Dear Parishioners of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose,
Perhaps it is fitting that on the last weekend of November that death should once again be the topic of this writing.  Death comes to us all.  So even priests must be prepared to face this inevitable occasion.
On November 10th, after years of suffering, Father David Maher was called home to God.  Father Maher was assigned to Kirksville in 1993: first to the Newman Center and then to Mary Immaculate and St. Rose. He came to Kirksville after serving on the faculty of St. Thomas Seminary for 18 years.  I was also on the faculty at Saint Thomas when Father Maher received his new assignment, so I know it was very difficult for him to leave after so many years.  But being an obedient priest, he accepted what the bishop asked and he went to Kirksville.
Mary Immaculate was going through difficult times when Father Maher arrived.  His strong, quiet, prayerful presence was a balm to this community.  Even though it was a difficult transition for him, he loved the people here.  He worked very hard to bring the love of Jesus to this parish.
In my homily at the vigil for Father Maher, I mentioned that some priests are remembered for building new churches and schools; some priests are remembered for their great preaching, some for missionary work in far off lands, some for the number of converts they have made.  And all too rarely, some priests are remembered for having the heart of Christ!  Father David Maher was such a priest.  We thank God for what Father Maher did for our community in the years that he served in Kirksville.  May he rest in peace!
I love You, O my God, and my only desire is to love You until the last breath of my life.                            

I love You, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would rather die loving You,                                    than live without loving You.                                                             
I love You, Lord, and the only grace I ask is to love You eternally.
My God, if my tongue cannot say in every moment that Iove You,                                                  
I want my heart to repeat it to You as often as I draw breath.
(St. John Vianney’s prayer to Jesus)

P.S. I am leaving for home sooner than I expected, as I have a family funeral.  I will not be here this weekend.
One of the blessings I am grateful for this Thanksgiving is that I am the pastor of Mary Immaculate and Saint Rose.
May God bless you with a very Happy Thanksgiving!                                                                                         Msgr. Cox