Eulogy

Father Patrick O’Dwyer

(The Love of God Among Us)

July 24, 2009

St. Bruno Church

 

The love of God has brought us here today as we bid farewell to Father Patrick O’Dwyer. Honestly, we are filled with mixed emotions. In faith we are joyful that Father O’Dwyer has gone to be with God in Heaven. In thankfulness we recall the blessings we received because of Father O’Dwyer; but in our humanity we are saddened that we won’t be able to see Father again in this life.

As we prayerfully bid him farewell, we are filled with special memories. We remember the happy times, the humorous situations, and the sad times too. As the memories flash by we can almost hear his deep voice, that laugh; and we can almost see his smile.

Is that him sitting outside on the bench as school is dismissed? We can visualize him there, chatting with parents and students. We can picture the man, the pastor, but most especially the priest….the Alter Christus…Christ among us.

Through Father O’Dwyer’s tireless energy and compassionate priestly service we were touched by the love of God, day after day. Father was patient and kind. He always had time for you – the young, the parent, the elderly, the sick.

If you had a problem Father O’Dwyer would do all he could to solve it. He was a happy man who relished helping others spriritually and practically. Father O’Dwyer was clearly happiest when he was among his people. He was with us in life and in death. As a parishioner lay on his deathbed, Father asked if that young dad would allow him to be buried next to him, and the man said yes. So, today, Father will be buried between two of his parishioners at Queen of Heaven.

Father loved the children, and he truly enjoyed listening to their take on things. He took great pleasure in sharing their stories. He diligently and faithfully supported the school and looked out for the students, teachers, and staff.

Father O’Dwyer was always there for the sick and infirm. His regular visits were his trademark, and the Sacraments he brought were of great consolation to all. We will never forget his compassion and care.

Father was a churchman. He remodeled the church and installed the baptismal pool at the back, but somehow kept the tabernacle in the center of the Sanctuary. He built the Father Cooley Parish Center, air conditioned the school, and presided over countless carnivals. He had the exact count of things, right down to the last penny.

He was a numbers man too. At the conclusion of a devout and prayerful Easter Vigil or Midnight Mass, Father O’Dwyer would always look at his watch and repeat just how many minutes the Mass had taken.

He led the way in charitable drives always making the first contribution himself. He paid off debts, and often ahead of schedule. He also kept adults, children, and beasts off the new parish center wall.

Many recall how Father O’Dwyer brought them into the church through Baptism; gave them First Communion; witnessed their marriage; baptized their children; and buried their loved ones. His presence and his actions surely brought God among us.

With Father O’Dwyer, it always seemed that he knew exactly what to say. Less than a month ago he buried a young man from St. Bruno who died of diabetes. Many at that funeral marveled at Father’s kind and encouraging words that seemed just right. Father O’Dwyer loved working behind the scenes to make good things happen. He was modest and humble in his service to God and His people. He always looked out for the little guy…like altar servers at weddings when the nervous groom forgot their stipends; like the homeless guy who needed a few bucks, again and again; or like the mom who couldn’t afford tuition, because her husband had deserted her; or like the young family watching their dad die of cancer.

Father O’Dwyer was our shepherd, our leader. It was he who terminated his vacation and came back from Ireland early when Father Jim’s brother passed away. It was Father O’Dwyer who wept at his own weakness and publicly told us that he was going away to overcome it…..and he did!

Everyone here is better off for having known Father O’Dwyer. He has lived out God’s love among us. His service, his example, his spirituality have forever changed us. The words of St. Paul on love fit pretty well: Father O’Dwyer was patient; he was kind. He was not jealous or pompous or inflated; he was not rude. He did not seek his own interests; he was not quick tempered. He never failed us.

n thanksgiving to God for sharing Father Patrick O’Dwyer with us, may each of us continue to put God’s love into practice every day of our lives just like he did. May Father O’Dwyer, beloved friend, priest, and pastor rest in peace. Amen

 

Deacon Michael Freeman