Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Msgr. George Thompson 1941-2019


Your Excellencies – Bishop Peter, Bishop Dom, our Regional Dean Father Jay Backes, our now retired Dean Msgr. Jim Sullivan, brother priests, deacons, Religious sisters, parishioners of St. Columba, friends of Msgr. Thompson. Welcome, thank you for coming today to pray with us for Msgr. George Thompson. Bishop-Elect Colacicco is on retreat or he also would have joined us tonight.
The question was asked - Have you ever thought of becoming a priest? I had just finished lectoring the 5:15 pm Sunday Mass at St. John & Mary Church in Chappaqua.
Now, at that time, I have no idea what a vocation director was. All I knew was that he was Father Thompson – and he said Mass on the weekends at our parish – I served many Masses for him over the years, and that all our parishioners loved him – a wonderful homilist and a good priest.
Soon after, I entered college seminary and he would move on to forming young candidates for the priesthood at Cathedral Prep Seminary. What a great example he gave his students! During this time, he began his involvement with Cursillo – 40 years!
Eight years later, All Saints Day, 1981 – I offered my first Mass – with him by my side.
Msgr. Thompson had an interesting and varied priesthood. From the Prep he became Pastor of St. Denis in Yonkers, and 5 years later, Cardinal O’Connor asked him to work at the Office for Priest Personnel. He and the Cardinal worked very closely together, assigning priests, and working with priests who were having physical, spiritual or emotional issues. He admired Cardinal O’Connor for his compassion toward priests, and they made a great team together.
In 2002, he went back to parish ministry, and he spent 14 years at St. Patrick’s in Bedford. As it turned out, I was his last move as Personnel Director – off to St. Stephen, Warwick.
Years later Father George Hafemann and I started a Clergy Reflection Group, which still meets at Bishop Dom’s house, and Msgr. Thompson soon joined us. What a joy to see him each month!
In 2016 and close to retirement – he spoke with me - Can I come live with you?  Really?   What a blessing for the people of St. Columba. This was a priest who gave himself totally to God. He was centered completely in the Mass. He was a man of deep prayer. He loved to teach and taught both adults and children. He counseled many. At the same time, Cardinal Dolan asked him to represent Retired Priests on the Priest Council, and was asked to visit and counsel our newly ordained priests.
Now - To live with him – a new experience - education in wine (best wine from the Finger Lakes is Dry Riesling, better when Fr. Connolly imitates him) - Mets and Yankees – Barton Farm Apple Cider Donuts – his world travels – unfailing joy, laughter and good fun.
It was shocking when he came home one year ago last September acting confused. What had happened to him?
Could no longer celebrate Mass (can you imagine?) – he needed extra help – I did not need to ask - Staff stepped up to the plate, particularly – Laura (Diner) – Gary (dressing) - Father C. (many acts of kindness & wine!) and Bill Carey for doctor trips. I am grateful to all of them!
During this, we kept Bishop Walsh, Vicar for Priests & Deacon Steve DiMartino, Priest Wellness, in the loop. They came to visit and gave us their constant support. Thanks!  
It broke hearts to send him off to the St. John Vianny Clergy Residence – but received excellent care – and we knew he was safe. Special thanks to Mena, Shanaz and his nursing staff who provided 24 hour care.
Msgr. used to visit sick priests with Card O’Connor, especially those near death - The Cardinal would remind them that they were never more powerful, never more a priest, when they offered their sufferings for Christ.  During these last months, Msgr Thompson became even more like Christ - the Priest, the Altar, the Lamb of Sacrifice. All Saints Day, (38 years after my first Mass) he was called home.
Behold, I make all things new – stone is rolled away –why do you look for the living among the dead?
Thank you, Father, for this extraordinary priest – his work is done. May God in His mercy give him safe lodging, and holy rest, and peace at the last. Amen.