The Rev. Joseph C. Martin is eulogized ['Chalk Talk' films helped others overcome alcoholism]

Baltimore Sun ^ | March 14, 2009 | Jacques Kelly

[Mike Fieschko]

The Rev. Joseph C. Martin was recalled yesterday during his funeral Mass as a "wounded healer" who offered a "way up and a way out for God's broken people."

An emotional overflow crowd in Baltimore heard the Roman Catholic priest who worked with the addicted eulogized as a good Samaritan who advised others to "go as far as you can and take one step more." The funeral Mass was held at the 'Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. ...

Tom Neff took a train from New York City to pay his respects to the man who helped him conquer alcoholism nearly 25 years ago.

"He could be stern to make a point, but two seconds later he would give you that smile of his," Mr. Neff said. "He could disarm a whole room of con-artist alcoholics."

The Rev. Thomas O. Ulshafer, provincial superior of the Society of Saint Sulpice, described Father Martin's initial role as being a teacher of young seminarians.

"He had the heart of a priest and was a caring and loving shepherd," Father Ulshafer said. "He could entertain and teach at the same time, a rare gift."

Speaking of Father Martin's addiction to alcohol, he said, "He turned a cross into a new life."

In a homily, the Rev. David M. Carey recalled Father Martin's powerful preaching that was always infused with humor. He recalled that as a newly ordained priest, Father Martin often spoke at Masses at St. William of York Church on Edmondson Avenue. ...

Looking out over the filled church, Father Carey quoted Father Martin as telling him, "All I wanted to do was fix a few drunks."

[Mike Fieschko]

Father Martin died March 9 at age 84.

Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien (left) watches as the casket of Sulpician Father Joseph C. Martin is carried from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, after his funeral Mass March 13.

[Roccus]

A great man. The world was richer with his presence, more poor with his passing.

[gracesdad]

“The people loved him because of his short homilies. And there was always a joke.”

Here’s one:

A drunk was walking down the street when he spotted a sign in a bar window that said, “SPECIAL: All you can drink — $5.” So the guy walked in, sat on a stool and told the barkeeper, “I’ll have two of your specials.”

[rusureitflies?]

Psalm 116:15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

[Brad from Tennessee]

God bless him. He was a miracle.

[Thrownatbirth]

I'm still here.

Thanks Father Martin.