Just got word that Father Bernie Gilgun, Catholic Worker and priest, has died. He had suffered a stroke over the weekend.
Here’s a remembrance from Michael Boover. There are many older Pie and Coffee items about him.
Father Bernie prepares for mass, 2006
Update: The wake will be on Thursday, April 28, 2011 from 3:00-7:00 PM, and the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 29, 2011 at 11:00 AM, both at Saint Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury.
Elsewhere:
I can still hear Father bernie saying with vigor, “stay on the path”. A nice man who will be missed a day at a time. Tommy
from Charlestown, Ma.
Drawing from deep wells of sorrow and love, Father Bernie brought forth torrents of energy that could comfort and confuse, take apart and make whole. He won’t mind that we have kind and sad words for him, but we shouldn’t spend too much time on it. There’s still important work to be done.
Although we have lost touch, the connection will always be. Mom is celebrating her 70th birthday this weekend. That’s 10 sevens! I was thinking about Bernie and the many times he cheered mom for her connection to the wonderful number 7 – he told us regularly what a gift it was for each of us to be part of our big family with amazing Ellen for our mom.
We have been blessed to know Father Gilgun. His spirit and memory are deeply rooted in our hearts and in the love or our family.
I spent my teenage years listening to Fr. Gilgun’s sermons at The House of Ammon. He was a great priest. He confirmed me and probably did my first commumion but I don’t remember that.He was my mom and dad’s priest. He was at my wedding in Ayer where his cousin Fr, Barrett was a priest there. When I found out that they were cousins I had to have Fr. Gilgun there!
To all of his brothers and sisters; he talked about you often. He was pround to be a part of a big family and praised my mom for having a large family. He liked the fact that there were seven of us. He would always say that seven is God;s number.
I hadn’t seen Fr. Gilgun in years but he was a big part of my life and I will miss him.
The world will miss a great priest and a great person. He lived for the unfortunate. Whatever he could do, he did. Thanks Father Gilgun….
Hi Father Bernie just stopped by to tell you you I love you and miss our dinners and meetings together. You were an important part of my life the last 25 years, rest in peace my friend. You will always be in my heart.
Love and prayers, Rich W