Bowen Holgate, R.I.P.

18 November 2008
Feast of the Dedications of

the Basilicas of SS Peter and Paul

Dear Friends

When suffering in this Vale of Tears, we look to heaven for succour and for consolation in grief, only to acknowledge that there is no solace that can compare with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where, in an unbloody way, the death of Our Lord is made present on our altars. Every new day's Mass has a special Lesson and Gospel assigned to it. In the Mass for 18 November, which is that of the Dedication of a Church, the Holy Scripture speaks directly to the hearts of all who mourn the death of our young Bowen. It says: "et absterget... And God shall wipe away all the tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more. Nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more..." (Apoc. 21:4) As sinners, we feel the weight of our lowliness and we hope that Our Lord will notice us, not disown us, and even have a merciful word in our regard. Of course, today in our sorrows, ever providing for us, Our Lord has just such a kindly word that we may rightly apply to Bowen. In today's Holy Gospel, Our Saviour notices Zacchaeus who had perched himself up into a tree in order to catch sight of Him. He looks up to Zacchaeus, speaks kindly to him and personally associates Himself with Him. Even more than this, He defends Zacchaeus publicly saying to the crowd: "eo quod et ipse filius sit Abrahae ... he also is a son of Abraham." (Lk. 19:9). This day that brought sorrow, grief and mourning to us who are Bowen's family and friends, also, in the Mass brings us hope and spiritual consolation. This earthly life that the Church so rightly calls a Valley of Tears, is, nevertheless greatly brightened with the light that comes from the gift of Faith. That light penetrates human darkness and allows us to see beyond this life. As a child of God, a son of Abraham, a baptised Catholic, Bowen entered into eternity fortified by the Sacraments and the rites of our holy Mother the Church. He died clothed in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, to which is affixed the promise,'Whosoever dies clothed in this Scapular shall never suffer eternal fire.' Our Bowen went to God supported by our prayers and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Now he has entered eternity. We cannot leave him there, as it were, by himself; no, we accompany him by our prayers, rosaries and especially by having the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered for the repose of his soul so that, should he be in purgatory, he may quickly be entirely cleansed and enter into the joys of heaven. The Holy Mass will be offered for the repose of his soul on several altars; our love for him continues beyond the grave because he still exists, he is an immortal soul; once born in time he will always exist in eternity. Therefore, although we mourn his passing, we do not mourn like those who have no hope; but with love and confidence we pray for Bowen's soul: Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Bowen Holgate, R. I. P.

19 years of age

"...eo quod et ipse filius sit Abrahae ...

he also is a son of Abraham. (Lk. 19:9)

Bowen Holgate, best described as having a 'gentle and quiet' character, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Timaru hospital on Sunday 16 November at 7.00 a.m. He received Extreme Unction at 10.00 a.m.

By 2.00 a.m. Monday his condition began to deteriorate.

Clothed in the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, beside the image of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour and with the holy Rosary in his hand, Bowen Holgate passed into eternity at 10.30 a.m. NZT on Tuesday 18 November, the feast of the Dedication of the Basilicas of St Peter and St Paul in Rome. Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of his soul in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Timaru, at 11.00 a.m. on Friday, 21 November, Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Temple.

We gratefully thank you, our friends, who, in your charity, kindly offered prayers for Bowen when you heard of his plight. Now that he has passed into eternity we ask you to still remember to offer a little prayer for his soul and another for the consolation of his dear parents and sisters. May God reward your compassion.

We unite our sorrows with the Sorrow of our Blessed Mother who lost Her Divine Son and held his dead Body in Her arms at the foot of the Cross. In Her lament She cried out:

"O vos omnes.. O all ye that pass by the way, attend, and see if there be any sorrow like to my sorrow...." (Lamentations 1:12).
May our Blessed Mother who knows the sorrow of mothers
comfort the mother and father of this boy.

Fr. Michael Mary, F.SS.R.