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We had asked a question of the Redemptorist Father of the Baltimore Providence why they had allowed the funeral of Ted Kennedy to be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Boston as Mr. Kenndey was America's foremost proponent of "Freedom of Choice" and abortion.
We got the following reply...
September 3, 2009
Thank you for your e-mail regarding Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston. I’m sorry to hear of your distress, and I sincerely pray this note will help alleviate some of your concern.
Senator Kennedy was a frequent visitor to the basilica, known as Mission Church. He came there regularly to pray for his daughter when she was fighting cancer, and he returned when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Like thousands of others, the senator found comfort and solace under the gaze of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
The Redemptorists’ primary mission has always been to seek out the poor and most spiritually abandoned, and share with them the Good News of the plentiful redemption gained for us by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Like Our Redeemer, we welcome the poor and the sinners, and invite them to experience God’s healing love. In particular, the Redemptorists reserve a special place in our hearts for those who have been away from the Church.
Senator Kennedy spent his public life doing many wonderful things on behalf of the poor and abandoned. We recognize that some of his actions and decisions were not in agreement with the teachings of the Catholic faith he professed. While Senator Kennedy was a controversial figure, he was also a man of faith.
The Kennedy family requested that the Redemptorists host the funeral Mass at Mission Church. Out of our hallmark compassion and pastoral concern for all people, the Redemptorists gladly opened our church and our hearts to the late senator and his family and friends. The Archdiocese of Boston coordinated the Mass and established the rules governing eulogies.
We join Senator Kennedy’s family and friends in praying to our merciful God for the repose of his soul. Would you join us in this spiritual work of mercy?
Please know of our prayers for you and your loved ones, and may Our Lady of Perpetual Help keep you.
In the love of Our Redeemer,
Stephanie Tracy
Communications Manager
cc: Rev. Daniel Francis, C.Ss.R
Director, Redemptorist Office for Mission Advancement