Today is the eighth anniversary of my father’s death, may he rest in peace. It is the sixth anniversary of the election of Pope Francis, may he be an instrument of peace.
Bill was my “holy” father – not in any pious way but through the sincerity of a good man. He worked hard and did more to help than to hinder. He was gifted in so many ways and his mind and wit were sharp. “Anything for a quiet life”, he’d say, jokingly, when going along with something my mother wanted to do or something she had said! His finest work was shown in his care for that same mother, when her health declined and he put everything he had into caring for her – loving her, I suppose – in a way that I hope to never forget.
Pope Francis too is a good man. I believe he has sought to do so much to make our church more like family than institution – more like home than a museum. He hasn’t had it easy. There are many who disagree with his approach. I have said before that when I first saw him six years ago, my heart sank as he looked so lost and bewildered and (not wanting to be ageist but I have to say it) old! I thought he was not what we needed and then he spoke: “Good evening”, he said – “Buonasera” – and St Peter’s came alive. My heart lifted and he has never given me any reason to doubt his desire to reach out to people.
Today, I am remembering that chair in Knock and the carved candle holder that greeted him when he walked, in silence, into the Apparition Chapel and prayed at the Gable Wall. The chair and candle holder speak to me today about giving someone a chance to sit down and rest and about having a conversation that brings light and hope to the fore. The candle holder, made from the wood of a fallen tree, speaks of the chance to re-shape and find new purpose for what might all too easily be discarded.
That reminds me of Bill too!! He fixed what another might throw away.
Bill,
We remember you
as a hard worker
and a decent man,
as a good husband
and gentle father,
as a willing neighbour
and good example,
as a man of prayer
and rooted in faith,
as a story-teller
and lover of story told,
as a good listener
and wise speaker,
as a man of honour
and one who did his best,
as one who lived life
and gave to the end.
Remembered and missed,
cherished and loved.
Always.