Fr.McGinty Comes Home

At 5pm this evening, the coffin bearing the body of our beloved Parish Priest was brought to St. Patrick's Church in Old Kilpatrick...his church.

The church was filled.....standing room only. That in itself speaks volumes.

His mother, and other members of the family were there. I hope it gave them some comfort to see so many folk there to welcome him home and to spend an hour praying for him. A number of his brother priests were in attendance too.

There were many tears quietly shed. I suppose because it became even clearer tonight that he is not here anymore...that we will not share the Mass with him here.

It was a quiet, dignified service, led by his holiday relief, Fr. Austin from Malawi. He spoke eloquently of Fr McGinty. He has been a great comfort to all of us in the parish since last Sunday. He has said mass every morning for the repose of the soul of Fr McGinty.

It seems a little sad that tomorrow he will be moving to another Parish.

At 6.30pm, the coffin was taken from St Patrick's to St Stephen's in Dalmuir. The body will lie before the altar all night until the funeral Mass tomorrow at 11.30am. (It would have been fitting to have had the funeral mass in St Patrick's, but obviously it is too small to hold all who will wish to attend.)

The service at St Stephen's was dignified too, with many parishioners from many parishes, and many priests. Fr. Tartaglia gave a fitting homily that matched the mood of the evening.

Fr McGinty may not be here, but he is not gone. He has simply moved on to the reward that awaits his selfless work as a priest. For him I am sure there are no tears of sadness. They are reserved for us here still on Earth who mourn him. The readings tonight were full of the promises of Christ...."There are many rooms in My Father's House....."

I am sure Fr. McGinty would not wish us to grieve overlong for him. He was so full of joy and peace. But he will allow us a few more tears tomorrow. Then he will stand waiting for us at Heaven's door, the way he used to stand at the church door at the end of Mass. The only difference will be, instead smiling ans saying "Bye - Bye,"....he'll be smiling and saying..."Hello....I've been waiting on you!"

Eternal Rest grant unto him o Lord,

And let perpetual light shine on him.

Amen.