I was a parishioner at the Old Mission from 1979 until 1984 when I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. Both of my children received their first communion at the Mission and from Fr. Virgil. He was very close to our family and has remained so ever since.
In 1985, my family went through an extremely difficult time. Fr. Virgil, on a moments notice, drove from the Mission to Danville, starting at 4 a.m., to be with my wife and me. He spent the day and returned late that night.
While the drive itself was remarkable, his timing was even more remarkable. He drove up on the Friday before Palm Sunday! – the busiest week of the year for a Pastor, particularly for a very busy and large parish like St. Barbara’s.
I will never forget him or this very selfless journey to be with me and my family. These unspoken acts by Fr. Virgil, and I am sure that you’ll learn of many more, provided inspiration for all.
Dia dhuit.
Thomas Loarie lives in the Bay Area and is the CEO of Mercator MedSystems.