Joe was a regular at 12:00 noon mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. He usually sat in the balcony and was meticulous about wearing a suit to mass every Sunday. He could always be counted on to take up the collection in the balcony. While taking up the collection, he was always sure to give an affectionate pat on the shoulder to people that he recognized from week to week.
Before and after mass he would find his way to the vestibule and make sure to dispense at least a dozen or more big hugs saying things like “Praise the Lord, or Hallelujah Jesus” to anyone who walked within three feet of him.
Big and tall it didn’t matter—he would reach up or bend over. Some newcomers were a little embarrassed by his overt sign of affection, but the regulars came to expect it, and it certainly didn’t matter to Joe. He kept doing it week in and week out.
A spry 79, he was a man of deep faith. When I was fortunate enough to give him communion, he would take the host and hold it up and shake his head gently from side to side and say “Thank you Jesus” and consume it with incredible awe and reverence. He consumed the precious blood the same way.
He was a humble man who quietly served his Lord and our Order well by his example. Rest in peace at home in the arms of Christ our Brother.
Mark Simpson
East Brainerd
mksimpson2@comcast.net