A TRIBUTE TO FR TOM MOLLOY C.SSR BY OUR PARISH POET
ONE OF THOSE DAYS
You would have enjoyed the occasion.
But, sadly for us,
You were invited to Another Prestigious Event,
Which no one is allowed to reject.
Nevertheless, unsurprisingly,
You were the principal motif
In the lovely procedures
Which celebrated your long, fruitful life.
Relations and friends gathered
In a place familiar to you,
Remembering and recounting the many occasions
When your smile, humour and joie de vivre,
Momentarily drew us into your Unique world.
Family and friends read meaningful passages,
Close Confreres celebrated the sacred rituals,
Stirring organ music, accompanied by tuneful vocals,
Andre Bocelli's throat-catching recording of “Ave Maria”,
Drifted heavenwards through shafts of sunlight.
Reverential obsequies performed,
Under cloudless, blue skies and sparkling sun,
A crocodile of chattering devotees
Assembled to add the final chord,
To your touching, memorable farewell.
And what a feast it was!
All the Staff – cooks, carers, ancillaries,
Who had cared for you –
And whose lives you had touched –
Produced detectable Fare,
Which would have set you singing!
And so ended a special day.
Sad? Of course.
Nostalgic? Certainly.
But,
Hearts full of thanksgiving and happiness.
We had trodden on your Path,
Perhaps briefly,
But what memories we shall treasure!
Eileen Murray © September 2026
