June 4, 2010

The following is a notice from Mr. Richard Cuneo on behalf of the Catholic Traditionalist Movement and the Ave Maria Chapel regarding the sudden and unexpected death of Anthony Gonzalez:

It was with great shock, sorrow and a deep sense of loss early Monday morning May 31st, when we received the tragic news of the death of our friend Tony Gonzalez. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Gonzalez, Michael, Christina and the entire Gonzalez family.

Mr. Gonzalez served on the Board of Directors of both the Catholic Traditionalist Movement and the Ave Maria Chapel for many years. His loyalty and dedication to both organizations took on many forms including his most visible position as that of proudly serving as usher on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. He was always ready to help organize Chapel functions and special feasts and events.

As a Marine Corps veteran, Tony as he was called brought the spirit and dedication of that elite branch of our military to everything he did for the Catholic Traditionalist Movement and the Ave Maria Chapel. His unwavering belief and loyalty to the true Mass and faith of our fathers made the motto “SEMPER FIDELIS” not just a code to shout but truly a way of life.

In the extremely difficult days and months following the death of Father De Pauw, Tony’s friendship, advice and assistance to me personally as well as to the entire organization was an integral part of helping to keep the ship afloat. His good natured sense of humor and his quick smile always lightened a heavy moment.

When we finally found a real priest for the Ave Maria Chapel, but had not yet seen him offer Mass, Mr. Gonzalez traveled with me so we could see for ourselves if our long search had indeed ended. I will never forget the seriousness with which he took on that task nor will I ever forget our mutual exhilaration after attending that Mass and the words of appreciation he expressed to me for taking him along on that trip.

As we prepare to celebrate the second anniversary of Fr. John being with us, I regret so much that although Tony will not be here with us physically he will surely be joining us in spirit.

We are now left once again to deal with a loss we don’t understand, so we call to mind the words of the prayer, “MESSAGE FROM HEAVEN” which Father De Pauw distributed many years ago and Tony is repeating to us:

The promise and hope of Easter which we celebrated with him only several weeks ago, tells us we will see him again believing and trusting as we do in the words of Our Lord:

“I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, ALTHOUGH HE BE DEAD, SHALL LIVE, AND EVERYONE WHO LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NOT DIE FOREVER”.