A Story of Bishop Henry Jerrim
Let me share with you a story of this Diocese.
Do many of you know Bishop Henry? Gentle, wise, caring.
Henry would come and sit at the table in my office: ‘How’s it going, John?’
I’d share the good news.
‘And how’s it going, John?’ he would repeat, his face all smiles.
After I had opened up, he would respond,
‘Ah, Keep going. Keep going.’
I will never forget the day, around his 88th birthday, when he told me of his stumbling reading of the prayers and lack of capacity to properly lead worship at the Cathedral.
With tears in his eyes he told me, ‘I can’t help you any more at the Cathedral. I’m sorry.’
(On 21 May) I visited Henry with Father David O’Neill. Henry was unconscious, his children were gathered, we spoke and shared. Holding Henry’s hand, I prayed and we recounted some stories – hoping he could hear!
Leaving his room, I asked a nurse for directions and she kindly offered to show me the way. I commented on Bishop Henry and immediately the nurse enthused,
‘Henry is so caring, pleasant and considerate. When I am trying to get relief staff, my trump card to get them to come in is to say that Henry is on their duty list! Bishop Henry is a special man.’
Will it be said of us? ‘Those Anglicans are special.’
By the Spirit’s work, we are special. Let it be so!
Read Stanzas 2 – 5 of my Pentecost Prayer.
Bp John