Cardinal
O’Brien presents the following personal tribute
following on the death of the late Monsignor David Gemmell:
"I
knew David Gemmell for literally all of my priestly
life - initially when I was a teacher of mathematics
and School Chaplain in St Columba's Secondary School,
in Cowdenbeath and then Dunfermline, between 1966 and
1971 where David was a pupil. At that time, I
was able to help him discern his priestly vocation.
Some years later, I was appointed as Spiritual Director
of our seminary at St Andrew's College, Drygrange where David
was by this time a deacon in his final year of preparation
for ordination.
David
was ordained in 1978 and I became Archbishop of St.
Andrews and Edinburgh in 1985 from then on David and
his brother priests of the Archdiocese became in a special
way my friends and colleagues in ministry. As
Archbishop I asked David to fulfil various heavy and
responsible roles for me, particularly as a valued member
of the seminary staff both at Gillis
College
and later at the National Senior Seminary, Scotus
College
in Glasgow.
This role as mentor and friend to other priests continued
throughout his life. Meanwhile as a Vicar general in
our Archdiocese he became one of my closest advisors.
His
last and particular service for me was as Administrator
of St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh - where he relished
presenting the loving, caring and compassionate face
of Jesus Christ to all who came to the Cathedral, whether
Catholics of the parish or from elsewhere in the Archdiocese,
members of other Christian denominations or members
of the many world faiths present in our Capital City.
Nor did he ever forget the needs of those of no faith
at all but seeking help in some way or another.
He
had a wonderful vision for the Cathedral not just as
a place where worship would take place, but also as
being a pastoral centre at the heart of the City of
Edinburgh where people could and would come for a variety
of reasons to make contact with Jesus Christ himself,
but also to make contact with one another and build
up the Body of Christ. Through his initiatives
a hall was built adjoining the Cathedral
last year; Café Camino
was opened for anyone who wished to come; and
a magnificent new organ was built within
the Cathedral and opened just one week ago.
At
the official opening recital of the organ,
I was able to speak of the magnificent instrument as
our gift, not only to the Cathedral Parish, but to the
City, to Scotland
and indeed to the whole world coming to Edinburgh in
increasing numbers, especially at Festival time.
Similarly, I indicated with regard to the whole
Cathedral complex: David had opened it
to all who wished to come either in their private prayer
before the Blessed Sacrament, to share in Sunday worship
or the great liturgies of the Church's year, or to socialise
in the hall or cafeteria.
His
vision extended outwith the boundaries of Scotland.
Like myself, he had volunteered to work on the missions,
but his missionary service had been deferred.
My missionary service was deferred by my predecessor,
Cardinal Gray; David's missionary service had been
deferred by myself I valued his apostolate, along with
his ministry, friendship and support too much at home!
However,
he travelled with me on some of my missionary journeys
as friend and companion visiting El
Salvador,
Chiapas
in Mexico,
Guatemala
and then just some months ago, Vietnam
and China.
David
was a good and faithful friend and a loyal priest.
He welcomed me into his family, as I welcomed him into
the family of the Archdiocese. His home in Oakley
became a regular haven of rest over the years, sharing
the love and wisdom of his mum and dad, and whichever
members of his family happened to be present.
I share the grief of Josephine, David's mother, along
with his loving family of brothers and sisters.
He
was indeed a real brother to me and to so many; he was
a priest whose arms were extended like the opened arms
of Christ to welcome any who turned to him for help
and advice. May he now receive the reward of his
labours as he in turn will surely be welcomed by the
Good Shepherd whom he had tried so faithfully to serve." |
