Yesterday at Fr. Cipolla’s retirement reception, we were entertained by a group of young singers in the parish, organized by Monica Haffey. A special song was composed for the occasion. We are grateful to Monica for providing the lyrics.
“Cipolla”
Sung to the tune “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria” from The Sound of Music
He loves to cook and read a book
His cassock’s worn with care.
He waltzes on his way to Mass and whistles on the stair.
And underneath his biretta he has finely combed his hair.
I’ve even heard him singing in the rec’try.
He’s always late for chapel, though his sermons filled with zeal
He’s always late for everything, except for every meal.
We’re proud to have to say it and we very firmly feel Cipolla has a way around St. Mary’s.
How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?
How do you stop his tears from running down?
How do you find a word that means Cipolla?
A traditionalist, a great homilist, a clown!
Many a thing you know we’d like to ask him.
Many a thing he knows and understands. Like,
How do you cook so well and turn what’s bland to swell?
How did you pick an oyster ov’r a clam?
How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?
How do you let him know that he’s so grand?
When we’re with him we’re amused, talking latin, eating food
And we always end up arguing all night.
Unpredictable as weather, his opinion’s always better.
He’s a darling! He’s demanding! He’s a lamb!
He out pestered any pest, to make the rood beam look it’s best
He’d say mass at any altar facing east.
He is gentle! He is wild! He’s a riddle! He’s a child!
He’s a headache! He’s an angel! He’s a priest!
How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?
How do you stop his tears from running down?
How do you find a word that means Cipolla?
A traditionalist, a great homilist, a clown!
Many a thing you know we’d like to ask him.
Many a thing he knows and understands.
How do you cook so well and turn what’s bland to swell?
How did you pick an oyster over a clam?
How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?
How do you let him know that he’s so grand?
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The great affection they obviously have and the profound respect and appreciation those young men and women exhibited is tangible. St. Mary’s parish is so blessed to have engaged, committed young people like this!
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