The newly decorated sanctuary of the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, resplendent in its golden framing, hosted a very special occasion on Wednesday. Paul Duffy's relatives could not be traced, so a congregation packed with parishioners from our own and those of other Lymington churches took part in a truly splendid requiem Mass offered for him by Fr Danny. Homeless Paul was welcomed home that day and received in our Church the care and the respect every human being deserves. We pray that his soul may now rest in peace.
His beloved black labrador Kim was brought to the church, sat under the front pew, and behaved beautifully throughout the service. But once she was outside she was so playful that it was difficult to get a good photo of her.
(The redecoration of the sanctuary was by Lee Decor.)
1 comment:
The service for Paul was achingly lovely. It was moving to see so many parishioners, other local churchgoers and people associated with OLMSJ all anxious to pay their respects to a man who apparently had no family. A german philosopher, Johann Schiller, said "It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons". Being without a "home" and without discernible "family" can be acutely painful, both socially and spiritually, but Paul seems to have been blessed with the gift of inspiring friendship and kindness in strangers.
Both Father Danny and Joy Bingham from The River of Life Community spoke with real affection about Paul, and the music was poignant but joyful. Kim's behaviour throughout the service was also a tribute to Paul's kindness to her, although she did think I was a small snack before the service!
I'm sure Paul looked on this celebration of a life that touched so many people in diverse ways and thought "Wow!" It was a privilege to be part of it.
God bless, Gigi
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