Attending the funeral Mass of Archbishop Hannan: one of the most profound days of my life.

I have had many profound days in my lifetime; my wedding day, the birthday's of both my beautiful children, the day I lost my mom, my ordination day to the Permanent Diaconate, and today as an eyewitness to the funeral Mass of beloved Archbishop Philip M. Hannan.

After 3 days of wakes and visitations and a remarkable procession from the Archdiocesan seminary to St. Louis Cathedral today was the day to celebrate his funeral Mass and lay him to rest in the crypt of the venerable old cathedral. 

As I arrived in the heart of the famous New Orleans French Quarter I immediately noticed that things were hectic in and around the Cathedral because of the farewell planned for Hannan.  Deacons and Priests were escorted to the world famous Cabildo for vesting.  From the windows of the Cabildo we could see the line up of the invited guests as well as the overflow crowd that was filling up Jackson Square and the streets in front of the Cathedral.

The Mass was about to begin and the Deacons lined up first, processing in followed by the Priests and then the 18 Bishops who concelebrated the funeral liturgy.  The procession took almost 20 minutes as nearly 200 clergy were present.  Archbishop Aymond offered both opening remarks and an opening prayer before the readings, selected for this liturgy, were read.  The Gospel was proclaimed by our recently retired diaconate director, Jim Swiler.  Then Monsignor Doskey offered a detailed homily about the life and episcopal reign of Archbishop Aymond.

The Mass continued as usual with prayers of the faithful offered by clergy, friends, students from across the Archdiocese.  The Communion rite would last quite some time as the Eucharist was distributed to the overflow crowd both in the Cathedral and outside in Jackson Square.

Beautiful words of rememberance were offered by Archbishop Aymond while Archbishop Alfred Hughes offered the final comendation.  Archbishop Meunch would preside over the burial.  Right there, in the sanctuary of the Cathedral, Archbishop Hannan was buried, with all 18 Bishops looking on as well as members of the Hannan family.

The military played taps and we all sang Salve Regina and then it was time to process out.  The dignified and beautiful funeral was over and we all left St. Louis Cathedral knowing that this wonderful Church is now the final resting place for this wonderful servant of God.

I can't fully explain how profound an impact this day had on me and, I'm sure, on all those who participated today in saying farewell to Archbishop Hannan.  Without a doubt, for a life long Catholic, and dare I say almost everyone, felt great affection for this wonderful Shepherd.  And for many of us who knew him personally or had the privilege to assist him at Mass, we truly knew we were in the presence of a holy man who loved God first and served God by serving the poor, the oppressed and the elderly.

Being there today, as an eyewitness to his final goodbye indeed ranks as one of the most profound days of my life and I give God all the glory. 

And dear Archbishop Philip M. Hannan, thank you for your always faithful witness and all you did for the people of God in and of New Orleans.  May you rest in peace forever singing the praises of God!