A rousing memorial for George Leach

On the evening of the 23rd of April, the Church of St.Patrick in Halifax was absolutely filled with those who wanted to pay tribute to and remember George. There were over 600 people, with standing room only. The service, which began with evening prayer, included six testimonials, and ended with the Eucharist, went very well, and there is nothing like a church filled with full-throated song.

What struck me was the variety and solidity of friendships George had developed over his life, many of them going back to his childhood, and others to the earlier years of his priestly ministry. Once a friend, always a friend: George kept in touch. Many people wanted to be at the memorial service but sent a message instead, and at times from a great distance. But they were there in spirit.

The people there were from all walks of life. What I found remarkable is that a good number of the homeless and destitute people who live in our neighborhood came in and participated in the service. George was especially present to them during his years in Halifax.

The organization of the service was quite complex, and at times, as George's replacement as sacramental priest for St. Patirck's parish, I was wondering how many cooks the broth could sustain. But there is a lot of talent and generosity in the parish, and things came together very nicely. I have a sneaking suspicion that from his new vantage point George was enjoying the service, with a chuckle now and then at something which caught his attention, maybe my own discovery -- which at times took me aback -- of what it means to work in a parish context.

May God be praised for all of this!