A Priest's Priest

Yesterday morning All Saints Church in Haverhill was filled with people of all ages who came to honor and bid farewell to Fr. Dennis T. Nason. It was also the Memorial of St. Denis, as Bishop Irwin, who presided, reminded us. Quite fitting for a man whose life brought the Gospel to life and gave people a sense that "God is here" (Emmanuel), as did St. Denis to the people of what is now Paris in the third century.
The beauty of Fr. Nason's life was reflected in the beauty of the Mass of Christian Burial, enhanced by well chose readings, gifted lectors, the pointed clarity of the homilist and eulogist, and musicians who helped our souls soar to the heavens. Mrs. Susan Navien sang a beautiful responsorial psalm, "I Am the Good Shepherd" by Sister Theophane Hytrek, which underscored Fr. Nason's role as the Good Shepherd and helped us reflect on how blessed all who knew Fr. Nason were as he brought communion to shut-ins, and brought union and community to the new All Saints Parish, which was formed when several Haverhill parishes were combined into this new one. His simple trust in God, his humanity, his faith, his ability to love everyone and thus mirror the love that God has for each of us, all that a priest is supposed to be, won and strengthened hearts to form a cohesive and loving community. As sad as it was to see the front page Headline in the Lawrence Tribune, "A Fond Farewell", it was a joy to see something so positive when most headlines about priests these days center on their failings. Of all the qualities described by those who knew him, "a priest's priest" sums him up best. As our Gospel today emphasizes the necessity of gratitude, let us express ours for Fr. Nason by imitating his simple and inspiring way.
Bro. Rene