Reverend John Harvey - A Reflection

The following reflection was written by Courage member Patrick F. in January 2011, shortly after Fr. Harvey’s entry into eternity.
Patrick himself was recently called home to Our Heavenly Father in October 2021; Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. ✠

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The body of Reverend John F. Harvey, O.S.F.S.,
our Founding Director of Courage, was laid to rest
Friday, 31 December 2010
on the grounds of his religious order in Childs, Maryland. 
For those who were unable to attend, you were with us. 

Father now dwells with our beloved departed and walks
among our Courage and Encourage family. 
He sees his dear parents and his old friend Peter Rudegeair.
Cardinal Cooke, John Paul II, Mother Teresa,
Saints Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal 
are among the many of Paradise’s citizens enjoying
their new life with Father John. 

And in the long receiving line of Heaven which ends with
The Evangelists, The Twelve, The Herald and The Foster-Father,
stands The Ever-Immaculate and Sinless Virgin who presents him to
The Priest, The Altar and The Lamb of Sacrifice — 
Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is risen from the dead.
Here He reigns with Our Father and Their Great Spirit
in perpetual peace amidst angelic choirs, 
while the aroma of incense and lilies fills the palace. 

Our Redeemer smiles, rises from His golden throne and embraces Father Harvey.
Then, in turn, He presents Father to the vast assembly who receive him with a standing ovation. 

Life is for seeking God.
Death is the moment when we find God. 
Eternity is the possession of God. 

Saint Francis de Sales 
1567- 1622