July 11, 2000

Dear Father Brian,

Thank you so much for the booklet commemorating the life of Msgr. Wade which I received last week. It is a beautiful production, and a suitable tribute to the late Monsignor.

I held him in highest regard, as did so many. I came to know him first through his niece, Rose Devaney, who lives in this parish. On a couple of occasions during visits I made to the late Fr. Joe McGovern in Oakland, I visited Pleasant Hill for lunch with Monsignor. He received me so warmly.

I was very honoured to be asked to give the homily at his Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Newbridge in 1993.

He always called to see me on his annual trips to Ireland. The visit would be short, but you always felt the better for it.

He always spoke of your kindness to him. That must have been a great joy to him in his last years.

Give Gerard Moran my kindest regards. I was an assistant in his home parish, Westport, when he was a student for the priesthood.

Once more to yourself, many thanks for the booklet.

With kindest regards,

I remain,

Sincerely yours,

Michael Tobin (Msgr.)