Fr Girod – a loving presence for those in need

Fr Gervase Girod CSSp continued to make himself present to minister to all who needed him even during his health challenges. His love continued in weakness.

Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon presiding at the Funeral Mass for Fr Girod at St Theresa’s RC Church, Woodbrook today, Friday December 29 said “objectively” Fr Girod would look like a weak man because of his mental health challenges and his body “not cooperating”.

This was not all though as “it was because of his weakness, through his weakness that he endeared so many people to him. His little acts of love to countless people on a daily basis, that is how evil is defeated.”

Fr Girod died Tuesday, December 26 at the age of 89. His family members were joined by past students of Fatima College and those whose lives were in some way impacted by Fr Girod including clergy of the Archdiocese and Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP.

Members of the Fatima College Sea Scouts, and Holy Name Convent formed a guard of honour carrying their school flags.

Archbishop Gordon mentioned Fr Girod’s service at the St Dominic’s Children’s Home, where he was Chaplain and how he accompanied clients of the facility, some of whom kept in contact with him as adults. He  helped raise funds to assist with education. He “accompanied” girls from Holy Name and Providence Girls’ as well as the Fatima students.

Archbishop Gordon said he was amazed by Fr Girod’s social network long before the idea of social networking. He called his ability to be present for people “a precious gift”.

Archbishop Gordon continued, “he showed the truth of priesthood, that the priest is the one who loves, and the priest is the one who cares, and the priest is the one who turns up and is there when people are most in need.”

He wondered aloud how Fr Girod was able to be present to so many. This was the beauty of his life: in weakness he found strength in God. Archbishop Gordon stated, “in his humility he found how to become a channel of grace; in his challenge with his own health, he found a way to give to others what he himself did not have, and that brothers and sisters is the essence of the Christan life and that is what Jesus prays for ‘may they all be one’.”

Fr Girod’s life pointed the way to God and if grief for his loss stirred within, Archbishop Gordon admonished those who knew him to take some of what he did and do it now for others.

“Be available, remember evil is dismantled and destroyed by the little and the little people doing little things every single day; if we can do half of what he did, wow! What a beautiful country this would be.”

Retired Justice Stanley John gave a eulogy sharing the leadership role and the nurturing influence Fr Girod had on the Fatima scouts. He mentioned his service at St Dominic’s and Holy Name as priest and counsellor.

John recalled Fr Girod received numerous invitations and despite advising him to decline some, he continued “to accommodate everyone”. John said the annual Fatima May Fair was the brainchild of Fr Girod. Although the past two years were challenging and mobility meant he could not go out as he used to, Fr Girod found solace in WhatsApp.

“I am sure many of you will recall receiving these WhatsApp messages,” John said. He publicly thanked Fr Girod’s caregiver Laura for her service the past seven years at Spiritan House, Frederick Street, taking care of Fr Girod.

Fr Girod’s nieces Dorri Agostini and Giselle Tardieu gave the first and second readings, respectively. Fr Ron Mendes CSSp performed the final commendation. Sharon Rowley, wife of the Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was in attendance.