Posted on 08/21/2007 11:44:14 AM PDT by topher
There were approximately 12 Bishops and Archbishops present for the funeral today. There were at least 10 of Mother Theresa's Missionaries of Charity present (sisters) at the funeral.
Most of the Cathedral had to be cordoned off for priests, nuns, seminarians, and deacons, as well as honored guests (the Governor of Louisiana was present).
There was also a large presence by the Frey family -- relatives of the late Archbishop.
Priests, Deacons, and seminarians occupied about 1/3 of the space in the pews of the Cathedral. (For such events, priests cannot be seated around the altar because of the large numbers).
Only a small part of the Cathedral was open to the General public -- because of the need for so much reserved seating.
Arbishop Emeritus Schulte was present and looking very healthy. After the funeral, he was out in 90+ degree weather with 95% humidity. Some around him were concerned about having him in the heat too long, but he seemed to fair okay.
This particular Mass reminded me of the 2nd Thanksgiving Mass of the late Cardinal Francis Xavier Nguyen van Thuan (which was held in a small chapel on Vatican grounds). Just as at that Mass, the Clergy, Deacons, Bishops, and Sisters outnumbered the lay people.
Bishop Michael Jarrell concelebrated the Mass with Monsignor Andrew Frey and Father Jerome Frey. At the time of Consecration, these three were the principals around the altar involved in the consecration.
Clearly, Bishop Michael Jarrell, of the Diocese of Lafayette, was the principal celebrant. At one point, a Freudian slip came from the lips of Monsignor Andrew as he prayed for the Pope and local Bishop. Instead of saying "Michael" for the Bishop, he inadvertently said "Gerald" -- his brother's name.
At the end of the Mass, a letter from the Apostolic Annuncio was read. It contained a message from Pope Benedict concerning the late Bishop as well as a message from the Secretary of State of the Vatican.
Internment in the church occured after the service.
Oops...........did you forget the link?
Jarrell: Frey ‘served and he served well;’ see photos from former bishop's funeral
The article has a number of photos. Archbishop Emeritus Schulte of New Orleans was in attendance. I consider him a very holy man (he went through Katrina in New Orleans).
Some people are judging this bishop. We have no way to tell what happened on his deathbed.
I pray for his soul.
There were so many Priests, Bishops, Seminarians, Sisters and other present that there was the potential for alot of prayers going to needy souls.
One special moment for me was that I was able to kneel for communion, which I do not do if I am in a line. But I was in a section where there was a wheelchair and only one other person, so I could kneel for receiving communion, and not worry that someone might trip behind me.
I used to always do this, a few years ago, if I received from Archbishop John Francis Donoghue (kneeling for communion). The very last time I received from him, I did not kneel for fear of tripping someone. He seemed to notice and remember the fact that I always kneel by the slight frown he had.
There were concern of problems either outside or during the funeral, but that never happened... (A former chancellor who is a Monsignor mentioned that...)
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