #2 looked for the four nodules, they were gone. This may have been the result of prayers to Blessed Father J. Michael McGivney.
Mel is a fighter and we have noticed steady improvement with his stroke recovery.
On June 6, 2026, the York Revolution, our minor league baseball team, held a Knights of Columbus evening. Mel had a dream that he threw out the first pitch. Not knowing where this thought came from, an inquiry was made. Matt Raley, our Faithful Comptroller, advised that he joked with Mel about throwing out the first pitch, since he was going to the game. Thanks to Faithful Comptroller, Matt Raley, working with the front office, the dream became a reality.
Mel McConnell is noted throwing out the first pitch in the attached picture. The crowd roared when they noted his "windup and the pitch."
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Brown
Past Faithful Navigator
Bishop McDevitt Assembly #920
(717) 668-0509-Cell Phone
Email Address: [email protected]
