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Area Catholics Remember Cardinal John Foley

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput says he's deeply saddened by Cardinal Foley's death (see related story), but grateful for Foley's life and service. The Cardinal was also fondly remembered by parishioners in his home church: Holy Spirit, in Sharon Hill.

Cardinal Foley spent years in Rome, but Holy Spirit pastor Martin Woodeshick believes his heart was never far from the church where he grew up and went to elementary school.

"He loved Holy Spirit Parish and School and the Holy Child Sisters. I think everyone knows that. He's always tooting their horn."

Parishioners like Suzie felt a personal loss, "He's out of his suffering. That's all I can say. He suffered a lot, but I'm shocked at the same time. He was ready, but I don't think the rest of us were.

Woodeshick says Foley came back to celebrate mass twice after becoming a cardinal, a thrill for Dot Scanlon, "We were in line waiting to get his blessing and he shook my hand and someone took my picture, so I have a picture of him. He was just a lovely, lovely person."

Others remember him from his school days. "He was extremely brilliant, even in school."

Pastor emeritus Daniel Kehoe says, though Foley spent the last 25 years in Rome, he still considered him a friend. "He was very kind and friendly with practically everybody and, even when he differed with them, he did it in a nice way, which is what we all should try for."

The following are the funeral arrangements for Cardinal Foley:

All are welcome to participate in any of the events.

Thursday, December 15, 2011
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook
100 East Wynnewood Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096 (Montgomery County)

Schedule:
9:00 a.m.: Transfer of the Body in the main lobby of Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Reception of the Body followed by Midmorning Prayer in the Chapel of Saint Martin of Tours.

Following Midmorning Prayer Cardinal Foley's body will lie in state for public viewing in the Chapel of Saint Martin of Tours.

7:00 p.m.: Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Daniel E. Thomas, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. Following Mass the Chapel will be closed.

Friday, December 16, 2011
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
18th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Schedule:
9:15 a.m. (approximately): Funeral motorcade departs Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary en route to the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

10:00 a.m.: Reception of the Body in the Cathedral Basilica followed by Midmorning Prayer.

Following Midmorning Prayer Cardinal Foley's body will lie in state for public viewing in the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul until 1:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m.: Solemn Funeral Mass for Cardinal Foley followed by the Rite of Committal in the Cathedral Crypt (located below the main altar).

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