It is with pleasure that I write to Eudist U.S.A. regarding Father Gerard who recently retired from my parish St James, in Solana Beach. He led our Catholic community during a difficult time which included the passing of Father Howard and the COVID Pandemic.
The beautiful outdoor Funeral Mass for our longtime pastor Father Howard, followed by a delicious lunch, was attended by hundreds under Father Gerard’s direction.
During the Pandemic Father Gerard served daily masses on the patio. Sunday mass was held on the shaded playground. All the masses were set up by willing volunteers and were organized under Gerard’s direction. Our Catholic Faith community was able to continue their religious practice during a difficult period because of these efforts. Father Gerard was also regularly available around the church grounds for conversation with his community members.
Father Gerard, always humble and humorous, demonstrated his devotion to God and to our community. His sermons offered lessons on staying connected to God and our Faith. With Ernest words he would emphasize the importance of this practice. His words and available services helped me stay connected to my faith.
Having Father’s leadership was special for me. My father, who passed in 1986, two months before my wedding, was an immigrant from the south of France. Father Gerard’s accent, laughter and expressions reminded me of my father. My father, a true Frenchman, always enjoyed a good meal and his favorite holiday was Easter Sunday when all the cousins would come to celebrate. I enjoyed taking the Easter Meal to his house on a few occasions so he could celebrate properly with the other priests. This gave me joy and I now realize it was to honor my late Father.
I was so pleased to have heard Father Gerard’s last sermon at St. James, and was able to speak to him for a moment after mass, to thank him.
I will pray regularly for Father Gerard, that his retirement is rich with a new community and with interesting and challenging work. I pray that his life is fulfilling and that God will assist in providing joy comfort and health all the days of his retirement. He will be missed.
God Bless Father Gerard.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Gagliardo
