A few days ago, I quite literally happened on fifteen minutes of a YouTube video. It featured a man I have met each summer for more than twenty years. I met him in the context of spending a few weeks each summer in St Agnes’ Cathedral Parish, Rockville Centre, New York. I have mentioned this many times through the years and always enjoy the time I spend there. The first Mass of the day in that parish is at 6.30am and the man featured in the video, Bernie O’Brien, opened the church each morning for that Mass and prepared for the celebration. His loyalty to this hour of the day and the importance of the celebration was incredible.
I watched this video clip – a talk given last Lent in St Agnes’ Cathedral, I am assuming as part of a series of talks, and I was amazed. Some of the detail I knew, not least that Bernie lost his son and son-in-law in the attack on Twin Towers in 2001. The rest of his story was new to me but told with such conviction. I was amused by his reference to a favourite saying of his “The best way to start the day” – referring to Mass. I have to confess there were times I’d have been as happy starting the day a little later!! Bernie relished the morning.
Having watched the video, I decided I wanted to get in contact with Bernie to thank him and say how much I had enjoyed it. It was only when I went to seek contact details, I discovered that he died in January, may he rest in peace. I’m sorry I hadn’t the chance to tell him how special these words were but feel I can share something of his message here.
Vincent. What an incredible gift this Is. Bernie O’Brien’s story… a true testimony to absolute faith and confidence in God’s mercy and providence. And the everlasting gift his parents passed on to him and undoubtedly Bernie has passed on to his children. May he Rest In Peace.
Jeanie and Corky