A WONDERFUL “VETERAN” PRIEST GOES HOME TO OUR LORD
Monsignor John Bolger, long time pastor of Transfiguration parish in St. Petersburg went home to the Lord just after midnight last night. He was ready, willing and at peace. A native son of Ireland, while small in stature he stood tall in his love for the people of Transfiguration parish and especially the school which was unable to out survive him. It broke his heart when it closed several years ago. With his Irish brogue and Irish accent, he was not always the easiest person to understand, but the people of the parish got used to it and took him to their hearts. They loved him. I loved him and I am very confident that the Lord loved him as well. I recall with special delight the occasion when for no apparent reason I invited him and some other priests to my house for lunch. It was then that I told him that Pope John Paul II had named him and the others Prelate of Honor with the title, Monsignor. A small tear came to his eye and he looked at me and said, “there must be some mistake.” When the area was threatened by a hurricane (such as Charley), I would call him and the other priests who I felt were at some risk alone and ask them if they would like to join me in weathering out the storm. Monsignor Bolger would always thank me and say that we wished to remain in his retirement house as there were wonderful friends who would also look after him. To those generous and loving parishioners who cared for him, God Bless You. Rest in Peace Monsignor John – you earned it, “the old fashioned way.”
Tags: Catholic Education, Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, Priests, Rest in Peace