The following a letter Marcel sent out early this week upon the news our favorite priest had died. We went to the funeral today (The Feast Day of Mary, appropriately enough, as Father Newmann had a special fondness for the Blessed Mother). The place was PACKED, hundreds of people standing out on the front steps. We were almost one of them, but we snuck up to the balcony where the choir sings. Since we missed last night's choir practice, we didn't realize the choir was singing for the service--three choirs actually. We were thankful for our "sneakineess" so we could have the chance to add our voices in the requiem honouring a truly beautiful man. We may not always agree with his politics, but his belief came from sincerity, tolerance and love. One had to admire the way in which he was devoted to his faith (we certainly did).

Greetings;
I hope that everyone is well.
Just thought I would let you guys know that this has been a sad weekend for Nancy and I (and many others as well). When we went to choir rehearsal before Mass on Sunday, we were informed that the priest who was to oversee our marriage ceremony, and who was
also instrumental in inspiring us to return to church, to attend the Latin Mass, to join the choir, and advancing our approach to developing our spirituality--has unfortunately died.
Monsignour(spelling?) Neumann was an outstanding individual and a pillar
of the community. He did everything possible to invigorate his congregation towards living a higher form of the principles of their faith. His voice was an incredible instrument of power as his ability to chant even the
simplest calendar dates for their announcement from his podium was moving and
inspiring. He brought Latin to the cathedral, he re-instituted the general choir and founded the Gregorian Schola (gregorian chants) for the cathedral, of which I am a member.
Mnsgr. Neumann was excited about our involvement in the church, about our
wedding (he chose the date) and allowed us to meet with him to discuss how we might make certain developments for the choir so that we might create a more spiritual environment up on the balcony where we sing and the organ is
played. I was asked by him to participate in the Sunday morning Mass with him, as a servant of the altar. I do not regret that I chose to participate in the choir instead, as I know he appreciated this just as much.(The
choir is something both Nancy and I are a part of. By serving on the altar, I would have been separated from her, which was not our desire.)

Mnsgr. Neumann died of cancer after a long and valiant struggle. He provided Mass for as long as he could, even when it was noticably a difficult struggle for him. It was clear that it was also the only thing in the world that he would choose to do. His funeral is on Friday, and I will be skipping school that day to attend with Nancy.

Once our phone (the line has been down for days) is reconnected (hopefully today) we will be making arrangements with a close friend of Mnsgr. Neumann to oversee the wedding ceremony. No dates have changed and everything is on schedule. We, and everyone at the Holy Rosary Cathedral, will miss this
great and passionate individual who, according to the precepts of the Christian faith, is in a far happier place--the source of that very light which shone so brightly through him.

I am deeply sorry that the members of our family will not have the opportunity to meet this incredible man. However, there is a
significant possibility that if not for him, you may not be venturing out this way for
September the 20th at all. It is his influence which has played an important
role in bringing Nancy and I together for this very special occasion.

Much love to you,
Marcel and Nancy
We can't wait to see you!