A message from Fr. Joey…
As I watched the video of the Funeral Mass for Fr. Joe from his home parish in Tignish PEI, I was struck by endearing sentiments as he was referred to as Fr. Joey. His Family and friends gathered around one last time to say farewell before his internment in the native soil that he came from. The presider and homilist, a close friend, Fr. James Willick -King James- as Fr. Joe referred to him, out of respect for his being the pastor to his family for many years. Fr. James related many personal stories from “Fr. Joey’s” youth. A time centred around his faith from his baptism a few weeks old to his funeral which was celebrated in the same church in which they gathered. We should all be so fortunate to be accompanied through life and death by family like that.
Fr. James spoke of Fr. Joey’s vocation, as stemming from a childhood that was rooted in the faithful love and inherent goodness of his family. A love that grew deeper as he was tested by the challenges he faced. To his credit Fr. Joe did very well despite his struggles. One can only wonder at how many more people would have come to know and love him if he was able to focus more fully on his ministry.
As a friend I appreciated his frankness and witty east coast humor as we navigated the challenges of parish ministry. As a brother priest I often noted his preferences in the liturgies and how he related to people. He always chose to put the person ahead of the politics. He had this unique ability to be able to say and do exactly what people needed to see and hear to draw them closer to himself and through him to the church. Despite what seemed like his rebelliousness to it, he once told me, that he held strong convictions towards the church's teachings.
Most priests feel caught between knowing what the church teaches and what the people would like todo. Fr. Joe was able to imbed church teaching in his homespun parables without making people feel burdened by them. To him everyone was a child of God. Everyone was deserving of that love that he received from God’s love. No matter what they have done or how challenging it is for them to follow the rules, love always comes first. Was this not what Jesus did?
Jesus’ ministry focused on the love of God for his people, he often broke customary laws when they came into conflict with God’s commandment to love one another. This was always Fr. Joe’s choice -to do what drew people closer to God. To speak to them in their language of love. And they came in droves.
The message that Fr. Joey shares with us from his native Tignish family is one of a prodigal son who always returned to the love in which he was created and to the people who nurtured that love with him. He lived every one of the beatitudes with us and still shares these blessings with us.
May we all continue to share in these blessings now and forever.
Amen.
Fr. John
Here is the link to the Funeral as it was posted on the St. Simon and St. Jude Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Fz2xfWpDR/
Or scroll down from the main page until you see the post above:
https://www.facebook.com/stsimon.stjude.2025/
