On Jan. 29 and 30, 2023, I had the opportunity to meet so many beautiful people that my Uncle Matt was blessed to call his friends. It was truly humbling to meet so many brothers and sisters from “The Harv’s” Rochester family. Each beautiful soul had a story to tell, whether it was, “Your uncle confirmed, baptized, married, gave me first holy Communion, celebrated my parents’ funerals, or I was his altar server.”
The stories kept coming! My face hurt from smiling so much over those two glorious days celebrating Bishop Matthew Clark! I want to give thanks for all who came and helped prepare for such an incredible send-off!
Thank you to the custodial staff and groundskeepers; choir, organist, ushers and Knights of Columbus; the staff at Anthony Funeral Home; nuns, priests, deacons, bishops, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan; the staff of Sacred Heart Cathedral and of the Catholic Courier; Sister Mary Ann Binsack, for being Uncle Matt’s right hand and a blessing to anyone who crosses her path.
I find myself waking up each morning since the funeral singing “Christ Be Our Light.” Uncle Matt’s motto could not be truer: “God’s love endures forever.” I was able to reconnect with old friends that knew me since I was 3 and make new friends I’ll have forever. Among my new friends are: Victoria, the last child Uncle Matt baptized and whose birthday was Jan. 30. When her mother asked her what she wanted to do to celebrate her birthday, Victoria said, “Go to the Bishop’s funeral.”
Etta, a child who brought my dear old Uncle so much joy to the very end.
A young woman in the choir who came to me and held my hands while telling me about my uncle and said, “I feel like I’m talking to Bishop Matt right now!”
There is a special place in my heart for all of you. You all helped put the “FUN” in funeral.
In closing, I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for loving Uncle Matt “Along the Way.”
Tags: Bishop Matthew H. Clark
