19-01 2021 08:13
wrote:
Sorry, as ever weak in technology, I posted too quickly. Rauiri mentioned that he was sometimes jealous of how much women loved Michael. I was sometimes a little jealous of his brilliant mind. How can you be so eloquent and write so well, ask questions in such an insightful manner - even at 90? His intellect was a real gift, but it was not what drew people to love him. That was his warmth and love for others. He got people, especially young people. I remember one of his lectures at an AIDS Conference in Ethiopia. He followed four charismatic and brilliant African women. He asked us to sympathize - how could he possibly follow such wonderful women and then proceeded to electrify the room. When he came out of the lecture theatre, he was surrounded by young people who loved him so much. Michael, you truly were an inspiration to us all. The funeral Mass yesterday was wonderful and demonstrated what a hero you were. He was true to his Jesuit faith and to God. Fr. Peter Carroll’s homily explaining how Michael was faithful to the Apostolic preferences of the Jesuit order was so apt - his commitment to God, his love of people, his commitment to the poor, his love of the environment and his garden, his empathy and compassion for all those suffering. The choir was outstanding and the love that all the young Jesuit priests had for Michael was very evident. I would like to thank them and the Zambian people for adopting Michael and loving him so much. For us nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins and friends, some in Ireland some far flung throughout the world Michael’s death has brought us closer. He kept in touch with all of us, always interested, always supportive and loving - and as John said, always providing good perspective on the issues and challenges we faced. Michael had an extraordinary ability to keep in touch with so many people, he valued and loved people so much and we all felt his love as a constant presence in our lives. I will miss your smile, your sense of humour and your wisdom, but you have gone home to God and you will be welcomed there by Uncle Mick, Aunt Agnes and all the people who love you. I thank God for the gift of you. Anne
19-01 2021 08:13
wrote:
Sorry, as ever weak in technology, I posted too quickly. Rauiri mentioned that he was sometimes jealous of how much women loved Michael. I was sometimes a little jealous of his brilliant mind. How can you be so eloquent and write so well, ask questions in such an insightful manner - even at 90? His intellect was a real gift, but it was not what drew people to love him. That was his warmth and love for others. He got people, especially young people. I remember one of his lectures at an AIDS Conference in Ethiopia. He followed four charismatic and brilliant African women. He asked us to sympathize - how could he possibly follow such wonderful women and then proceeded to electrify the room. When he came out of the lecture theatre, he was surrounded by young people who loved him so much. Michael, you truly were an inspiration to us all. The funeral Mass yesterday was wonderful and demonstrated what a hero you were. He was true to his Jesuit faith and to God. Fr. Peter Carroll’s homily explaining how Michael was faithful to the Apostolic preferences of the Jesuit order was so apt - his commitment to God, his love of people, his commitment to the poor, his love of the environment and his garden, his empathy and compassion for all those suffering. The choir was outstanding and the love that all the young Jesuit priests had for Michael was very evident. I would like to thank them and the Zambian people for adopting Michael and loving him so much. For us nieces, nephews, grand nephews, grand nieces, cousins and friends, some in Ireland some far flung throughout the world Michael’s death has brought us closer. He kept in touch with all of us, always interested, always supportive and loving - and as John said, always providing good perspective on the issues and challenges we faced. Michael had an extraordinary ability to keep in touch with so many people, he valued and loved people so much and we all felt his love as a constant presence in our lives. I will miss your smile, your sense of humour and your wisdom, but you have gone home to God and you will be welcomed there by Uncle Mick, Aunt Agnes and all the people who love you. I thank God for the gift of you. Anne
