Encouraging Words on Death of a Loved One

Fr. Gerald McGovern, OMI, a Catholic Missionary was my uncle, I remember him as the man who helped me as a child when I needed help most. His compassion and love is what we needed as a family then and now. Sadly, he passed away on December 16, 2013. He was a man who gave so much, for so long, a man who today receives his reward surrounded by family and our Lord Jesus.

I was fortunate to visit Jerry and the other Priests that lived with him, for a few days in June 2013. It was a magnificent visit where I was able to not only visit, but also get to know the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. I wrote the following poem and firmly believe what I write is a tribute to these men who sacrifice so much to help so many; asking nothing in return.



Missionary Oblates Of Mary Immaculate

I came to reminisce

of childhood dreams

Instead, I discovered

Priests

whose lives entwine.

Their character

far surpasses mine,

giving freely of self,

a sacrifice

few would endure,

taking Christ as Lord,

Mary as Mother.

I listen to stories

only they can recite,

of life and death;

part of a missionary's life.

Tending God's flock,

accepting danger

extending His love

in nations where

poor congregate,

seeking His word.

Priests, of the

Missionary Oblates of

Mary Immaculate,

will spread their hands

roll their sleeves,

make a difference

where often,

their lives are meaningless

to those they serve.

Death does not frighten

these men of God,

it is a life...

a life of sacrifice,

love,

commitment,

service to fellow man.

A life they chose,

for life,

they remain committed,

wherever called, they go,

years away from family,

messages from home encourage,

stimulate their words

that save so many souls.

When their time on this earth is done,

they join family and friends,

separated for most of their lives,

reunited,

living through eternity

as God's Heavenly Apostles;

missionaries to all men.



Fr. Jerry McGovern, OMI

Fr. Jerry was a special man

who came along in a time

when he was needed most.

A time when men believed and sacrificed;

when hero's walked the earth in mass.

When belief was not just a word

but,

by what men lived and judged

the worth of each,

A man who lived a life

most of us cannot comprehend.

An era now gone

as his missionary work ends

at this station, and begins anew

in Heaven.

As you begin, your journey to Jesus,

we salute you; we miss you.

What greater honor,

when a person moves forward,

they leave behind in each of us

the best of what they were.

A defender, protector, supporter,

an Oblate warrior, one of the few,

when Oblate's set forth risking their lives

ministering to the world's poor and oppressed

through Jesus and Mary

with comfort and light.

Fr. Jerry has entered God's Kingdom

taking him away from us for now.

Those of us who remain behind,

remember, and will continue to remember,

because he now resides forever in our hearts.

As I look up

at night, I envision Fr. Jerry

at a place of honor,

he sits, with open arms

giving God's blessing,

a guardian of

Heaven's gate.

Fr. Gerald McGovern is one of God's great missionaries. As a child, I saw him as a missionary to me; as an adult as a missionary to men; now, a missionary to all men. He resides in a special place in my heart until we see each other again.

Jerry may you rest in peace and your legacy live on through family, and future generations may know you through your poetry and life accomplishments.

God Bless and keep you. This is not the end; it is the beginning.

"No matter what you write, someone will love it."

More Mac McGovern's "Interchanging Poetry", articles, and blogs may be found at: http://allpoetry.com/mac_mcgovern

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 By Mac McGovern


Article Source: Encouraging Words on Death of a Loved One