AMpphy 79. The Lord Smiles on the Faithful

After Alphy’s death, Margurita allowed herself to shed tears - she did so, surrounded by her loved ones, but also in solitude in the privacy of her bedroom. Her thoughts raced to happier times when she and Alphy had shared so many joyous moments.

Edna had made plans to stay with her mother for the next few days until after the funeral. She would accompany Margurita through these difficult days. Alphy and Margurita had prearranged burial plans, which meant less decision making at this stressful time - but there were still some decisions to finalize, such as readings, and hymns to sing at the funeral. Helen organized most of these details. Eileen also remembered her promise to her Dad, that his favorite hymn, Lord I’m Coming Home would be sung at his funeral. Eileen discussed this with Helen, and Helen stated that she would check with the church choir, to see if they knew the hymn.

There was only one complication: the parish priest in Palmer Road, the dear Father Cormier, would not be able to do the funeral service, as he had suffered a heart attack and at the time was in the hospital recovering. During the time of Alphy’s death, there was no priest in Palmer Road, so the family had to rely on a priest from the neighbouring parish of Tignish to offer services. Unfortunately, the priest was not very accommodating.

After checking with the Palmer Road church choir, in regards to the hymns for the funeral, Helen called Eileen and told her that the organist knew the beautiful hymn, Lord I’m Coming Home, but the family would need to obtain permission from the priest to have it sung in church. Eileen told Helen that she would call the priest to get his permission. It must be just a formality.

When Eileen called and asked for this simple request, she got a cold refusal. The priest expressed that he was sorry, but the request was denied, based on the fact that the hymn was not sanctioned by the Catholic Church! Eileen’s grief gave way to anger. It seemed outrageous to think that such a simple request would be denied, when Alphy had

168