Greetings from St Bede’s.

The inclement weather seems almost appropriate in a week where three old boys were buried, Bishop Basil Meeking, aged 90, Jerard Cross aged 64, and Tane Anderson aged 20. All three touched the hearts of many in different ways. All three had contrasting farewells that celebrated their lives.

I wrote about Bishop Basil last week, and of his devoted service to this diocese, but also the diocese of Chicago where he worked for a period after he retired as the Bishop of Christchurch. The chief celebrant was Bishop Paul, and in attendance were many other bishops and priests from all round the country.

Jerard Cross was well known in the sporting fraternity as a keen supporter of the Burnside West Cricket and University Rugby clubs. Jerard was physically handicapped, and while he couldn’t play the sports he loved, he devoted hours of his life to both clubs. More so, he touched the hearts of so many and in the congregation where many All Blacks and NZ and first class cricketers who Jerard had forged relationships with. The tributes spoke of those relationships and the hearts he touched in his very full life.

The third funeral was for Tane Anderson, who left school only three years ago, and whose sudden death in a car accident effected many in the community. He was nearing the completion of an apprenticeship. At school he distinguished himself by playing in the First XV, following in his older brother’s footsteps. His father Haki is also an old boy and generously gave of his time supporting the rugby club.

The loss of these men at different stages of their lives, reminds us that death, at whatever age, is part of life. Eternal rest grant unto them, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

Until next week,

J. G. Boyle