(A testimonial from the bulletin cover of June 28-29, 2008)
THANK YOU FATHER GENE
We've grown accustomed to your face, Father Gene.
We've come to look forward to that shock of silver hair lighting
up our altar week after week..
We've come to feel like family - getting together at the end of a
week of work or just everyday trials- to celebrate Mass with you and to learn
from you.
Your lessons were never lofty, never out of reach, but rather simple messages
encouraging us to revel in the wonders of the world around us, to take care of
our earth. and most of all, to love each other.
You set the bar high as you challenged us to be better, to live better, to love
better. Your passion for peace, your desire for fairness,
acceptance, and social justice were messages we heard loud and clear
as you encouraged us to be involved and to do our part.
You have loved us well, fed us well, and led us well. If each of us were to tell
of how you have touched our lives, the list would roll down West Main Road from
Newport to Portsmouth - and back again. You have been tireless in your service
to us as we have been sick, dying, troubled or in need. You have laughed with us
and cried with us, You have baptized our babies, given us communion, heard our
confessions, blessed our marriages, and laid our loved ones to rest. Indeed, you
have been Jesus to us. We have been wonderfully blessed and you will be greatly
missed.
We have no doubt that the Lord will be with you as you drive off into the
sunset! What better blessings could we bestow on you than those of your
ancestors ...
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we
meet again
May God hold you gently in the palm of His hand.