I write this Pastor's Column after attending and participating in the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass for the oldest priest of our diocese and former pastor of many churches in Arkansas, including our parish, Monsignor Bernard Malone.  The large number of people who attended one or both services, consisted of our bishop (Anthony Taylor), an archbishop (J. Peter Sartain, former bishop of Arkansas), many priests, religious, deacons and most of our current seminarians who are preparing for priesthood for our diocese.  While much was said in these two services by Archbishop Sartain, Bishop Taylor and Monsignor Francis Malone (nephew of Monsignor Bernard) about this kind, gentle, faithful, servant of God, which I affirm and which I (and I'm sure others) wish we could have added to if given the opportunity at one of these liturgies for Monsignor, I must say I was struck by the remarks of remembrance that were written by some of our seminarians about Monsignor, that were read in between the decades of the rosary that was led by Monsignor Friend. They spoke greatly of the impact that this holy man had on more than a few of our future priests that will no doubt inspire and motivate them in their priesthood for many years to come.  I will conclude this column with the remembrance that was expressed by one of the newest seminarians, our native parishioner, Jonathan Semmler.  His encounters with Monsignor started when he was quite young, and no doubt had a very real impact on his decision to pursue the priesthood of God.

I want to say thanks to our parishioners who welcomed Monsignor back time and again to be among us over the seven years I have served as your pastor.  He looked forward to every visit, and seemed to keep a perpetual smile on his fact while he was with us.  I know I cannot appreciate right now just what an impact he has had on my priesthood and even before I was a priest - when I was an altar server and served for him in my early teens at St. Mary's in Hot Springs.  His visits at my family's home during his few years at St. Mary's in Hot Springs as Pastor, helped me to see a priest in a personal way and encouraged me to do the same in my priesthood and receive the "family" support that I believe has been so helpful and healthy to me.  I will miss him greatly, especially given his longstanding, encouraging support to me before I was a priest, and for the 31 years I have been blessed to serve as a priest of God for his people, especially in these last seven years.  Because of God's merciful love, I look forward to seeing him again in God's kingdom, and I pray you do as well!  I love you Monsignor Malone!  The following is what Jonathan Semmler wrote:

As an 85-year old priest in Hot Springs Village, Monsignor still had a special place in his heart for young people.  As a child, I worked by way to the center aisle at the end of very Mass to give him a hug while he processed out of church. Even while living at St. John's Center, he was always ready to drop everything and hear my confession.  He stopped by youth events to share his love for the Lord and the Blessed Mother with all of the kids, and to encourage us to receive the sacraments often.  I'm beyond grateful for his joyful example and now for this powerful intercession in the presence of the Lord.