The first reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13 -18) has 3 important messages for us: first, the resurrection of Jesus Christ; second, our resurrection; third, a message of comfort for the bereaved. In the light of these, let us reflect on the life of Bill Mogford.
He was born in Paris in 1922. His mother was French, his father was English. He had three sisters, two of whom are still alive one in Paris and one in Canada .
Two of his nephews – Jean Louis and Pierre, sons of his sister Loulou – are here with us having arrived by Eurostar from Paris this morning. Bill lived in France until the age of eleven. He was then sent to school in England , to Mayfield College near Tunbridge Wells. He was in England at the start of the Second World War. He joined the British army and saw active service in the Sicily landings. At the end of the war he returned to France , having not seen his family for five years. He later went to St. Andrew’s University where he received an M.A. degree. He began teaching French at The John Fisher School in 1951. He retired in 1984. The school is represented here by Father Richard Fawssett (who is concelebrating this Mass) and by members of staff.
In 1954 Bill married Dorothy at the Church of Our Lady of Muswell, Muswell Hill, London . Earlier this year they celebrated the Golden Jubilee of their marriage. In 1956 they came to live in Thicket Road, Sutton and in 1970 they moved to Redruth House, Grange Road, Sutton where they have lived ever since.
Bill will be remembered as a kind-hearted man, with a keen interest in cycling – especially the Tour de France. He was strongly committed to his Catholic faith. Until his final illness he came each Sunday to the 10.30am Mass here. He was easily recognised with his zimmer frame. He and I frequently joked about his mode of transport. It was always a pleasure to meet this kind and decent man on Sunday mornings. Recently he suffered two strokes. In his final two months he was cared for at Carshalton Nursing Home, Salisbury Road .
Bill made far more effort than most to be at Mass every Sunday and to receive Holy Communion. We pray for him, that the Bread which came down from Heaven (Gospel reading, John 6:51 -58) will now have brought him to fullness of life with God. This is the season of Advent. Early on in Advent we think in particular of the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Bill’s life in this world is over. We pray for him, that God will purify him of all stain of sin and bring him to Heaven. We are still in the month of November, when we are reminded of the power of our prayers to help our friends and relatives who have died. As well as praying for Bill, we also give thanks to God for his life, his faith and goodness. In particular we give thanks for the many children he taught and helped during his years at the John Fisher School .
We pray also for Dorothy that God may comfort and support her during this time of loss and sadness. They had a good marriage, for which she can feel very proud. May God help her and all of us to look forward in hope to being reunited with Bill in the company of Our Lady, the angels and saints in the presence of God in Heaven.