NO DOUBT AT ALL!

We – my husband and I - met him on evening perambulations which ended at the grotto.  The exchange would be humorously peppery – Thomas the Watchman never lacked for repartee. He could be testy and truculent at the best of times, but that often irascible exterior held a dutiful heart.  

 

In those months that Thomas was on night duty, he signed off at 6 AM, the time that I arrived to set up the keyboard for Sunday morning Mass.  He observed me just once.  From that time on the keyboard was in place ready and waiting, the chairs and mics for the cantors were also set.  All I had to do was switch on and play.  Thomas himself would be sitting in Church, three pews down in silent communion with the Eucharistic presence.  Before leaving, he would come and ask, ‘Everything ok?’  He was and is the only watchman who ever did that service for me.  I cannot forget.

When he received notice of his retirement, he asked if there was any job for him as a watchman.  But his health did not permit heavy duty.  And his attitude was read by many as disrespect.  Thomas, apparently, did not believe in the Carnegie doctrine: he certainly did not go out on a limb to win friends or influence people. And yet his was an unforgettable, instantly recognisable presence. The numbers at his final journey spoke for themselves.  

It is fitting that his funeral oration also bore the mark of his earthy humour: When challenged by St. Peter at the gates of heaven, Thomas is thought to have replied, "I guarded the gates of the Lord’s House for twelve years and any time you need a replacement, I’m willing to do your job!"

St. Peter is not likely to relinquish duty at the pearly gates, but there is no doubt that we’ll meet Thomas within.