On September 28th, 2009, the body of Fr. Theodore Foley was exhumed from the Passionist plot in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Springfield, MA. The Most Rev. Timothy McDonnell, Bishop of Springfield, officiated at the exhumation. Also present were Fr. Joseph Jones, CP, Provincial of St. Paul of the Cross Province and Fr. Dominic Papa, CP, Vice Postulator for the cause of Sr. Theodore. Other officials of the Diocese of Springfield were present.
The coffin was removed from the grave and taken to Sampson Mortuary, where it was opened and the remains of Fr. Foley were verified by the medical examiner of the State of Massachusetts. His body was cleansed and a new habit was placed on him.
His body was then sealed in a zinc container and placed in a mahogany coffin and transported to St. Paul’s Monastery, Pittsburgh.
Fr. Theodore’s body arrived at our monastery church on October 28, 2009, where it was welcomed by Bishop William J. Winter, Fr. Joseph Jones, CP, Fr. Dominic Papa, CP, and the Pittsburgh community. The Passionist Nuns, from Our Lady of Sorrows Monastery, Pittsburgh, were also present.
Fr. Theodore’s body will lie in a marble sarcophagus constructed at the base of the crucifixion scene in the rear of the church.
The Exhumation and Transfer of Theodore Foley, C.P. from Mary Ann Strain on Vimeo.
I remember Fr. Foley from “The Chalice of Salvation” and I may have even met him when on retreat at the Passionist Monastery in West Springfield. God works in way not know to mortal man.
I started to go to St. Paul’s Monastery right before lent to make the novena. I haven’t been in that church for awhile. I noticed Fr. Foley’s picture, and the prayer that they now say with the novena prayers. I have been drawn to this section of the church every time I go to Novena and say my rosary there. His picture feels like he is looking right at me. A lady just told me to pray to Fr. Foley. I asked her if his remains were there and she said “yes”. I googled this article and was overwhelmed when I watched the video. Thank you for this.
Betty.
You can learn more about him at: http://www.vimeo.com/20519385
Besides this video, we have a website at http://www.theodorefoley.org/
A great Passionist and a wonderful example of a spirituality for today:
see “Living in a World of Crisis” at http://vhoagland.wordpress.com/