Thursday, March 12, 2015
Dear Family of Msgr. Matt,
Our hearts are broken at the loss of your dear loved one, Msgr. Matt. He was our priest and friend at St Mark's for many years. We sang in the choir there and were honored to be a part of the choir at Msgr. Matt's funeral last week. He was the first person to introduce Allen to the Catholic church and gave him a blessed rosary. Allen became Catholic and we attribute Msgr. Matt's example in playing a major part. Msgr. Matt also was encouraging and helpful when Allen went through the annulment process so that we could be married in the Church. He also did the convalidation ceremony for us. When he came to our home for dinner, he would lift the lids of the pots on the stove and smell the aroma of food. Msgr Matt preferred to eat at our kitchen table rather than the dining room. What a humble and wonderful priest he was! My dad, a cradle Catholic loved him as well. My mother, a Methodist, "thought the world" of Msgr. Matt, too, and mentioned how he was so ecumenical and was a "breath of fresh air" in his wonderful example to Protestants as well as others. She said we need more "Father Matt's" and she was right. Lastly, Msgr. Matt presided at my dad's funeral and prior to it, he visited my dad at Hospice. He was a "full service" priest and we will truly miss him! Thanks for sharing him with us for so many years. Our prayers are for all of you as you heal from this great loss.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Kay and Allen Davis
Wilmington, NC
