KEEP MAN OF GOD, ON THE GO - SERVING OTHERS

KEEP MAN OF GOD, FATHER HARRY, ON THE ROAD – SERVING OTHERS

Father Harry Bury married my husband and me over 50 years ago.

I have known him my entire adult life, and I have never known anyone even remotely like Harry.

We talk of, but rarely meet, those who live humble, selfless, empathetic, compassionate, generous, loving lives, dedicated to unconditional, non-judgmental service to God’s children, living to make a difference. Harry is the very definition of this and so much more.

Harry was a Parish Priest, is Professor Emeritus of Organizational Behavior at Baldwin Wallace University, has authored books including his biography “Maverick Priest.” His life’s work has been seeking nonviolence, giving love, ending suffering, to everyone, in every aspect of life, all over the world. And oh my, what he experienced on that journey.

Harry spent time in India working with Mother Theresa; was proudly arrested countless times demonstrating for peace all over the world, including Vietnam; Kidnapped at gun point in Gaza working with a Peace Keeping Group; Escorted American POW’s home from Vietnam; Was invited to say Mass with the Pope for the Beatification of Mother Theresa to Sainthood; Was awarded the key to Ho Chi Minh City in gratitude for his efforts to end the war in Vietnam; Has carried his mission of love and caring for those in need to Hong Kong, Africa; Taught in Cambodia, Thailand, Costa Rica, Philippines, often bringing students to America who desperately wanted an education but couldn’t afford it, Harry paid for their tuitions and often housing. A still active Priest Harry has baptized and married and buried thousands. Visiting the lonely and hurting and ill and dying, always getting calls “can you help” and never saying no.

Well, now this extraordinary man of God, lover of all humanity, needs some support, help.

January 2023 Harry turns 93 years old. He lives in a community of retired Priests. His mind is as sharp as ever, and astonishingly, he is busier than ever. Still saying Mass in places needed every week, heading the group he founded Twin Cities Nonviolent, attending endless meetings, programs, rallies, visiting those who need him, still baptizing and marrying and burying…..and yes, marching in demonstrations. Harry climbs into his car, plastered with dozens of bumper stickers supporting so many of the human causes he believes in, and off he goes.

Many of us who admire Harry, love him deeply, are concerned that in this Minnesota winter Harry is out there, refusing to stay home if roads are bad, parking and often walking some distances on slippery walkways because he has made a promise to someone to be there for them. It just is not safe. More to the point, it is dangerous for him. Harry is 93 years old! There needs to be changes about the safety of driving distances through this Minnesota winter and then beyond that.

I had a talk with Harry, told him of the concern that many felt he could use some help getting around. His first response, typically Harry, was, “I don’t want to ask people to do anything for me.” I told him he isn’t. I am. Harry lives to serve others, to be out there going and doing and meeting, saying Mass. He is needed. People need him. He has so much to do, so many to serve, every day. I honestly believe that if he can’t continue to do that, it will kill him. His mobility must be assured. Now at 93, it is in jeopardy.

And so, it is here that I hope we can get donations that will keep Harry out there doing God’s work, without limitations. A transportation service will be set up for Harry. Whenever he needs to go anywhere to a dinner, to the doctor, to say Mass, a funeral, a marriage or baptism, visit someone in need, give Last Rights to the dying, attend one of the many meetings he has for peace, education, poverty, homelessness, spreading the Faith, he will be able call the service and be picked up, safely dropped right at the door, and then returned home. As he is on the go several times a week, we have learned that this is much more expensive than Harry can afford. As a retired Priest, he has very little money. What little he has, he gives it to someone he sees in need, someone who asks for help.

Your donation will allow this deeply devout Priest, this humble Man of God, to continue to live his life of service to others, carrying God’s love to those who need him. He has moved through this world for 93 years helping and loving and consoling and serving thousands and thousands of people. He has never, in his entire life, asked for anything. I hope you agree that he has earned some love and support to keep him living his mission of doing God’s work. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. Nothing is too small. We hope we are able to raise enough to keep Harry on the move for a good long time. Thank you for reading this. Please keep Harry in your prayers. God Bless You.