Harrison Mayer Hastings

A Man of Faith

Harrison, This was one of the many retreats you did with Juventutem Boston. Although this group membership is for 18–35-year-olds the students and teachers at Harvard and MIT recognized the depth of your knowledge, deep intellect, and your devotion to your faith and allowed you to start attending at the age of 14. You were always older than your years. Your quest for divine truth began as a toddler when you started asking us questions about God. As you grew your questions became more profound. You looked forward to when the Bishop of Norwich would come to visit your school since our catechist was not quite as advanced as the Bishops’. And if that wasnt enough you would interview theologians on matters of faith. You had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, so in addition to the typical boyhood adventures of building forts, playing sports parties, and school socials you asked us to take you to the library at the seminary every Saturday, reading anything and everything about world religion, going so far as to learn Latin, Greek and Hebrew so you could better understand ancient texts. You also asked us to bring you to theological lectures held at various colleges, visit shrines of all kinds and you served at both the English and the Traditional Latin Mass into adulthood. As soon as you learned how to drive you continued your spiritual journey on your own and when you would return you would tell us how magnificent the church was, describe the free-flowing melody of Gregorian chant sung in Latin or Greek that day and you would share your analysis of the homily. I could see and feel the joy that you found in the Mass. And I know you are at peace now. However, I miss seeing you as a grown man hopping into your truck all dressed for church. No doubt there was no introduction needed when you met God. You were faith filled and led an exemplary life in your short time on earth. Like your brothers you were Heaven sent! Your absence from this world is so very, very hard but I will continue to "Walk in faith even when I cannot see". 2 Corinthians 5:7 🙏❤🙏 I didn't realize it at the time but all those journeys you asked us to bring you on as a kid, and how you lived your life, enriched our understanding of God and strengthened our faith. I love you and miss you like crazzzy Harrison! XO❤XO