There’s a time to remember,
a time to recall,
the eldest member of the Freemans – all.
Seamus, he was a strong man,
of siblings he had seven.
When he was a wee young lad,
his sister – Maureen – was called to Heaven.
He paved the way to school for us,
when there were few cars and no school bus.
A scholar of the finest degree,
he set a high standard for poor old me!
At the tender age of fourteen years,
he left home, enthusiastic, yet full of tears.
To the Thurles CBS he chose to go,
and from there a vocation would grow.
The Pallottines were his first choice
and within their walls he found his voice;
a voice of peace, hope and care,
a gentle one, no love would spare.
His vision and insight we admire;
precious traits to which we aspire.
He took the path of the priesthood way
and now we thank God for him each day.
Called to Rome as secretary
to a Laois man of ability:
with dark eyes and a permanent tan,
he could have passed for an Italian!
Out of office he worked in a parish –
doing his best, faith to nourish!
True to his vocation of the role of laity;
a service done with joy and gaiety.
A papal calling from the Vatican
changed our Seamus into a bishop man;
a role he embraced with faith and love,
‘cos he had trust in God above.
With God on his side, he took the task
without the answers for the questions they might ask.
His trust and faith in the God above
scaffolded him, a man of Love.
In his years of service, he gave of his best!
Ponder his essence, that is the test!
Unfortunately ill-health came his way.
This changed his life day by day.
But Seamus’s ministry did not end –
for, in Thurles and Highfield he had many a friend.
His gentle presence spoke to all
of his love of God who loves us all.
We give thanks today for Seamus, our friend.
May the love he showed never end.
Se mo thuairim! Ni bheidh a leithead ann aris. (It’s my thinking that there will never be another like him again).
_____________________________________
The love of Christ urges us on!
Written and read by Mary Freeman as an appreciation for her beloved brother Seamus, RIP.
Read at his funeral Mass on Friday, 26th August 2022.
