PENNSYLVANIA
Courier Times
By Elizabeth Fisher Correspondent
The fighting faithful of St. Ann parish in Bristol packed the pews, the side aisles and the vestibules Sunday for what the Archdiocese of Philadelphia decreed would be the final Mass before the church merges with St. Mark, just blocks away.
About 250 worshiping warriors, many wearing battle “uniforms” of white T-shirts emblazoned with the traditional Trinitarian symbol, a red and blue cross usually fronting priest vestments and nun habits, attended the 10 a.m. Mass.
The Rev. Tom Morris, pastor of St. Ann, read his farewell remarks, written in what he called a “love letter” to his flock.
“I consider myself a married man, married to the church and to you, the members of St. Ann,” Morris told the congregation. “My hands will miss holding, touching, washing of your feet (emulating Jesus’ washing of the feet of his apostles at the Last Supper, and emulated today at Holy Thursday services). These hands will miss baptizing, distributing the Holy Eucharist, the anointing of the sick and dying.”
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