This morning we celebrated the Funeral Mass of Fr. McGinty. It was a privilege to share in it. The church was packed. The altar was filled with priests from all over the Diocese to concelebrate with Archbishop Conti.
Everything about the Mass was just right. There was dignity, there was respect, there was wonderful singing. And there was silence in Church before, during and after the Mass.
Speaking personally, I find it sad that there can be so much noise before and immediately after many Masses. It can be hard to find a few moments of quiet reflection after so many Masses. Today there was no noise, no chatter, no laughter. And for me, that added to the solemnity of the occasion. Everyone was aware that this was not a time for idle chatter and gossip.
Reverence is one of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and silence during Mass is surely a sign of reverence. It demonstrates that we are aware that in Mass, we are in the Presence of God, hidden in the Tabernacle under the appearance of bread. Over recent years, that reverent silence has been lost. Not deliberately. It has just slowly disappeared. I am now aware that some priests are trying to restore that silence with little "Silence Please" notices. Please God, we will all re-find our sense of reverence at Mass.
Today was a fitting celebration of the 40 plus years that Father McGinty spent as a Priest of the Catholic Church. It was strange to see the photograph of a younger Fr. McGinty in the Mass booklet. I nearly did not recognise him!
We will all miss him and we will keep him in our prayers. If he does not need them, then I am sure he will make excellent use of them for those are in need of prayers.
And his sermons......someone should turn them into a book! Often, a sermon is something to be endured. Not so Father Mc Ginty's!! We looked forward to them. You always learned something about God, or Bible history, or Jewish life and practices. There was never a wasted word.
May he rest in Peace.
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