In Loving Memory of Ryan V. Madonna - Memories

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Change me, oh God,
Into a tree of autumn.
And let my dying
Be a blaze of glory"

- Esther Popel "October Prayer",
American poet 20th century

On Thursday, October 18th the last day of my retreat week at St. Paul of the Cross Retreat Center on the South Side I woke up at 5:00am and headed out to preach a the funeral of a 26 year old high math teacher and baseball coach Ryan Vincent Madonna from West Allegheny High school who had died. The Christian Funeral Mass of Thanksgiving was held at St. Joseph's Church in Coraopolis at 9:30 am.

Before going to the church, I first headed for Montour Trail to run in the early dark hours of the morning(symbolic of 'death'), then the fog rolled in ( meaning 'vagueness, lostness, directionless'), and finally, a beautiful sunrise( marking 'daylight'), the perfect dawn of eternal life. I was most grateful to God for the quiet and peace of the this 'encounter' afforded me to embrace the challenge to speak God's Word of comfort , healing, and compassion to the countless hurting people at the sudden and tragic loss of such a young man.

At the start of my homily, I asked the 'full-packed' church of family members, faculty members, student body, and people from all faith and walks of life to stand to greet one another as a tribute to Ryan. I viewed many hugs, handshakes, kisses, greetings of welcome, words of peace, tears of sorrow purged,etc., throughout the vast crowds of young and old alike. I asked them to say to each other --"I thank God, for you." It was like a pep rally before a sporting event, the flood gates erupted of various emotions that needed to be released. It was indeed good to all be together to support, to prayer, and to love one another. In the pain and misery of our loss and 'apparent' defeat, the comfort and mercy of God shined through His people.And collectively, we said: "Thank God, for Ryan."

Life isn't always fair, pretty, easy, and what we expect or planned, but God who has given us life is remarkably with us always in both the valleys and mountains. I urged the assembly like the speed bumps at the high school these remind us us to 'slow down'--be aware and observant always of your surroundings. Stop. Look. Listen. Navigate through life yeilding to God's laws, plans, and will. No death is in vain. Death does not have the last word. Death is not the end of life--it is a new beginning! And so, death and life are wedded together, just like night and day. And so make each day of your journey a masterpiece!

With love and prayers,

Father Rich Jones

Mum, please don't feel guilty
It was just my time to go.
I see you are still feeling sad,
And the tears just seem to flow.
We all come to earth for our lifetime,
And for some it's not many years
I don't want you to keep crying
You are shedding so many tears.
I haven't really left you
Even though it may seem so.
I have just gone to my heavenly home,
And I'm closer to you than you know.
Just believe that when you say my name
I'm standing next to you,
I know you long to see me,
But there's nothing I can do.
But I'll still send you messages
And hope you understand,
That when your time comes to cross over,
I'll be there to take your hand.

(author unknown)

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