January 9, 2009

Celebrations offer lasting memories and help build faith

175th Anniversary Logo(Editor’s note: To help mark the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, The Criterion is inviting readers to share stories and memories of how their Catholic faith and the Church in central and southern Indiana have shaped their lives. This week, we feature a story remembering the late Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara. The story is from Ron Massey, business manager of The Criterion and a member of St. Pius X Parish in Indianapolis.)

“One of the greatest memories I have is that of Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara. What a happy and personable man. When I came into the Church during the Easter Vigil, it was Archbishop O’Meara who confirmed me.

“I was so saddened by his death, but that soon evaporated as his funeral Mass was prepared. On that very cold, snowy and icy day of Jan. 16, 1992, sadness soon turned into a glorious and joyous day.

“The procession of priests, bishops, archbishops, cardinals, dignitaries and the apostolic nuncio was a sight to behold for any new Catholic. The magnificent sounds of the organ, and the choir’s and the assembly’s voices, were and still are indescribable. I felt as if I was flying as I stood in the choir loft of SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral.

“The days that followed were quiet ones and almost forgotten as time has passed. In September of 1992, we celebrated the installation of Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein and, once again, I had the wonderful pleasure of being a part of another magnificent celebration in our Church.

“These are the memories that I will never forget for they helped to build my faith in so many ways, and especially during the difficult times of my life.”

(If you have a story or a memory to share, we would appreciate receiving it. Send it to The Criterion, P.O. Box 1400, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Or you can e-mail your story to Criterion@archindy.org. Please include the words “Anniversary Story” on the envelope or in the e-mail heading. We ask that you try to keep your story to 250 words or less.)

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