“Saints of God, come to his aid; come to meet him angels of the Lord.
“Receive his soul and present him to God, the most high.”
The Requiem was about to conclude. Family, friends, priests and religious had filled the Church. Bishop Welton, surrounded by many concelebrants including Mark Levitt, had led the liturgy, had spoken glowingly of Simon’s gifts and hopes for the future. Julian, Eddie and Joe, still in semi-shock, listened half-heartedly. But the final words of the homily, “…now it was time for God to call Simon to Himself…” were too much for Joe. Had not Julian gently touched his arm, he was on the point of shouting, “No! No!”
“Later!” whispered Julian.
As the ceremony progressed, each had occasionally glanced towards the casket at the foot of the altar. Simon – it just seemed unreal. But, it was all too real!
As they recessed with all the clergy, the choir chanted ‘Te Deum.’ The poignant memory struck each friend as they continued in silence.
Outside, they accepted Bishop Levitt’s invitation to be driven to the cemetery. The drive proceeded in silence, each battling inner thoughts and feelings of sadness, grief and anger.
The sadness of the crowd lay heavily as they joined in the final prayers of farewell. The grief of Marj and Gary Jackson was evident as they farewelled their only child. The sadness of all in farewelling a young family member, friend or pastor was also evident. Not so evident was the anger, not only of his three friends but of others who held suspicions something was amiss, causing the death of this popular young priest.