Shortly after the wind of the Holy Ghost swooped down and picked her up into the life of the world to come, a memorial service was held at St. John's, Detroit. The nave was packed, and even though we were early, our family got the last few seats in the balcony. It was a Friday late in June in 2004, and the transom windows on the Epistle side of the nave were cranked open, giving a view of the Detroit skyline.
Throughout the service, in my direct view was the rooftop sign of the now departed Madison-Lenox hotel (see below). I don't know why that image struck me with such force, but it did. I'm a visual kind of a guy. Hotel and sign are both gone now, but are photographically chronicled at a website called Forgotten Detroit. This website makes me cry like the Weeping Prophet, but if you have a strong constitution, or are desirous of weeping with me over the departed glory of my city, by all means, go and have a look.
2 comments:
Paul - thanks for your lovely remembrance of Mary Jo and The Madison Lennox Hotel.
Mary Jo's daughter, whose marriage I performed the week before Mary Jo died recently moved with her husband and newborn onto my block, and when I see them walking with the stroller I remember very deeply Mary Jo's powerful witness of faith.
Thanks, Fr. Kelly.
That was a very "powerful" memorial service (that doesn't sound quite right, but you know what I mean) from start to end.
I cannot imagine anyone at St. John's that day (and it was packed!) who could have remained unmoved by the testimony of her life.
Post a Comment