Early this morning, I arrived at St. Benedict's Secondary School. This was not my first visit to that school. Readers of these lines will know that I was there last October for a special Mass that was being celebrated, and a day of fundraising to help one of their students and his family.
A number of months after that day, I met this wonderful young man and over the past number of weeks, have come to know some of his family. When his earthly journey was complete, I had the immense privilege to walk with his family and friends through the initial days of living without his physical presence among us. On the day of his funeral, I tried to bring some comfort to those who were gathered to pay him tribute.
Today's gathering at the school where he dared to dream, where he showed such love for life, was another moment of grace for all those who were there. It's important that the students who have walked the journey with him over the past two years and some months had a chance to pay him tribute as well, and it was also important that his family members be present for this phase of the journey.
Songs were sung and poetry was read today, but beyond the spoken words, the students demonstrated their compassion as they told Liam's family about the blood donor clinic that was held on site at the school just days after he had returned Home: a fitting gesture of their solidarity and understanding of the battle he had waged for more than two years.
During the days immediately following the announcement of his Homecoming, a book of condolences was made available for students to express their sympathy to his family. This book, together with the crucifix that was displayed beside it in the chapel and his student card were all presented to his family today: simple gifts with profound meaning.
As this community of faith gathered to pray, and especially during a powerpoint presentation, including pictures of this wonderful young man and his family, this writer couldn't help thinking that he is now rejoicing in the Kingdom for which we all are waiting. In the final months of his earthly journey, disease had robbed him of many abilities, but now that that battle is over, he is no doubt skating freely on a different rink and bounding with youthful energy through a new-found Home, all the while waiting to welcome us all when our day arrives.
A number of months after that day, I met this wonderful young man and over the past number of weeks, have come to know some of his family. When his earthly journey was complete, I had the immense privilege to walk with his family and friends through the initial days of living without his physical presence among us. On the day of his funeral, I tried to bring some comfort to those who were gathered to pay him tribute.
Today's gathering at the school where he dared to dream, where he showed such love for life, was another moment of grace for all those who were there. It's important that the students who have walked the journey with him over the past two years and some months had a chance to pay him tribute as well, and it was also important that his family members be present for this phase of the journey.
Songs were sung and poetry was read today, but beyond the spoken words, the students demonstrated their compassion as they told Liam's family about the blood donor clinic that was held on site at the school just days after he had returned Home: a fitting gesture of their solidarity and understanding of the battle he had waged for more than two years.
During the days immediately following the announcement of his Homecoming, a book of condolences was made available for students to express their sympathy to his family. This book, together with the crucifix that was displayed beside it in the chapel and his student card were all presented to his family today: simple gifts with profound meaning.
As this community of faith gathered to pray, and especially during a powerpoint presentation, including pictures of this wonderful young man and his family, this writer couldn't help thinking that he is now rejoicing in the Kingdom for which we all are waiting. In the final months of his earthly journey, disease had robbed him of many abilities, but now that that battle is over, he is no doubt skating freely on a different rink and bounding with youthful energy through a new-found Home, all the while waiting to welcome us all when our day arrives.
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