Editor’s note: we will be updating this throughout the Mass, which starts at 2 p.m.
1:45 p.m.
Procession of clergy & prelates begins in a few minutes. Casket is in main aisle covered with cream & gold colored pall.
Whole left side of cathedral is reserved for clergy, who are now in procession from archdiocesan pastoral center.
1:48 p.m.
Right side of church is two-thirds full, mostly dignitaries and knights of Holy Sepulchre order.
Procession enters cathedral led by cross and candle bearers.
1:50 p.m.
Knights of Columbus – 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree in regalia – flank main aisle for procession.
1:52 p.m.
Seminarians in procession lead permanent deacons, who are led by a bearer of the book of Gospels, as ministers of the word of God.
1:54 p.m.
Next are numerous archdiocesan priests and priest friends of Cardinal Foley from across the US. Like Holy Thursday! He would be pleased.
Cathedral choir, under direction of John Romeri, formerly of St. Louis Archdiocese, sounds wonderful.
Musical interludes include organ and a string quartet.
1:58 p.m.
Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is entrance procession hymn.
2:03 p.m.
Cardinals Rigali & O’Malley concelebrating; +Wuerl, Keeler, Dinardo, Maida presiding.
Baltimore Archbishop Edward O’Brien incenses altar, begins Mass. He offers Mass for Foley. Calls him man of holiness.
2:06 p.m.
Archbishop Carlo Vigano, apostolic nuncio to US (papal ambassador) reads letter of condolence from Pope Benedict XVI.
Archbishop Carlo Vigano, apostolic nuncio to US (papal ambassador) reads letter of condolence from Pope Benedict XVI.
Kyrie sings atonement for sins, mercy of God.
Opening prayer, followed by readings from Scripture.
2:11 p.m.
1st reading, from book of Wisdom, read by Cardinal’s cousin, Eileen Guest, at his request.
2:13 p.m.
Responsorial psalm is the beloved psalm 23: the Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.
Cantor for this and congregational singing are members of archdiocesan choir, numbering about 60.
2:20 p.m.
2nd reading from St. Paul to Romans, read by longtime friend Bob Sims. He and cardinal were friends since boyhood, always close as brothers.
Transitional Deacon Richard James reads Gospel from St. Matthew 5, the Beatitudes: “blessed are they…”
2:26 p.m.
New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan delivers the homily.
2:29 p.m.
Says Cardinal Rigali called him to say Cardinal Foley died, last Sunday.
Makes parallel with John (the Baptist) led to Jesus as John (Foley) did.
+Foley “cherished” the ecclesiastical culture of Philadelphia Archdiocese.
“With immense love and gratitude, we commend him to God”
2:34 p.m.
From one natural communicator to another: funny, spiritual, moving: Archbishop Dolan to Cardinal Foley.
Condolences for a death in the family, his beloved Archdiocese. Arch. Dolan advises arch faithful: always be proud of membership here.
2:44 p.m.
Offertory gifts brought up by grandchildren of friends Bob Sims & Tony Mullen, plus friends Joseph Ryan & Matt Gambino, this chronicler.
Arch. O’Brien begins Liturgy of Eucharist, making present the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3:04 p.m.
Communion hymn is “Gift of Finest Wheat” requested by Card. Foley. He served on committee to plan Euch. Congress of ’76, from which hymn came.
Quintessentially Philadelphia Archdiocese. Despite many challenges, the faith of present and legacy of past are still strong.
3:15 p.m.
At prayers of commendation of the body, a hymn: “song of farewell” by Peter Lamanna, also requested by Card. Foley.
Remarks by Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput.
Chaput: Foley an extraordinarily warm human being.
3:20 p.m.
Foley was mentor to bishops, like Chaput. “Pioneer in the new evangelization”… Advises seminarians to use new media in ways, like him.
Commendation of the body led by Archbishop Chaput. Only prelate w/ crozier (staff) because he leads this local church
He incenses the casket of Card Foley. People sing “receive his soul and present him to God the most high.”
“We commend our brother John Patrick Foley…” “open the gates of paradise to your servant.”
Deacon: ” in peace let us take our brother to his place of rest.”
Pall is removed from casket. Seminarian Pall bearers bring casket into sanctuary. Arch. Chaput leads prelates toward crypt under main altar.
Song: “Ecce sacerdos.” “Behold a great priest, who in his days pleased God.” Totally Phila, Latin hymn, fav of Cardinal John Krol.
Another request of Card. Foley
3:30 p.m.
Group is in crypt now, packed Cathdral silent and still.
Video & audio from crypt and final burial to begin. “salve regina” hymn to Mary sung, requested by Card. Foley Fav of Phila priests, sems.
Vid from crypt shows casket at burial vault, with other bishops & archbishops from/of Philadelphia.
3:40 p.m.
Intercession prayers, for comfort for the mourning, for Card. Foley’s fellowship with saints in heaven. “our father, who art in heaven…”
Arch Chaput gives final blessing. Casket is slid into vault. It is accomplished. Absolute silence…
Last request by Cardinal Foley: recessional hymn “How Great Thou Art.”
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He will be sorely missed. He was very kind to our family.