Bishop Emeritus George Coleman remembered 8 Continued from page four
‘‘It was a gentle, humble and respectful way of not wanting to make his previous experience as Bishop my way of doing things. He was professional and respectful of proper protocols, and let me do things my way,” Bishop da Cunha said. In addition to his sister, Eileen Keegan, he is survived by one nephew, Christopher Keegan and his wife Diana, two great nephews, Matthew and Patrick Keegan all of Milford, MA, and cousin Cindy Day of Falmouth. A wake and Vigil service for Bishop Coleman took place on Thursday, May 30, at St. Mary’s Cathedral. A Mass of Christian Burial for him was celebrated on Friday, May 31, also at St. Mary’s Cathedral. At least 13 bishops from dioceses in New England attended Bishop Coleman’s funeral. The homily was given by the Very Rev. David Pignato, secretary to Bishop Coleman for four years. ‘‘As we commend the noble soul of Bishop Coleman to the great mercy of God, we have the consolation of knowing that he lived his whole life for Jesus Christ. ‘‘And his faith inspired the choice of his Episcopal motto, Dominique Sumos. He believed with great conviction that the Paschal mystery explains the reality of our lives and he lived with hope in the resurrection and the gift of eternal life that Jesus Christ offers to those who are faithful. ‘‘I never heard Bishop Coleman speak of the sacrifices that he had made and was continuing to make for God. Instead, I heard him speak often to all that God has done for him by inviting him to be a priest and then a bishop,” Father Pignato said. The video of the Mass of Christian Burial has been posted on the diocesan YouTube channel. Please visit www. YouTube.com/ frdcomm Donations in Bishop Coleman’s memory may be made to the Diocese of Fall River Clergy Retirement Fund, c/o Chancery Finance Office, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, MA 02720.
Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, the eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Fall River, and Bishop George W. Coleman, the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Fall River in conversation.
The Daily Readings for June appear on page 18. 8
† June 7, 2024