It's been raining buckets tonight, a rather unusual event here in the semi-arid climate of Colorado. It doesn't seem to be slowing down either. Fitting, I guess, as one of the best priests I have known is dying.
Monsignor Leo Horrigan was pastor at our parish, Notre Dame, for a long time. In fact, we joined Notre Dame right after we married because we really enjoyed his homilies as well as the environment of the church. He was the rock of Notre Dame.
Monsignor Horrigan had a beautiful deep voice. Listening to him speak was a moving experience. Moreover, his homilies always seemed to be what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. He knew how to balance his messages--time, length, connections to scripture, connections to our lives. I find it difficult to find meaning in many homilies, especially those that provide us CliffNotes of the Bible passages we've just read. Monsignor knew how to connect with his parishioners.
After our son was born, we wanted Monsignor to baptize him, but because Notre Dame--and Monsignor--were viewed as 'training ground' for newer priests, we weren't able to have him preside at our son's baptism. He was the presider, though, for our son's Holy Communion, and I treasure the picture I have of Monsignor giving the Host to our little boy.
When our son attended school there, Monsignor was present for school functions. He delighted in children, and his face showed it. He was all-smiles, whether it was conferences, field day, Mass day. It seemed like children gave him energy and joy.
Notre Dame felt like a second home to me, because of Monsignor Horrigan. His retirement was wonderful and well-deserved for him, but I cried all the way home. I was sorry to lose him. In the seven years since his retirement, Notre Dame changed in negative ways. So much so, we finally left and found another parish.
Monsignor Horrigan was everything a priest should be: humble, kind, compassionate, loving. He will be missed.
