On the Frontline of the Pandemic

On the Frontline of the Pandemic. . , Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted., Father McGivney knew that he would not have much time. To be a priest in 19th-century Connecticut, was to be prepared to die early. During the 12 years of Father McGivney's ministry, 70 of the 83 priests of the Diocese of Hartford died, including both of the young pastors under whom he served., “Those who joined the priesthood in America during those demanding years were the type of men who would, if they were doctors, rush into the midst of an epidemic, or if they were soldiers, volunteer for the front line.” , Douglas Brinkley and Julie Fenster “Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism”, “He ordinarily walked fast,” friends recalled, with the “strength of purpose ... he held his head straight, like a leader, his eyes very determined.” His life was condensed and intense, as if he felt that he had to hurry up. McGivney lived as fast as he walked. On entering his first parish, he practically assumed the position of the parish priest and took over all his duties: “I have been alone all Summer with the whole work of a parish on my shoulders. I have not had time for even one day's vacation.” At 32, he was assigned as pastor of Saint Thomas Church, Thomaston, and later a mission church in Terryville., In the farewell address, Father McGivney heard from his parishioners that, “while yet young in the service of his Master,” he had “by his courtesy and kindness, by the purity of his life, and by the faithful discharge of the duties pertaining to his Holy Office, secured the love and confidence of the people of Saint Mary’s, which will follow him in every future field of labor.”, “During the farewell address frequent sobs could be heard and at the close there was scarcely a dry eye in the congregation. Father McGivney was deeply affected and frequently the tears coursed down his cheeks [...]. At the conclusion of the services hundreds of the congregation sought the beloved pastor to bid him farewell. Strong men unaccustomed to tears cried like children when they clasped hands with him.” , New Haven Morning News , report on Father McGivney's last sermon as he departed Saint Mary’s , This pace of life strained him. When in 1890 the worldwide Russian flu pandemic hit Connecticut, he fell ill with tuberculosis. Having assured his parishioners of his prayers and sacrifices for their spiritual welfare and received the last rites, Father McGivney died in the rectory on Aug. 14, 1890, two days past his 38th birthday., ( photo caption ) , Funeral of Father Eugene Gaffney, Father McGivney’s predecessor as pastor at St. Thomas Church, Sept. 1, 1884, Thomaston, Connecticut.