Fr. M. John O'Donovan. Fr. John. Fr. Tim. Malachy. Fr. O'Donovan. . . .
. . . MONSIGNOR O' Donovan.
We never really knew what to call him as the years passed by, but he always responded in a kind, thoughtful manner.
Well, St. Peter knew his name and welcomed him through the gate yesterday morning.
Once he reached Heaven, no introductions were needed, at least for the Monsignor.
He knew everyone's name. Never forgot 'em----no matter how seldom he saw them.
And, once he addressed folks by name, the interrogation began, such as I often experienced.
"How's Bill?"
"And, young William?"
"What's Annie doing now?"
Fr. O'Donovan performed our wedding ceremony at St. Joseph's Catholic Church on a June day 40 years ago.
Fr. O'Donovan, having learned the circumstances leading to my mother's divorce from my father, reached out to her and blessed her marriage to my step-father during a special Mass.
One day, when my children were half grown, Fr. John stopped me at the Post Office and asked me "When are you going to get those pagan babies baptized?"
They stood on the altar for their sacrament soon after.
Fr. Tim, along with a Presbyterian minister named Nancy, performed the wedding ceremony for William Edgar Love III and Deborah Loretta Ann Williams 13 years ago.
Irish eyes really smiled that day.
Fr. Tim became MONSIGNOR in 2009 in a beautiful ceremony at the new St. Joseph's, attended by many who had loved him over the years, including Pearl in the lower photo above.
A host of Irish eyes smiled again that day.
Monsignor passed away yesterday morning in his home near St. Joseph's Church.
Since then, Irish eyes and countless other fans of the soft-spoken man with many names smiled through tears, feeling blessed that they had the honor of knowing such a sweet, funny and thoughtful servant of God.
And, they smiled especially because once he knew them, he never forgot.
God Speed to a lovely and tender soul whose memory will always bring a smile to each and every heart who knew and appreciated him on this Earth.
Note: On one of my last visits with the Monsignor, I was looking ahead to a family trip to Ireland.
We talked about some of the wonderful places we would visit, and during our discussion, Monsignor, with his amazing memory, recited the lyrics to the song below.
So, on this morning of reflection, the video seems appropriate. Enjoy.
3 comments:
If anyone wonders what a Roman Catholic priest is they only need to read what you write here. I had the privelege to have known Father Timothy and celebrate a wedding together. He was indeed one of the best.
I loved Fr. Tim and he always knew me, too. He will be missed by many. God's speed is right.
Marianne, You did such a good job of describing him, as you ALWAYS do in your writings about people. You captured him well in words. He was a gem and, thankfully, lived a long life. It is truly a sad day. Ann Gehring.
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