Joe and Mary Ellen D'Agostino at Fr. Angelo's Funeral Mass
Category Remembering Fr. Angelo
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Greetings to all Family and Friends,
Just arrived home this evening and wanted you all to understand what happened over the past several days. This will be a summary and I will not be able to give all the details that are so important. But, that story will come out piecemeal later.
For those who have not heard, Angelo D'Agostino, SJ, MD, passed away on Monday, 20 November 2006. He was about 2 months shy of 81 years. During a routine procedure, 2 days earlier, to discover the course of severe pain in his colon, his heart stopped for 10 minutes and he never recovered from the comatose condition that developed from that moment.Sister Mary Owens was on the phone with us daily as soon as he was admitted into the hospital. She was at his side when he passed away and described it as peaceful.We all join with her in her loss and Nyumbani's.
Mary Ellen and I left Virginia (Dulles Airport) for Kenya Tuesday, 21 November, in the late evening and arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday evening to the greeting of Sr. Mary and Father Francis Rodrigues, SJ, the Superior of the Pedro Arrupe Residence where Angelo has lived the past two years. From that moment, S. Mary, Fr. Francis and all of Nyumbani could not have been more solicitous for the two of us. At the expense of missing someone, I also wish to add the solicitude of Fr. Val Shirima, SJ, Provincial of the East Africa Province, Archbishop Boniface Lele, Mombasa Diocese (formerly of the Kitui Diocese), John Noel, Lorna MacLeod of Micato Safaris, Fr. Ludwig Peschen, Protus, the SABS Sisters, the Loreto Sisters, the Severini's, and so many others. We were given a room at the Pedro Arrupe Jesuit Residence where we were able to have Mass daily with the priests and the amazing staff.
Thursday, 23 November, Thanksgiving Day (and our 34th Wedding Anniversary), Mary Ellen and I were invited to spend time with the working committee to prepare for Angelo's Funeral. I was impressed with the detail work of the Jesuits, Sr. Mary, members of the Nyumbani Kenyan Board and staff of Nyumbani. (They had two other lengthy meetings to care for each and every detail which showed on the day of the Funeral and Burial.) Following our meeting we were all invited and enjoyed dinner hosted by the Jesuit Loyola Community headed by Fr. Gaspar, SJ, the Superior.
Friday, 24 November, Sr. Mary took us to the Lee Mortuary where the first private service was held for Fr. Dag. It was closed to the public and opened for all of the Nyumbani staff members and older children who had not been able to say goodbye to Angelo. It was held in a small room in the mortuary. The room was crowded and many mourners filed past during the prayers offered by Fr. Rodrigues, and the Sisters of several Religious Orders. Prayers are special remarks were offered by the Nyumbani SABS Sisters, and a special visit by Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP of the UK, who apologized that he could not attend the Mass on Monday due to a serious schedule conflict and who flew in for this one opportunity. That evening Fr. Val invited us to a private dinner where he could share with us his feelings and help us in handling our own.
Saturday, 25 November, was spent assisting in sorting out a lot of Angelo memorabilia having to do with the family. We had a private luncheon with Protus who served as Manager of the Children's Home for thirteen years and helped in so many ways to prepare the children and facilities for this final tribute. That evening, Fr. Val invited us to the Jesuit Community at Loyola where he hosted a US Thanksgiving Dinner for us with Turkey, Cranberry sauce and apple pie...among many other delicious items.
Sunday, 26 November, was spent renewing our acquaintances with the children of Nyumbani at their traditional weekly Sunday Mass, celebrated by Fr. Rodrigues and Fr. Peschen (-a White Father and an MD), with great joy and music. Once again, Protus showed his masterful way of interacting with the children after the Gospel in explaining it to them, getting them to act it out and then getting them to respond to questions in his dialog...-all in Swahili!. The music and the children were joyful and welcoming. The expressions of loss were touching. I was asked to say a few words to the children who were understandably upset at the loss of their longtime supporter and "Father", Angelo. I assured them that the USA Board and all of their colleagues in the USA will continue to care for their welfare. (It was mentioned to us that a number of children had expressed concern that since they were displaced after the death of their parents that the same would happen here at the death of Angelo. -It was important to speak to continuity.) I was joined in making remarks by Ambassador Denis Afande representing the Kenya Nyumbani Mother-Board and by Admiral Marcello DeDonna, Chair of the Italian Nyumbani Board, and Hon. Jeremy Hunt who knew many of the children.
Monday, 27 November, was a most memorable day and an overwhelming tribute to our brother, relative, close friend and colleague, Angelo. Sr. Mary took us to the mortuary where we had a final committal ceremony for Angelo at 8:30 AM. With police escort, the hearse took Angelo to the Consolata Fathers Shrine Church nearby, arguably the largest Church in the Nairobi, followed by several cars. (We had been told to expect a crowd, but I could not believe the onset of people as we approached the Church.) Angelo was brought to the center aisle where the body was open for public viewing from 9 AM to 10 AM. The people came continuously and we stood outside the Church to greet them. -To mention a few: Dr. Dominic Makawiti, Chair of the Kenyan Nyumbani Mother-Board, Stuart Eastwood, the Chair of the UK Nyumbani Board, other Kenyan and International Board Members: Vice Chair, Paula Lanco, Dr. Lorenzo Bertolli, Paddy Migdoll, Vice Chair Adriana DePero Lodi, and a host of others.
Of course, while there had been rumors, never fully confirmed, the presence of a host of military and police officers indicated there would be very special VIP persons attending. At exactly 10 AM, a series of large autos rolled in accompanied by great protection and it was the President and First Lady of Kenya: the Honorable Mwai Kibaki and Lucy Kibaki. We stood next to Fr. Rodrigues and Sr. Mary who greeted them as they stepped out of their car. Then they were brought to the receiving line where Mary Ellen and I had the privilege of greeting them first. They could not have been more gracious and solicitous. At one point, the President, who is a charmer said something like: It is obvious that you are a much younger brother of Fr. D'Agostino. I thanked him for his wise perception. (As an aside, the Presidential Press people were taking a host of photos. If I can do it, I will send you a copy of their press release showing Mary Ellen and I greeting the Kenyan President. I guess you can say it was a thrill for us but we are quick to say that it is a monumental tribute to the passing of a giant in Kenya.) You may wish to check this link. How can you top that?
Bookmark :
Greetings to all Family and Friends,
Just arrived home this evening and wanted you all to understand what happened over the past several days. This will be a summary and I will not be able to give all the details that are so important. But, that story will come out piecemeal later.
For those who have not heard, Angelo D'Agostino, SJ, MD, passed away on Monday, 20 November 2006. He was about 2 months shy of 81 years. During a routine procedure, 2 days earlier, to discover the course of severe pain in his colon, his heart stopped for 10 minutes and he never recovered from the comatose condition that developed from that moment.Sister Mary Owens was on the phone with us daily as soon as he was admitted into the hospital. She was at his side when he passed away and described it as peaceful.We all join with her in her loss and Nyumbani's.
Mary Ellen and I left Virginia (Dulles Airport) for Kenya Tuesday, 21 November, in the late evening and arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday evening to the greeting of Sr. Mary and Father Francis Rodrigues, SJ, the Superior of the Pedro Arrupe Residence where Angelo has lived the past two years. From that moment, S. Mary, Fr. Francis and all of Nyumbani could not have been more solicitous for the two of us. At the expense of missing someone, I also wish to add the solicitude of Fr. Val Shirima, SJ, Provincial of the East Africa Province, Archbishop Boniface Lele, Mombasa Diocese (formerly of the Kitui Diocese), John Noel, Lorna MacLeod of Micato Safaris, Fr. Ludwig Peschen, Protus, the SABS Sisters, the Loreto Sisters, the Severini's, and so many others. We were given a room at the Pedro Arrupe Jesuit Residence where we were able to have Mass daily with the priests and the amazing staff.
Thursday, 23 November, Thanksgiving Day (and our 34th Wedding Anniversary), Mary Ellen and I were invited to spend time with the working committee to prepare for Angelo's Funeral. I was impressed with the detail work of the Jesuits, Sr. Mary, members of the Nyumbani Kenyan Board and staff of Nyumbani. (They had two other lengthy meetings to care for each and every detail which showed on the day of the Funeral and Burial.) Following our meeting we were all invited and enjoyed dinner hosted by the Jesuit Loyola Community headed by Fr. Gaspar, SJ, the Superior.
Friday, 24 November, Sr. Mary took us to the Lee Mortuary where the first private service was held for Fr. Dag. It was closed to the public and opened for all of the Nyumbani staff members and older children who had not been able to say goodbye to Angelo. It was held in a small room in the mortuary. The room was crowded and many mourners filed past during the prayers offered by Fr. Rodrigues, and the Sisters of several Religious Orders. Prayers are special remarks were offered by the Nyumbani SABS Sisters, and a special visit by Hon. Jeremy Hunt, MP of the UK, who apologized that he could not attend the Mass on Monday due to a serious schedule conflict and who flew in for this one opportunity. That evening Fr. Val invited us to a private dinner where he could share with us his feelings and help us in handling our own.
Saturday, 25 November, was spent assisting in sorting out a lot of Angelo memorabilia having to do with the family. We had a private luncheon with Protus who served as Manager of the Children's Home for thirteen years and helped in so many ways to prepare the children and facilities for this final tribute. That evening, Fr. Val invited us to the Jesuit Community at Loyola where he hosted a US Thanksgiving Dinner for us with Turkey, Cranberry sauce and apple pie...among many other delicious items.
Sunday, 26 November, was spent renewing our acquaintances with the children of Nyumbani at their traditional weekly Sunday Mass, celebrated by Fr. Rodrigues and Fr. Peschen (-a White Father and an MD), with great joy and music. Once again, Protus showed his masterful way of interacting with the children after the Gospel in explaining it to them, getting them to act it out and then getting them to respond to questions in his dialog...-all in Swahili!. The music and the children were joyful and welcoming. The expressions of loss were touching. I was asked to say a few words to the children who were understandably upset at the loss of their longtime supporter and "Father", Angelo. I assured them that the USA Board and all of their colleagues in the USA will continue to care for their welfare. (It was mentioned to us that a number of children had expressed concern that since they were displaced after the death of their parents that the same would happen here at the death of Angelo. -It was important to speak to continuity.) I was joined in making remarks by Ambassador Denis Afande representing the Kenya Nyumbani Mother-Board and by Admiral Marcello DeDonna, Chair of the Italian Nyumbani Board, and Hon. Jeremy Hunt who knew many of the children.
Monday, 27 November, was a most memorable day and an overwhelming tribute to our brother, relative, close friend and colleague, Angelo. Sr. Mary took us to the mortuary where we had a final committal ceremony for Angelo at 8:30 AM. With police escort, the hearse took Angelo to the Consolata Fathers Shrine Church nearby, arguably the largest Church in the Nairobi, followed by several cars. (We had been told to expect a crowd, but I could not believe the onset of people as we approached the Church.) Angelo was brought to the center aisle where the body was open for public viewing from 9 AM to 10 AM. The people came continuously and we stood outside the Church to greet them. -To mention a few: Dr. Dominic Makawiti, Chair of the Kenyan Nyumbani Mother-Board, Stuart Eastwood, the Chair of the UK Nyumbani Board, other Kenyan and International Board Members: Vice Chair, Paula Lanco, Dr. Lorenzo Bertolli, Paddy Migdoll, Vice Chair Adriana DePero Lodi, and a host of others.
Of course, while there had been rumors, never fully confirmed, the presence of a host of military and police officers indicated there would be very special VIP persons attending. At exactly 10 AM, a series of large autos rolled in accompanied by great protection and it was the President and First Lady of Kenya: the Honorable Mwai Kibaki and Lucy Kibaki. We stood next to Fr. Rodrigues and Sr. Mary who greeted them as they stepped out of their car. Then they were brought to the receiving line where Mary Ellen and I had the privilege of greeting them first. They could not have been more gracious and solicitous. At one point, the President, who is a charmer said something like: It is obvious that you are a much younger brother of Fr. D'Agostino. I thanked him for his wise perception. (As an aside, the Presidential Press people were taking a host of photos. If I can do it, I will send you a copy of their press release showing Mary Ellen and I greeting the Kenyan President. I guess you can say it was a thrill for us but we are quick to say that it is a monumental tribute to the passing of a giant in Kenya.) You may wish to check this link. How can you top that?
Well, we processed into Church and were seated in the first row with Sr. Mary and Professor Makawiti. The altar and the attending clergy was again overwhelming. Archbishop Ndingi, the leader of the Nairobi Diocese and Principal Celebrant,-the other Celebrants were Archbishop Lele of Kitui Diocese, an Archbishop of another Diocese a retired Bishop of Nairobi, and Fr. Provincial Val Shirima. Presiding in a special place of honor at the side was Archbishop LeBeaupin, the Papal Nuncio. Them the presence of a huge number of priests all in white. Someone counted 56 of them. It was a grand expression of the clergy. At the side was a large choir of Sisters and people from a local Church but the front was filled with Nyumbani children who sang and participated in several dances during the Mass in their beautiful white dresses. I must add the following tributes by: -a sterling message from Sylvester of Kibera, an unusual young man, as well as a poem written by the children and acted out by them on the difficult and provoking topic of death. We will try to get copies of their words. (It is important enough to state here that the Committee produced a beautiful 12 page Mass Program with wonderful photos in color of Fr. Dag and his life. I hope we can have enough available for distribution through our website.)
The Mass and the singing was outstanding. Fr. Val delivered a stirring tribute during his Homily for Angelo. At the end of Mass, a traditional program took place with Paul Lanco as the M.C. I was asked to be the first speaker with the responsibility of maintaining a tradition in Kenya. I read highlights of the life of Fr. D'Agostino...and, as you know, that was long. Then I was asked to say a few words as a representative of the D'Ag family and then as a representative of the USA Nyumbani Board. In the first part I shared with them the names of our parents and then the names of the siblings who have already passed away to their reward. I mentioned the names of the survivors and told them that Sister Savina and I were grateful for all their presence...and this was coming from the oldest at 93 (Savina) and the youngest at whatever age (Joe). I did mention briefly that all of us felt that he was a special person as he left the family and that we came to realize that we would have to share him with the world as he developed in his various careers and visions.
For the second part I brought greetings from President Palumbo as well as all 16 members of the USA Nyumbani Board and told them we are all rededicating ourselves to completing his vision of Nyumbani and would be solicitous of the care and support of the Nyumbani Children the center of all of our service. I was followed with similar, but more eloquent expressions, by Prof. Makawiti, Sister Mary, Stuart Eastwood, Admiral DeDonna, and the Papal Nuncio. Then, in another wonderful moment, the First Lady rose and spoke eloquently of her friendship with Fr. Dag, her interest in his work and her acceptance of the title as the Patroness of Nyumbani and the Kitui Village. It was very heartwarming.
Finally, continuing this moment, President Kibaki arose and was most generous of his praise of Angelo and his work. He then turned to me in the first row and welcomed me from the USA and asked me to stay some extra time here in Kenya to enjoy the people and their warmth. That was a very touching and memorable moment for Mary Ellen and myself. (The Mass and the remarks lasted from about 10 AM until about 12:30 PM.)
After the President and First Lady left, the huge funeral cortege left with a full police escort, The first stop was a visit to the Nyumbani Children's Home for Angelo's final visit and prayers with staff and children who had returned. Then the cortege proceeded to the Pedro Arrupe property and Jesuit Cemetery. Final prayers and wonderful remarks were held in the chapel by Archbishop Lele, Fr. Val, and other Jesuits and lay people in attendance. We had no idea how many had come until the body was carried to the place of burial and a crush of more than 250 people were carried along through narrow lanes. The committal ceremonies were led by the Papal Nuncio, Abp. Lele and Fr. Provincial Val. After the burial, Mary Ellen and I were asked to place a white flower wreath representing our family on the top of the ground and next to it was placed a large white cross of flowers representing the Jesuits. The children were then given colorful roses and asked to each place a flower on the grave. It was a most touching time. Following the ceremony a huge reception was hosted by the Jesuit Community at Pedro Arrupe. That night Sr. Mary, Protus, Mary Ellen and myself were hosted at a private dinner by John Noel, a longtime supporter of the Nyumbani Village. There was a lot of winding down taking place at that time.
Tuesday, 28 November, was our last day in Kenya and a very memorable one. John Noel leased a plane and flew ten of us down to Kitui to attend a magnificent ceremony. It was the official opening of the Nyumbani Kitui Village and the blessing of the first residents who began living in this wonderful vision of Fr. Dag. The local Diocese assisted in selecting the 19 children and three adults, as some of the most needy. We had a grand tour of the Village facilities and then a Mass with Abp. Lele. One cannot imagine the extreme poverty existing in the area surrounding the Village. Driving along we would see individuals working win the field with a simple wooden tool.
We must also explain that once the plane landed in Kitui, the rest of the journey was in 4-wheel trucks for 50 minutes over rutted roads and winding curves. The Village is an oasis in the midst of extreme and hard living. A wonderful native meal was hosted in one of the cottages where the children and adults will be residing. Everything was hastened along at the end since a massive rainfall ensued and we were escorted back to the airport with some concern about being able to use the plane for our return trip. Fortunately it cleared and we did get home in time to have a quick final meal with the Jesuit Arrupe Community and a final visit to the Angelo grave with Sr. Mary. Sister Mary then took us to the Nairobi airport and a very heartrending farewell. We settled down for our 16 hour trip home along with a 7 hour stay at Amsterdam airport.
I hope that I have given you some glimpse of the days of tribute to Angelo and the respect and love for him by the children, especially, but by all the people of Kenya from all walks of life.
We are planning two Memorial Services here in there States:
-Wednesday, 13 December, 4:30 PM at Trinity Church, hosted by the Georgetown Jesuits with Fr. John Langan, SJ, and President Ben Palumbo with the USA Nyumbani Board, -Saturday, 16 December, 11 AM, at the Franciscan Chapel on Fruit Hill in Providence, RI, hosted by Sister Savina and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
Our special guest at both occasions will be Sr. Mary Owens, IBVM, representing Nyumbani, the Jesuits of Kenya and all the Kenyan people working with Nyumbani.
Details will be available on our website: www.nyumbani.org . A card will be mailed to all on our USA mailing list. You may also call our USA phone line: 202-342-8488.
My sincere apologies if I have missed anyone. I will probably remember more details as we go along and meet you privately.
Our love and gratitude to all who have helped us at this time.
Joe and Mary Ellen D'Agostino
The Mass and the singing was outstanding. Fr. Val delivered a stirring tribute during his Homily for Angelo. At the end of Mass, a traditional program took place with Paul Lanco as the M.C. I was asked to be the first speaker with the responsibility of maintaining a tradition in Kenya. I read highlights of the life of Fr. D'Agostino...and, as you know, that was long. Then I was asked to say a few words as a representative of the D'Ag family and then as a representative of the USA Nyumbani Board. In the first part I shared with them the names of our parents and then the names of the siblings who have already passed away to their reward. I mentioned the names of the survivors and told them that Sister Savina and I were grateful for all their presence...and this was coming from the oldest at 93 (Savina) and the youngest at whatever age (Joe). I did mention briefly that all of us felt that he was a special person as he left the family and that we came to realize that we would have to share him with the world as he developed in his various careers and visions.
For the second part I brought greetings from President Palumbo as well as all 16 members of the USA Nyumbani Board and told them we are all rededicating ourselves to completing his vision of Nyumbani and would be solicitous of the care and support of the Nyumbani Children the center of all of our service. I was followed with similar, but more eloquent expressions, by Prof. Makawiti, Sister Mary, Stuart Eastwood, Admiral DeDonna, and the Papal Nuncio. Then, in another wonderful moment, the First Lady rose and spoke eloquently of her friendship with Fr. Dag, her interest in his work and her acceptance of the title as the Patroness of Nyumbani and the Kitui Village. It was very heartwarming.
Finally, continuing this moment, President Kibaki arose and was most generous of his praise of Angelo and his work. He then turned to me in the first row and welcomed me from the USA and asked me to stay some extra time here in Kenya to enjoy the people and their warmth. That was a very touching and memorable moment for Mary Ellen and myself. (The Mass and the remarks lasted from about 10 AM until about 12:30 PM.)
After the President and First Lady left, the huge funeral cortege left with a full police escort, The first stop was a visit to the Nyumbani Children's Home for Angelo's final visit and prayers with staff and children who had returned. Then the cortege proceeded to the Pedro Arrupe property and Jesuit Cemetery. Final prayers and wonderful remarks were held in the chapel by Archbishop Lele, Fr. Val, and other Jesuits and lay people in attendance. We had no idea how many had come until the body was carried to the place of burial and a crush of more than 250 people were carried along through narrow lanes. The committal ceremonies were led by the Papal Nuncio, Abp. Lele and Fr. Provincial Val. After the burial, Mary Ellen and I were asked to place a white flower wreath representing our family on the top of the ground and next to it was placed a large white cross of flowers representing the Jesuits. The children were then given colorful roses and asked to each place a flower on the grave. It was a most touching time. Following the ceremony a huge reception was hosted by the Jesuit Community at Pedro Arrupe. That night Sr. Mary, Protus, Mary Ellen and myself were hosted at a private dinner by John Noel, a longtime supporter of the Nyumbani Village. There was a lot of winding down taking place at that time.
Tuesday, 28 November, was our last day in Kenya and a very memorable one. John Noel leased a plane and flew ten of us down to Kitui to attend a magnificent ceremony. It was the official opening of the Nyumbani Kitui Village and the blessing of the first residents who began living in this wonderful vision of Fr. Dag. The local Diocese assisted in selecting the 19 children and three adults, as some of the most needy. We had a grand tour of the Village facilities and then a Mass with Abp. Lele. One cannot imagine the extreme poverty existing in the area surrounding the Village. Driving along we would see individuals working win the field with a simple wooden tool.
We must also explain that once the plane landed in Kitui, the rest of the journey was in 4-wheel trucks for 50 minutes over rutted roads and winding curves. The Village is an oasis in the midst of extreme and hard living. A wonderful native meal was hosted in one of the cottages where the children and adults will be residing. Everything was hastened along at the end since a massive rainfall ensued and we were escorted back to the airport with some concern about being able to use the plane for our return trip. Fortunately it cleared and we did get home in time to have a quick final meal with the Jesuit Arrupe Community and a final visit to the Angelo grave with Sr. Mary. Sister Mary then took us to the Nairobi airport and a very heartrending farewell. We settled down for our 16 hour trip home along with a 7 hour stay at Amsterdam airport.
I hope that I have given you some glimpse of the days of tribute to Angelo and the respect and love for him by the children, especially, but by all the people of Kenya from all walks of life.
We are planning two Memorial Services here in there States:
-Wednesday, 13 December, 4:30 PM at Trinity Church, hosted by the Georgetown Jesuits with Fr. John Langan, SJ, and President Ben Palumbo with the USA Nyumbani Board, -Saturday, 16 December, 11 AM, at the Franciscan Chapel on Fruit Hill in Providence, RI, hosted by Sister Savina and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary.
Our special guest at both occasions will be Sr. Mary Owens, IBVM, representing Nyumbani, the Jesuits of Kenya and all the Kenyan people working with Nyumbani.
Details will be available on our website: www.nyumbani.org . A card will be mailed to all on our USA mailing list. You may also call our USA phone line: 202-342-8488.
My sincere apologies if I have missed anyone. I will probably remember more details as we go along and meet you privately.
Our love and gratitude to all who have helped us at this time.
Joe and Mary Ellen D'Agostino
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Posted by Efua Leke At 09:37:52 PM On 01/17/2007 | - Website - |