Senior Redemptorist Shepherds on the Move in Boston
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January 2, 2022John Glenn once said: “If there is one thing I’ve learned in my years on this planet, it’s that the happiest and most fulfilled people are those who have devoted themselves to something bigger and more profound than merely their own self-interest.”
Our older confreres here in Boston have certainly made a commitment to continue to minister and move beyond themselves; they have been a real source of inspiration for the rest of our Redemptorist community and for the members of our parish community.
At 91, Bob Lennon continues to have a deep interest in life. He enjoys reading, learning, and discussing the issues of the day. It’s the 91-year-old who is the most difficult to keep track of. A frequently asked questions is: “Have you seen Fr. Lennon?” When he is able, Bob concelebrates at the Wednesday novena mass and at Sunday liturgy. Deeply loved in the parish community, he is frequently on the phone praying and counseling people in need.
Due to the pandemic, Bob continues to preside at the monthly healing service online and he can’t wait to get back to in-person services. Bob also has resumed leading the weekly English prayer group, faithfully joining them every Monday night. Finally, for our November 9th celebration of the birthday of the Congregation, we asked Bob, as the oldest member of the community to blow out the candles on the cake.
At 87, John Furey has just begun a new outreach to our Hispanic community. Together with one of our Hispanic community leaders, Rene Ruiz, John has begun a group called “Seguidores de Cristo.” This group gathers every Monday at 4 p.m. in the church for prayer and faith sharing and has been growing each week. John also continues to work with the Legion of Mary and assists in helping with weekday Masses as well as celebrating Mass for the Poor Clares and Carmelites. Of course, John is always available to play the accordion at every celebration.
At 89, John Devin had begun to once again serve the Portuguese community here in Boston, assisting pastors on weekends, and presiding at weddings and other celebrations. Unfortunately, John suffered a bout of COVID pneumonia spending more than a week in the hospital and two weeks at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham for rehab. He has begun to stage a remarkable recovery and is now at Stella Maris to continue to regain his strength; we hope he will be back here in Boston soon.
While at St. Patrick’s Manor, there was a tremendous outpouring of love for John from the Portuguese community, with a near constant stream of visitors. A nurse at the station by his room referred to him as a “rock star”—what a great tribute to his ministry!
(Courtesy of Baltimore Beacon.)
