Remember Fr. Howell, SJ
Posted by ICTC on Friday, November 29, 2019 at 10:32 AM PST
Remembering and Celebrating Fr. Pat Howell in gratitude
From Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez,
ICTC Interim Director:
“I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.” - Afterglow
This short remembrance poem by Helen L. Marshall is how I imagine my friend and colleague Fr. Pat Howell, SJ would want to be remembered. It’s an ideal eulogy poem for someone who has given unforgettable memories, love, and joy. Fr. Pat and I first met in 1990 when I came to SU.
He was/is the embodiment of the Spirit of Vatican II.
We sense that in losing him, we have lost not only the man but also his unique way of manifesting God. The voice that spoke of God, encouraged young Jesuits and lay collaborators, reminded us of the best of our Catholic Tradition, and offered comfort to people suffering from both inner and outer trials, has been silenced.
I wish to thank Fr. Pat, belatedly, for his life as a dedicated priest, friend, colleague, and godfather to my daughter Gabriella.
We will all miss Fr. Pat here, and we will rely on his continued help from the next life.