Remembering Archbishop Gomez with Rev.d Angela Palacious
Anglicans Across the Diocese Invited to Worship with Provincial Delegates This Sunday
To Archbishop D. W. Gomez — with words inspired by the apocryphal writings of the Holy Scriptures, particularly the Book of Ecclesiasticus, chapter 44:
On behalf of the people of the Berry Islands, from which Archbishop Gomez had his humble beginnings—and among whom I now have the privilege to serve—I offer this tribute.
The author of Ecclesiasticus begins with these words:
“Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers in their generations. The Lord apportioned to them great glory, His majesty from the beginning.”
The text goes on to describe their attributes: rulers in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power; those who gave good counsel by their understanding; leaders of the people by their knowledge; wise and eloquent in their instruction. All were honored in their generations and were the glory of their times.
My friends, as it was said of such men then, so it can surely be said of Drexel Wellington Gomez. In our generation—perhaps still too soon to fully measure his greatness—his life leaves a breath of fresh air in the atmosphere of our time, giving hope to many through reverberating theological insights, effective leadership, and peace amid the social and cultural upheavals of our age.
He was a steady and calming presence within an Anglican Communion often fraught with conflict—one who offered a quiet, prophetic voice to bring about the change it so desperately needed. He spoke truth to power and seemed gifted with a vision of the future that most of us could only dream of.
It is impressed upon my spirit that his influence will live on through the timeless ages. And so, I conclude with the words of one of my literary giants, the late great Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
“Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time.”
Drexel Wellington Gomez has indeed left his footprints on the sands of time.
May we be challenged to follow his path, cherish his witness, and honor his work and words—toward a cherished memory and a lasting legacy.
May he rest in peace and one day rise in God’s great glory.
Amen.
+Rev Don Haynes
