Hundreds turned out today in Springfield for a final farewell to a beloved spiritual leader in western Massachusetts.
The Catholic funeral mass filled with ancient rituals and symbols, hymns, and scripture readings was a moving tribute to the long life of the man known as the “people’s Bishop”—Joseph Maguire, who died last week at 95.
600 people filled Saint Michael’s Cathedral in downtown Springfield for the service, which lasted about 90 minutes. Philip Waystack, a nephew of Maguire’s, said nothing made his “uncle Joe” happier than being among people.
"Uncle Joe lived as our holy father, Pope Francis, challenged his priests to get involved with the lives of their faithful. He most certainly did."
Maguire was remembered as a tireless man devoted to personal ministry who kept up a hectic schedule attending parish events, visiting the sick in hospitals, and praying at wakes and funerals until his health gave out. In a homily, former Bishop Timothy McDonnell said Maguire brought the drive and determination he showed playing sports to the priesthood, recalling how Maguire broke his leg playing baseball just a few weeks before he was ordained.
"Joe Maguire would not let a little thing like a broken leg slow him down."
Maguire was head of the Springfield Diocese from 1977 to 1991. His counsel was invaluable to the four bishops who followed, according to McDonnell.
" In his death it is as if the whole diocese has lost its grandpa."
Like many bishops during his era, it was found that children had been abused by priests under Maguire’s jurisdiction. McDonnell said Maguire anguished over the emotional pain the children suffered and carried to adulthood.
" He prayed intensely each day for God to ease their pain. Those prayers continued right up to this past week and the day he died."
The funeral service was conducted by current Bishop Mitchell Rozanski, who told reporters outside the cathedral that he was struck by the condolences and tributes to Maguire he’s heard during the past week.
" He truly loved being Bishop of Springfield, loved the people of Springfield and of western Massachusetts."
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, head of the Archdiocese of Boston where Maguire once worked for Cardinal Richard Cushing, called Maguire a great church man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.
The funeral was attended by dozens of priests, deacons and women from religious orders There were federal, state and local officials at the funeral including Congressman Richard Neal and the mayors of Springfield, Chicopee and Westfield.
The chiefs of police from Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Hampden, Palmer, Pelham, and West Springfield served as pallbearers. Maguire was the son of a Boston police detective and was the chaplain of the Western Massachusetts Police Chiefs Association for more than 20 years, according to West Springfield Police Chief Ronald Campurciani.
" We are all honored to be here for him today."
After the mass, a lengthy funeral procession traveled about five miles to Saint Michael’s Cemetery where Maguire’s body is to be interred in a mausoleum.
