Wake Service for the Bishop of Arlington
Oct 24, 2004
Officiated by Cardinal James A. Hickey of Washington, the solemn service displayed a diocese united in prayer for its departed bishop.
(Arlington Catholic Herald, March 27, 1998) Arlington — The Cathedral choir, under the direction of Richard Gibala, sang Evening Prayer for the repose of Bishop John R. Keating’s soul at a wake service March 27 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.
Officiated by Cardinal James A. Hickey of Washington, the solemn service displayed a diocese united in prayer for its departed bishop.
The bishop’s body was received into the Cathedral at 3 p.m. Friday amidst the angelic voices of the Cathedral youth choir, directed by Cynthia Conroy. Especially moving was the song, "Jesus, Remember Me," which the children sang beautifully.
At the evening service, members of the Keating family, bishops, diocesan priests and laity came to pray for Bishop Keating and listen to hymns and psalms of solace. The music and reading created an atmosphere of hope as the communion of the faithful commended their shepherd to the mercy of God.
The ethereal and Celtic sounds of the violin, played by Leslie Gartrell, harp, played by Beth Mailand, and organ, combined with the voice of cantor Dr. Michael McMahon and the rest of the Cathedral choir added an uplifting poignancy to the ceremony.
The reading during the service was 1 Cor. 15:55-57, which concludes with St. Paul’s exclamation: "O death where is your power? O death where is your sting?" Cardinal Hickey reiterated the theme of St. Paul’s words in the homily he delivered in memory of Bishop Keating.
"Together may we commend him to the mercy of the Lord Jesus whose death destroyed our death and whose rising restored our life," said Cardinal Hickey. "With St. Paul we can all rejoice that Christ’s death and resurrection has robbed death of its power."
Cardinal Hickey also reflected on Bishop Keating’s episcopal accomplishments.
"On Aug. 4, 1983, the day of his ordination as a bishop here in this Cathedral Church, Bishop Keating’s words were characteristically brief, gracious and on target," said Cardinal Hickey. "He prayed that the Diocese of Arlington would be characterized always by fidelity to the teaching of the Apostles, by a commitment to unity by devotion to the Mass, the breaking of Bread, and by dedication to prayer. This evening, in spite of our sorrow, we see how the Lord answered his prayer."
Cardinal Hickey left the pulpit after planting the seed of prayer for the bishop in every heart. "I am sure that Bishop Keating would not want me to conclude these reflections without urging you to pray for him — not just today or tomorrow — but every day far into the future," said Cardinal Hickey. "Just as the bishop strove to lead a life of holiness, so he would want all of us to ask the Lord to forgive any sins he may have committed and to lead him safely home. I commend Bishop Keating to your prayers."
The service concluded with the hymn "Salve Regina," one of Bishop Keating’s favorites.
The Knights of Columbus kept permanent guard over the body which was available for viewing before and after the service, until midnight. Many came to pay their respects to the deceased and his family.
Wake Service for the Bishop of Arlington