California Catholic Daily exclusive by Anna Rose:
Thomas Myron Hooker was a beloved fixture at Star of the Sea Church in the Richmond District of San Francisco. When Mass was being celebrated or when the church was empty, Thomas was often found in the back in prayer and keeping a watchful eye on the church. Always cheerful and smiling, Hooker, a member of the San Francisco homeless community, will always be remembered as part of the Star of the Sea family.
Neighbors will miss his sweet smile and kind words in his usual spot on Clement and 9th. Arnold and Jean Low had been bringing food to Thomas daily for the last twenty years. Sadly, they were the ones to find his body on the morning of October 26 when they dropped off his regular meal.
Thomas was featured in a 2015 documentary on mental illness called “Voices,” a trailer for which can be found here. It’s easy to see why he will be dearly missed in the community. He was so loved that many, from the priests at Star of the Sea to the people from the neighborhood, offered to find him shelter or to give him a tent, but he always refused.
Star of the Sea will hold a funeral service for Thomas Hooker on Monday, November 7th, at 7PM. His parish family invites all to attend and pray for their beloved Thomas and to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations of non-perishable foods such as pasta, tomato sauce, dried fruit, canned soups, canned vegetables, cooking oil, ramen, canned sausages, rice, beans, dry cheese, etc., or financial contributions, may be made to Star of the Sea’s Outreach for the Homeless program. Star of the Sea is located at 420 Geary Blvd., San Francisco.
Sounds like Saint Benedict Joseph Labre.
Requiem aeternam dona ei Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei . Requiescat in pace. Amen.
?
St Benedict was not mentally ill.
May Thomas Myron Hooker’s soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.
I hope the Requiem Mass is offered by Pastor Fr. Illo. He is a truly Holy priest. He once honored our home with his visit and essentially twisted our conscience until we prayed the Rosary together.
for whatever you do for the least of mine you do unto me
There are many people like Thomas, rest his soul, who keep an eye on the churches in the area during the daylight hours, since usually only the Catholic churches are open (Grace Cathedral is the exception). We gave all found a kind word, and a word of thanks for watching the place, is greatly appreciated.
Thomas will still be watching over Star of the Sea.
In Loving Memory of Thomas Myron Hooker
Oh Gentlest Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls, have mercy on the soul of Thy departed servant. Be not severe in Thy judgment, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames, and do Thou, O Merciful Savior, send Thy angels to conduct Thy departed servant to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen
Catherine, this is a beautiful prayer. Did you write it? If not, do you have a link to the source. Thanks.
Bob One, It is a very beautiful prayer, isn’t it? No, I did not write it. I keep this prayer right in front of my computer screen. It’s a daily reminder to pray for my deceased loved ones and for all of the souls in purgatory. There is a picture of the Sacred Heart on the front of the card. This prayer was selected for a funeral memorial card. I looked and found these links that might be helpful. Perhaps local funeral homes can print these upon request.
Memorial and Funeral Cards – Prayers 2 – MoMorialCards.com
https://www.momorialcards.com/prayers2.html
https://www.steuernolmclaren.com/Content/Media/SteuernolandMcLarenFuneralHomes/memorial-stationery/prayer-cards_01e7ffb1e1114806b34ad674885bf05c.pdf
Not to rain on everyone’s funeral parade, but the hard truth is Thomas ought to have been institutionalized–for his own good, however much the State hinders that.
Would any of us with a mentally ill brother allow him to roam the streets on his own? Because that’s what he wants?
He’ll be cremated, with ashes spread, very unCatholically, at sea. Anyone know what he died of?