That is a good story about Fr. Carley. I never did meet him, but heard plenty of stories being here in Kentucky. The pre-Vatican II "old guard" who never said the New Mass was as rare breed indeed. Out of the thousands of priests in America in 1969, how many did not say the New Mass? You can probably count them on your fingers and toes.
By now, the fingers of one hand or fewer must still be alive.
His was the “Silent Generation,” rapidly passing on. My parents were among the earlier of that breed, dying two weeks apart in May of 2023 at ages 98 and 96. In general, they were tough as nails. I love it that Fr. used his medical alert. The EMTs came, picked him up, he thanked them, shook himself off, went in the church and said Mass!
I bet the devils were disgusted and his guardian Angel was laughing at them.
I went to Fr. Carley for Confession and Mass once, in 2007. I was en route from Kentucky to New York, got a migraine headache and decided to hole up in a motel in Akron for the night, especially since there was a Mass nearby. I recall waking up early, headache gone, and figuring out with a phone book and a deLorme’s Atlas of Ohio where the Mass was located. Much to my surprise, practically a few blocks from the motel. After Mass I ended up talking with him awhile over coffee and donuts. It was a cafeteria like room in the basement, painted institutional green! Then he had to leave for Wheeling, WV. Even then, I was kind of amazed at the distance he was going to drive down and back that night! I remember him as a very kind, intelligent, and holy man. May his soul Rest In Peace! 🕊
Topic: Pray for the soul of Fr. Leo Carley (Read 890 times)