It was an evening long-awaited, and in some ways, fraught with a tinge of anxiety.
Even as long as eighteen months ago, Fr. Gerry Kane, Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Rosary (otherwise known as Harold's Cross Church), was objective – almost brusque – about the fact that he was to be assigned to a new parish in the summer of 2017. A tireless administrator and utterly superb pastor, he threw himself into Harold's Cross and made it a beehive, building a parish centre, reinvigorating the liturgy, and, in the last two years, making his community a home for Teach Bhríde, the House of Brigid, when it made its first foray into the city of Dublin.
But this night, this evening, was his last at Harold's Cross, and the parish did what only they could do: allow him to preside over the liturgy one last time, and then have a colossal tea party in the parish centre next door.
My wife and I had been asked, early on, if we could partake in these festivities, and join the choir for the Mass. And so, my trusty backpack encasing my guitar, we set off on the Dublin 16/Ballinteer bus for church. John Egan was at the helm of the choir – and all I had to do was sit in the tiny gallery and play the accompaniment for The Mass for Our Lady – and a few other things I might just know.
What impressed me, though, was the fact that, in the midst of all the acknowledgements of gratitude to Fr. Gerry, three names came up: Geoff Burdell, Emma Fleming, and Biz Honeywell. These three were the members of the House of Brigid this year, and they were mentioned by name as the closing accolades were festooned over Fr. Gerry.
It's one thing to come into a parish and make an American splash – or even, in my case, to come in as a celebrated composer and hear your music being sung. It's quite another when you hear the description of a decade of devoted parochial service, and in that roll call are these words: "the joyful welcome of our Notre Dame students into the parish." And then came their names: Geoff, Emma and Biz.
(Yes, Biz, I know you are a Terp. But I hope you will forgive Harold's Cross this one instance of grouping you with your effervescent leprechaun colleagues).
Clearly, this was not just a shout-out. These three, and the two previous years of Dublin House of Brigid members who came before them, held such an emotional bond with these parishioners that they made the honour roll of memories for this beloved pastor.
There are now watchwords in the Holy Cross lexicon, and they have become part of the verbal DNA of that religious community: "known, loved, and served." To Geoff, Emma and Biz: clearly, you were and are known to this parish. Clearly, they loved you, and you loved them. And clearly, none of this would have taken place had you not served them with selfless devotion.
I stand in awe of my colleagues in the House of Brigid this night. What began as a tiny dream almost a decade ago is touching the lives and changing the hearts of whole parishes. It is nothing short of a grace to behold such a thing.
Even as long as eighteen months ago, Fr. Gerry Kane, Parish Priest at Our Lady of the Rosary (otherwise known as Harold's Cross Church), was objective – almost brusque – about the fact that he was to be assigned to a new parish in the summer of 2017. A tireless administrator and utterly superb pastor, he threw himself into Harold's Cross and made it a beehive, building a parish centre, reinvigorating the liturgy, and, in the last two years, making his community a home for Teach Bhríde, the House of Brigid, when it made its first foray into the city of Dublin.
But this night, this evening, was his last at Harold's Cross, and the parish did what only they could do: allow him to preside over the liturgy one last time, and then have a colossal tea party in the parish centre next door.
What impressed me, though, was the fact that, in the midst of all the acknowledgements of gratitude to Fr. Gerry, three names came up: Geoff Burdell, Emma Fleming, and Biz Honeywell. These three were the members of the House of Brigid this year, and they were mentioned by name as the closing accolades were festooned over Fr. Gerry.
It's one thing to come into a parish and make an American splash – or even, in my case, to come in as a celebrated composer and hear your music being sung. It's quite another when you hear the description of a decade of devoted parochial service, and in that roll call are these words: "the joyful welcome of our Notre Dame students into the parish." And then came their names: Geoff, Emma and Biz.
(Yes, Biz, I know you are a Terp. But I hope you will forgive Harold's Cross this one instance of grouping you with your effervescent leprechaun colleagues).
Clearly, this was not just a shout-out. These three, and the two previous years of Dublin House of Brigid members who came before them, held such an emotional bond with these parishioners that they made the honour roll of memories for this beloved pastor.
There are now watchwords in the Holy Cross lexicon, and they have become part of the verbal DNA of that religious community: "known, loved, and served." To Geoff, Emma and Biz: clearly, you were and are known to this parish. Clearly, they loved you, and you loved them. And clearly, none of this would have taken place had you not served them with selfless devotion.
I stand in awe of my colleagues in the House of Brigid this night. What began as a tiny dream almost a decade ago is touching the lives and changing the hearts of whole parishes. It is nothing short of a grace to behold such a thing.
Relationship and community. Beautiful testament to what is possible when these two things come together. Everything from worship to what we carry forth during the week is so munch richer. And, I'm sure there will be a trickle down effect for the next community Fr. Gerry serves. Blessings to him, Geoff, Emma, and Biz!
ReplyDeleteHi Steve! It's Bill Wack, CSC -- the new bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Can you send me your email address? I'd love to send you a little video of a Mass (with your music) at our co-cathedral. Peace! +Bill
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