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
Copyright Information: You may republish this article, provided the text, author credit, active links and this copyright notice remain intact.
By Mac McGovern
Article Source: Encouraging Words on Death of a Loved One
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
Copyright Information: You may republish this article, provided the text, author credit, active links and this copyright notice remain intact.
By Mac McGovern
Article Source: Encouraging Words on Death of a Loved One