ODE TO STELLA MARIS Father J. Douglas McNeill would be our Parish Priest 'Twas first announced in nineteen thirty-six " Stella Maris " would be the name for our new parish, "Star of the Sea" ancient title for Mary, Mother of our Lord. To the Chapel built in nineteen twenty He added a sacristy, parishioners working very willingly. Father McNeill was sent by God . Our heavenly Father Knew we were in need, and answered our urgent plea. Father McNeill was kind, sober, unafraid, thoughtful, A holy man, and for Stella Maris he had great plans. A more caring person could hardly be found And the future he saw with his very clear mind. Our faith was often put to the test But in this saintly man of God we were surely blessed. Through the Village he would go, carrying the Blessed Sacrament, About God 's love and mercy, he wanted everyone to know. With God at his side, new ventures he did not fear. People in trouble to him were very dear. He helped the fishermen to organize. He spread his faith in school and home. His memory clings to us no matter where we roam. His years on earth were numbered He wanted everything complete, and For twelve years he performed enormous feats. He suffered in silence, the pain we never knew His sickness was revealed to very few. Sad indeed were the people of Stella Maris When they heard he had to leave in forty-eight, We prayed for him day and night. Three years later, God called him when the time was right. Three priests now have gone before us, Fathers McNeill, Robin and Ayers . Difficult is it, to try to compare. Each had his own gifts and fortunate were we To have had them in our midst. And to Fathers Corcoran, Murnaghan and Coady What can we say? We honored you And loved you, from the very first day. 1