Priests of the Archdiocese gathered at Our Lady of Lourdes parish on 2 September to bid farewell to a much loved member of their family, Fr Willie Mone. The principal concelebrant was Vicar General Mgr Hugh Bradley. Archbishop Tartaglia was unable to be present but sent a message of condolence to Fr Willie’s family. Archbishop Emeritus Conti was also present.
The church was full for the funeral Mass, with parishioners from across the diocese attending to pay their respects, and joining Fr. Willie’s extended family. The music of the liturgy was led by members of the St Mungo Singers.
Mgr Hugh said in his homily that the first phrase that came into his mind when thinking of Fr Willie was “Well done, good and faithful servant” for that was what he had been. Mgr. Hugh reflected that Fr Willie had always been generous and encouraging to fellow priests. He had also always spoken with fondness and love of all the parishes he had ministered in, and he had had a strong devotion to Our Lady.
Mgr Bradley speaking at the funeral
Mgr. Hugh brought smiles to the faces of the congregation when he recalled Fr. Willie’s other great love which had seen him driving with his brother all the way to Lisbon for a certain European Cup final.
At the end of the Mass Archbishop Conti said that the presence of so many in the church was an expression of their respect for Fr. Willie, and it was not with a sense of sadness but rather one of joy that we sent him on his way to the Father who created him, the Son who was his saviour and the Spirit who had sanctified him.
