Well Done, Good And Faithful Servant

I was hoping to post about all the fun we're having while my niece is here from Texas.  That will have to come later this week. 

We received word that our former pastor passed away suddenly. We have many fond memories of him including how he would introduce us to people not by our names but by how unique the names of our children are. He was particularly impressed with a couple of children middle-named Ireneaus and Ignatius. He loved the idea of naming children after the Church Fathers.

He was a lover of Truth even in the face of persecution.  For a while I kept clippings from the church bulletin specifically of his writings on the "pastor's corner".  I am particularly biased towards my love for him because he speaks my native tongue (Tagalog). He was stationed in the Philippines long enough to be conversant in the language. He marveled our children one time when he recited the Our Father to them in Tagalog (they recited it back to him in Latin). I also loved his story of how he had the best Christmas in the midst of the poverty in the Philippines.  He was a big part of why we did not leave that parish even after moving away from it's boundaries.  

I remember when our diocese was awaiting the announcement of a new bishop, he said: "I cannot wait to find out who the Holy Spirit will send and to whom I will pledge my obedience".  We've had so many more of those jaw-dropping, mind-blowing, faith-challenging moments through the many years we were at St. Michael.  We always left the Mass challenged to examine how we live and to live it in a holier way.

He was also welcoming to our homeschool group, welcoming our use of the undercroft for our game/dance nights and Christmas pageant.  I also remember the amazing homily he delivered at our homeschool mom's day of reflection. He asked me why I homeschooled and after hearing my response he nodded and told me "I respect that".  He understood our desire to preserve the Catholic identity of our children.  He knew of our desire to raise our children knowing why they believe what they believe. 

I have more stories I could write but for now I will keep all of those in the memory of my heart.

To our dear Fr. Richard Pendolphi, as the line from the Songs of Farewell goes - May Christ, who called you, take you to himself; may angels lead you to the bosom of Abraham.  

Well done, good and faithful servant!

I think this was taken either on his birthday or a sacerdotal anniversary, we only had three kids back then

First Communion of our oldest

our last photo with him as we bid farewell when he got transferred to another parish

In your charity, please pray for the repose of his soul and for all of us who are mourning this great loss.