June 25, 2009

By Rick Winterson

The example he set and the affection he inspired was evident in the outpouring of remembrances of all that the Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell did during his life of service.  Laughter and deep sense of loss were combined in the celebration of his life last weekend.

Twelve days ago, the Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. McDonnell died at Caritas Carney Hospital from the effects of lung cancer.  At the time of his death, he was residing in the rectory of St. Mary’s Church in Dedham.  He was and will always be remembered simply as “Father Tom” by those who knew him.

Born in St. Angela Parish in Mattapan, Father Tom as a youth was a talented scholar-athlete.  He went to B.C. High and on to St. John’s Seminary, ultimately obtaining a Doctorate of Theology in Rome.  In addition to serving as a parish priest, he taught, wrote, and was coordinator of the Archdiocesan handicapped people’s ministry.  

Father Tom was appointed the Pastor of St. Augustine Church in1983, where he served for 25 years.  In 1997, he assumed responsibility for St. Monica Parish as well.  He continued his writing, becoming one of the most prolific columnists and authors in Boston.  With Sr. Peggy Youngclaus, he co-founded The Simon of Cyrene Society, which was devoted to the support of the disabled and their families. 

His concern for others was firmly based upon the Gospel lessons, echoing Matthew 25, “Whatever you have done for the least of my brethren …”  Father Tom called the Gospels “hospitality documents”, referring to the large number of stories that involved or occurred during meals and banquets, from the wedding at Cana to the loaves and fishes.  It was this sort of Gospel-based inspiration that led him to found the food pantry at St. Augustine, supported in part by Father Tom’s ceilis.  The pantry still continues.

The Celebrant of Father Tom’s Funeral Mass was the Most Rev. John Darcy, the Bishop of South Bend, Indiana.  Many priests and deacons who had known Father Tom concelebrated with him.  St. Monica/St. Augustine Church was full – elected officials, businesspeople, community activists, friends, and his parishioners came to remember Father Tom and pay him their last respects. 

The homily was delivered by Fr. John Farrell.  Farrell asked the congregation questions, such as, “Have we loved one another enough?  Have we helped enough?”, making clear reference to Father Tom’s life’s work.  He spoke of Father Tom’s irrepressible sense of humor.  He then concluded with a heartfelt salute, “Thank you Tom, the Tom we loved – our friend.”

William Bulger delivered a few post-Communion reminiscences.  He mentioned their impromptu “Me and My Shadow” routine that eventually made the stage at Symphony Hall.  And he rendered an uncannily accurate impression of Father Tom’s singing voice attempting “Tantum Ergo”, much to the delight of the congregation.

At the end of the Mass, the sense of loss grew strong.  That uniquely Celtic lament, “We’ll not see likes of him come this way again”, hung in the air over Father Tom’s casket. 

Father Tom was laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in West Roxbury.  Remembrances of him may be made to the cause he loved most, The Simon of Cyrene Society (P.O. Box 54; South Boston, MA  02127).

And his work continued right to the end and beyond.  He had promised to baptize their newest grandchild for Ray and Cathy Flynn on Sunday.  Early that Sunday morning, Father Tom died.  A column by Father Tom appeared in the June 11 Dorchester Reporter, entitled “The Infinity of Littleness”.  Wouldn’t you wager that more articles from Father Tom’s backlog will be published in future weeks?  Well done indeed, thou good and faithful servant.

Father Tom may be best remembered for his writings.  Or possibly, his memory will live on in the kindness and care he lavished on those who were disadvantaged in some way.  We’ll see.  But the achievement he himself took the greatest pride in is stated in the two simple words that are carved upon his headstone:  “Parish Priest”.

Godspeed and farewell.

Remembering Fr Tom