Above and Beyond

To the Editor:

I would like to share one of my insights that I remember about Father John O’Hara, now Bishop-designate O’Hara, while he was the pastor of St. Teresa’s parish on Staten Island.

St. Teresa’s parish takes care of the spiritual needs of the residents at Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Father O’Hara would go over and beyond what was expected of him. What I remember most is the many souls from Clove Lakes, who had no family, that he buried. Not only would he offer a beautiful Mass, music and singing included, he would accompany the body to Resurrection Cemetery for burial, and recited the final prayers for the repose of the souls.

Administration, staff and residents of Clove Lakes join me in congratulating Father O’Hara on his elevation as auxiliary bishop. We ask God’s blessings on him as he assumes his new responsibilities in the archdiocese, and we thank him for his service to the residents of Clove Lakes.

Sister Mary Murtagh, S.O.S.F.

Director of pastoral care

Clove Lakes Health Care and
Rehabilitation Center

Staten Island