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.
