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Roosevelt Island said goodbye on April 11 to its
Priest of 14 years, Father Joseph Gorman. With tributes and food
both overflowing, Gorman’s parishioners, joined by his many
non-Catholic friends, let sentiment rule as he returned to the
Island for a farewell party.
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Each
tribute had its own character and qualities. Here’s one by Marilyn
Engstler, Housing’s Director of Community Relations.
"I knew from the moment I saw Father Gorman,
14 years ago, walking from Island House to Eastwood, dressed in a
sports jacket and cap, that there was something very special about
him. I would see him from the management desk routinely cross from
Island House to Eastwood each day, and wonder who he was until one
day someone pointed him out as the priest who had taken Father
McCarthy’s place.
"Little did I know that Father Gorman would
be such an important person in my life.
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"From
1988 to now, I would call him throughout the year, asking if he
could say a prayer in the hope that whatever community event I was
doing at the time would be safe and harmonious, and ask for good
weather.
"I love the way Father Gorman would make the
Sign of the Cross on my forehead on Ash Wednesdays. I always thought
he made mine the clearest and largest. I’ll miss the way he
acknowledged me when I would receive communion on holy days that
fell during the week – saying ‘I’m glad you came,’ – not
as if he was saying, ‘It’s been a while.’
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"But
most of all I’d like to thank him for letting me grow under his
wing from a young woman of 25 years to a woman of [cough]. Thank you
for all your support, and your gentle and kind demeanor.
"I wish you all the best always. I will miss
you."
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