Friday, August 20, 2010
A REGAL FUNERAL FOR A MONSIGNOR FROM THE ROYAL COUNTY OF MEATH..........
The Funeral for Reverend Monsignor Andrew V. Coffey, Pastor Emeritus of St. James Parish, in Davis, was held last night and today. AVigil Service of Liturgical Song and Music, Sacred Scriptures, Prayers, and Rosary, was presided over by Bishop Emeritus William Keith Weigand. Monsignor Edward J. Kavanagh, Andy Coffey's close friend and priestly colleague the past sixty two years, gave a homily of remembrance in the ministry of Msgr. Coffey. A Reception of Food And General Sharing followed the Vigil in the Parish Memorial Center.....This morning at 11:30 am, 5 Bishops, 72 Priests, and 5 Deacons, were present at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, in downtown Sacramento, The Cathedral was more than two thirds full of people attending the funeral, so approximately 800 persons, to this blogger's eyes. The Most Reverend Bishop + Jaime Soto presided, and Bishops Emeriti + Francis Quinn, and + William Weigand, Monterey Bishop +Richard Garcia, and Oakland Bishop Emeritus + John Cummins, who was the 45 minute homilist today, and a very good friend of Msgr. Coffey, who resided with him in the Davis rectory during the 1970's, were joined by six dozen priests of our Diocese and the four St. James Parish deacons, and the Cathedral deacon atthe two hour Funeral Mass. Also present were Msgr. Coffey's niece, Rita, now married and living in New York, and two of his nephews, Dermot and Eugene, from Ireland. As Eugene referred to theirs and Andy Coffey's native countym, "The Royal County of Meath". It was indeed a regal funeral, for a faithful priest, a very learned and devoted man, and a loyal servant of God. A luncheon immediately followed in the Mercy Hall in the lower level of the Cathedral and the Burial Service was held at 3 pm, at St. Mary's Cemetery in Sacramento..........Eternal Rest Grant Unto His Holy Soul O Lord, And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him, May He Rest In Peace, Alleluia !!! Amen !!! Fr. Troy
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My family attended Monsignor Coffey's funeral as well. It was said of him on the Bishop's radio hour that he struggled with depression for a time.
He was the best person that I ever knew in Davis. He stayed in a place that he called home not only because he lived there for several years, but because he started St. James, and I feel (but I could be wrong) that he felt it a duty to be close to the church he founded. Existing in a liberal immoral environment isn't easy. I know this all too well. Life is a series of trials. How we carry our Cross is what matters. He will stay for me an example of carrying ones' cross courageously. Father Coffey will be dearly missed.
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