The defining moment of Father Boland's Life was his memorial service and final farewell Mass at the Cathedral.
His Pastor, Msgr. Ed O'Meara celebrated Mass, Bishop George Gottwald emotionally remembered his life and Cardinal Ritter presided. Fellow Priests of the St. Louis Archdiocese were attendants and pallbearers.
The Love for him united every member of the parish. Differences were put aside and the Cathedral Parish Family was indeed One in love and respect for an awesome Man of God. It was truly an emotional farewell for all Cathedralites and Friends from all areas of St. Louis.
The blessing of the grave site emotions welled up and men, women, priests, bishops expressed deep sorrow as they wept openly. It was a sad day for all the loving friends of Father Boland. Friends held onto friends, in the face of so much dispair there was major Love felt everywhere. Father Al Boland's final and greatest legacy
"Young Man, I Say to You, Arise!"
Bishop Gottwald's words
Priest Friend Confidant Leader
"Thou Art a Priest Forever"
The Cathedral School was dedicated by Cardinal Ritter in Father Bolands name and honor.
As a young dude, I was honored to know Father Boland, he buried my Dad. He was a good guy. The Bolands had a country place, White Oaks, in Port Hudson, it had a pool and members of the Cathedral Parish were often invited to picnic and swim. As much as life has changed since Father Boland, I can not see growing up in any other Parish or School other than the Cathedral. We were truly a family.
I was 16 when Father Boland died, 65 now. Some memories seem to never leave one. I remember lots of times with him and around him. If there was ever a Catholic Priest to look up to, it was Father Al Boland. As a small, close parish, close friends and family really looked after each other. Priests were really members of families. I don't think its that way anymore. Just because it was the Cathedral and home of the Cardinal, we were still a family.
The defining moment of Father Boland's Life was his memorial service and final farewell Mass at the Cathedral.
His Pastor, Msgr. Ed O'Meara celebrated Mass, Bishop George Gottwald emotionally remembered his life and Cardinal Ritter presided. Fellow Priests of the St. Louis Archdiocese were attendants and pallbearers.
The Love for him united every member of the parish. Differences were put aside and the Cathedral Parish Family was indeed One in love and respect for an awesome Man of God. It was truly an emotional farewell for all Cathedralites and Friends from all areas of St. Louis.
The blessing of the grave site emotions welled up and men, women, priests, bishops expressed deep sorrow as they wept openly. It was a sad day for all the loving friends of Father Boland. Friends held onto friends, in the face of so much dispair there was major Love felt everywhere. Father Al Boland's final and greatest legacy
"Young Man, I Say to You, Arise!"
Bishop Gottwald's words
Priest Friend Confidant Leader
"Thou Art a Priest Forever"
The Cathedral School was dedicated by Cardinal Ritter in Father Bolands name and honor.
As a young dude, I was honored to know Father Boland, he buried my Dad. He was a good guy. The Bolands had a country place, White Oaks, in Port Hudson, it had a pool and members of the Cathedral Parish were often invited to picnic and swim. As much as life has changed since Father Boland, I can not see growing up in any other Parish or School other than the Cathedral. We were truly a family.
I was 16 when Father Boland died, 65 now. Some memories seem to never leave one. I remember lots of times with him and around him. If there was ever a Catholic Priest to look up to, it was Father Al Boland. As a small, close parish, close friends and family really looked after each other. Priests were really members of families. I don't think its that way anymore. Just because it was the Cathedral and home of the Cardinal, we were still a family.
Gravesite Details
Fr. Bolands sister is listed as Cecilia, Mary Boland of New Haven Mo.