St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville shared a recap from the funeral of Rev. Bernie Ahern. 

A homily was presented by Bishop Felipe J. Estevez, who recounted Ahern’s favorite hymn from his time of being a Navy Captain. 

“How fitting it is that we honor the glorious risen Lord in this last Mass of such a faithful priest, Father Bernie Ahern,” Estevez said. Ahern was a faithful servant in his life and ministry and was always sensitive to people’s needs and approachable. 

“All of us who went to confession to him experienced his Christlike compassion, the wisdom of life, and his great availability to be of service with haste,” Estevez said. “He ministered with authority because one knew he had such a vast experience of life and rich pastoral experience.”

Ahern was always occupied with parish ministries and responsibilities, and his depth of knowledge and insight into matters of importance, such as marriage, was notable. 

Ahern had a special place in his heart for St. Joseph, where his parents were buried. He always worked tirelessly to build up the Christian ideal of family, strengthen marriages and help the Gospel spread throughout the community. 

“His destiny was not to have a family of his own, but in turn, thousands of families are together and in better shape thanks to his teachings, wisdom and guidance,” Estevez said. 

Estevez mentioned the deep significance of the celebration of Ahern’s life on the Mass that remembers the Transfiguration of Christ — which took place shortly before his death on the cross. 

“The Transfiguration was the sign that suffering and death were only part of the real — the hope of glory. And that the victory of faith would overcome the tragedy of Golgotha,” Estevez said. 

Ahern, through his devotion to Christ and Catholic families, lived a full life and looks forward to an eternity in God’s presence.