A Holy Priest

It came time to say goodbye to you today.
And I, like so many others cried or were teary-eyed.
Our parish priest. 
A holy priest.
Retiring years after you could.
You might think years after you should have -- hinting of your failing faculties.
But if you paused or slowed, we hardly noticed.
For we were blessed.

Blessed with a holy priest.
Who loves his God.
And his parish.
And his community.
And the Trinity.
The Catechism and the Word.

My heart is heavy, but my soul is full because of you.

And God knows I am not alone.
He sees the souls that you've brought home…and back to faith.
The fruits of your long and loving life in service to Him.

God bless and keep you, Father Carl..until we meet again.