Once upon a time there were two fellows of a traditionalist bent interested in pursuing the religious life. As their ecclesiastical outlook, as noted by certain institutional authorities, was in need of a certain amount of “dialogue” they cultivated a novel, yet ancient, model. They approached a young Dominican friar who wished to revitalize locally (and literally, considering the then-average age of the chapter) the Third Order. The three agreed to meet informally with the goal of initiating a new chapter of the pious fraternity which members would be on the path towards sacred orders. There were quite a few productive weekly sessions of this enterprise. At the end of one weekly meeting the Reverend Father advised that the following week he would not be able to keep the customary day because he was scheduled to celebrate (much to the chagrin of the young men) a “healing mass”. Without missing a beat, one of the two fellows who had been in a nasty bout a few days previous and had a nasty gash on his forehead to prove it, said: “Say, could you do something about this?”
Father Wilfredo Comellas remained a good friend to this little altar boy lo these many years since. His path to the altar took him from the Big Apple to the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was loaned out to a mission diocese in Louisiana, characteristically cheerful as a humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. He was called home to the embrace of the Blessed Trinity this past Sunday. He will be missed by those who had the honor to be his friend. And those who appreciated his wry sense of humor.
O Lord, we pray Thee that the soul of Thy Priest, Thy servant Wilfredo, which, while he abode in this world, Thou didst adorn with sacred gifts, may ever rejoice in a glorious seat in heaven. Amen.
Mr. Screwtape
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