We'll have a get together in the parish hall after Mass. Everyone is welcome. Vamos a reunirnos en el salón parroquial después de la Misa. Todos están invitados.

We've always called each other Terrence and Constance. To family and friends, we're Ted and Connie, or Terry and Connie.

Constance, what you've often predicted has come true today. This is one of the largest gatherings of priests in the history of this church.

From where I'm standing I can count about 20, maybe 25 priests. Nearly all of us are men who've added marriage and family to our priesthood. And we're grateful for the ministry of two priests still in the church's official clergy who are presiding at this Mass, Father Paul and my seminary classmate Father Bill.

Here are a few of the messages we've received.

From a young married couple:

We will always remember Connie as one of the most caring and kind people we were ever blessed to meet. The kindness shown by Connie and yourself many years ago to Travis at a time he most needed it can never be properly repaid and will never be forgotten.

From friends in Mexico:

Terry, I can't even imagine you without her, for you have been together ever since we first met. Connie will always have a special place in my heart because she introduced Antonio to me those many years ago. You both have moved in and out of our lives in the intervening years, but have remained a fixed part of our world wherever we are. I never wanted that to end.

I don't think I ever knew anyone quite like Connie, her soft-spoken and unassuming manner belying a formidable inner strength. She had, in many ways, the most interior spirituality of any person I have ever met. I loved her wry sense of humor, her impeccable taste, and her graciousness as a hostess. There are many wonderful memories of moments we shared over the years, but perhaps they are overshadowed by the time you cared for our son Carlos when he needed help. We will forever be grateful for that. Together you made the word 'generosity' come alive.

Also from Mexico:

Connie fue una maravillosa compañera tuya y fue un gran apoyo para toda tu gran y amorosa familia, así como una muy amable y comprensiva persona para todos los amigos y los que la rodeaban.

From a sister-in-law:

Connie is one of the most wonderful ladies I ever met: kind hearted, gentle, deeply caring, finely educated, very nice manners. The goodness of her heart shone like a special star. Her goal was making happy the people around her. Her gentleness could be detected in the tone of her voice, in the way she put the words together. Her caring touched my heart. I felt understood. She knew how to listen. And when she said something, it was full of wisdom.

From one of my sisters:

I'm home thinking of that gracious, lovely woman and how much she means to all of us. And I'm thinking about my kind and wonderful brother who must surely be heartbroken. I'm thinking about the awesome family you two built together and how much they will miss her. I don't know what to do for you, Ted, except to tell you how much I love you and how much I love Connie. She is one of the best people I have ever known. I'm glad you married her and let us love her.

From a former student:

Connie (or Mrs. Halloran as I knew you), I was blessed to know you way back when, when I was in the library club at St. Barbara's. You always got me reading a good book and always had one ready for me when I was finished and needed a new one. I could always come in and talk to you too; you were a great listener and advice giver. I know you're up there in heaven now, handing a good book to a little boy or girl telling them how wonderful reading is and how a world of fun is waiting for them when they open that book and start reading. Thank you for sharing that joy with me. I will never forget you and I appreciate the values of learning, reading and kindness you have instilled in me.

May the angels lead you into paradise. May the martyrs receive you as you arrive. May they lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of angels welcome you. With Lazarus who once was poor, may you have eternal rest.

Constance, you've always judged the quality of a memorial service by whether or not "In Paradisum" was sung. We know you're happy now. We'll join you soon.