Our dear friend and colleague, Tom McGovern, passed away on March 21.
Words could never do justice to the bright warm kindness that shined from Tom like a light wherever he went. Tom loved poetry, literature, and public media, but above all, he loved people. He came to Lubbock as a Roman Catholic priest from Country Cork, Ireland, and for over 40 years he served at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center as a voice of compassion and concern for the most vulnerable in our community, dedicating his life to helping those who suffer from addiction and mental health issues. For the past 4 years, Tom hosted Faith Matters, an NPR Texas Tech Public Media program, and explored the mystery and beauty of what it means to be human by sharing stories of grace, salvation, forgiveness and triumph. He shared with guests and our listeners his enormous heart for loving people.
There is no doubt Tom rests in glory today. In his honor, we share the Irish blessing Tom would often say in parting:
"May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Thank you for your friendship, Tom. Until we meet again.
