This morning all the Friars of our Province received this very sad news: “Fr. Harry Monaco, OFM, 48 years of age, a professed Franciscan friar for 6 years and a priest for 2 years, died last night in his sleep, at Holy Name College in Silver Spring, MD, after a long struggle with cancer.” Harry was a wonderful person and we are saddened in our loss.
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so ;For those, whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow,
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy picture[s] be,
Much pleasure, then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul’s delivery.
Thou’rt slave to Fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy, or charms can make us sleep as well,
And better than thy stroke ; why swell’st thou then ?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally,
And Death shall be no more ; Death, thou shalt die.
John Donne, Holy Sonnet 10
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Harry and I became friends in the late 90’s. I can remember many good times together. Harry loved to cook a good meal and share it with friends (most of the time it was his grandmother’s sauce and meatballs). He loved to hike, see movies, and laugh. He was also the most holy man I have ever known. His faith continues to have a great influence on my thoughts about who God is in my life and, really, what life is all about. I will miss him.
I went to high school with Harry, and he was just as nice then as the comments on this blog. I was a bit socially awkward in high school, but Harry always seemed to have something funny to say whenever he saw me. It does not surprise me that Harry became a priest. Quite frankly, we all expected him to take that higher path. He will be missed, but God will now ( as He as always) will be appreciating Harry’s kindness and sense of humor.
Harry was my very first supervisor in the field of social work @ Victory House in Boston , Ma. It was Harry that convinced me to apply to Boston College , to the school of social work .
Sixteen years later , I continue to work in the field of substance abuse treatment and dual diagnoses treatment . Harry played a huge role in my life at a time when I was very much undecided regarding my future .
Harry was also a great friend and a very trustworthy person and confidante .
He touched a lot of lives . He will be terribly missed .
Fr. Harry Monaco will be missed by many people, especially me. I met Harry when we were freshman at St. Bona’s in 1985, and over the years we stayed in touch. He was a constant source of God’s peace in my life and my family’s life. I will miss talking with him and laughing with him but his memory will live on in my heart.
Harry was a dear dear friend who meant so much to so many people. I’m grateful that his suffering, which he dealt with in such a quiet, dignified way, has now come to an end. My thanks and condolences to his brothers who cared for him with such kindness.
Harry was such a powerful influence in my life when I was a student at Bonaventure. He gave me more pastoral care and guidance than he would have ever known. I owe a debt of gratitude to his memory. Rest in Peace, Fr. Harry. Pray for us.