This hymn was sung at Father Wally Dant's funeral yesterday at Saint Aloysius Church in Pewee Valley, KY. The cantor sang it beautifully. In this video the hymn is sung along with scenes of the Body of Christ in His passion and death, and in His gift to us, the Holy Eucharist.
Father Wally's funeral was a beautiful celebration of his life here on earth and now his new life at home with the Lord. Archbishop Kurtz was the celebrant and Father Mark Spalding was the homilist. Attending were Archbishop Kelly, many priests, deacons, family, friends, co-workers from UPS and parishioners from the parishes where Father Wally served after his ordination to the priesthood in 2006. They were: Saint Augustine, Lebanon; Holy Name of Mary, Calvary; and Saint Monica and Saint Thomas, Bardstown.
In his homily, Father Mark talked about Father Wally's remarkable life from his humble beginnings as a child in Gethsemane, KY, to moving in with his grandmother in Louisville so that he could attend Saint Xavier High School, to graduating from the University of Notre Dame, to a 33 year career at UPS retiring as Vice President of Air Operation, to his ordination as a permanent deacon in 2003, to his ordination as a priest in 2006 after the passing of his beloved wife, Barbara. Father Mark went on to mention that along the way, they had five children, 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. What a legacy Father Wally and Barbara have left behind.
Father Mark talked about the mysteries in Father Wally's life and all of our lives. He said that he would ask God why Father Wally was given such a short time to serve as a priest. He said that God would say it was enough because of the impact Father Wally's life of love, compassion and mercy for his family, friends, parishioners he served had made. Father Mark said that Father Wally's priesthood was driven by his great love for the Church, and for his great love for the Body of Christ both on the cross where he died for our sins and the Holy Eucharist.
Father Mark closed the homily with words that he saw on a plaque in a sacristy. The plaque read "Oh priest, say this Mass like it is your first one, like it is your last one, and like it is your only one." Father Mark said that Father Wally lived those words. He loved the privilege of saying the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
Father Mark went on to challenge all those present. He said that we all share in Jesus' Priesthood by our Baptism, and the words on the plaque apply to us, too. We should attend Mass with joy, enthusiam and awe...as if it was our first Mass, as if it was our last Mass, as if it was our only Mass.
Father Wally's son, Wally III, gave a remembrance after Communion. He said the purpose of our gathering was to celebrate Father Wally's life here on earth, and his new life, reunited with Barbara in heaven. Wally III talked about three things that were near and dear to Father Wally. First, he pulled out a half pint of Kentucky bourbon, most likely with a J.W Dant label. Then, he pulled out a rosary that his Dad had given him as a child that he still carried. Lastly, he talked about his dad's love for his alma mater, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Wally III ended by saying that theVictory March should be played and Go Irish! So, here it is for Father Wally.
Father Wally you are an inspiration to all who serve. We will do our best to follow your example. We are going to miss you. Go Irish!
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