In Memory of Our Postulator
Monsignor Tom McSweeney
We celebrate the life and legacy of our dedicated Postulator of the Cause for Gertrude Barber, While Monsignor Tom McSweeney passed from this life on Tuesday, Feb. 18, his spirit and service have made an indelible mark on all those who knew him.
An Erie native, he had a storied career that included serving as the national director for The Christophers and as a commentator on Church issues for NBC and MSNBC.
In his retirement, he took on his role of Postulator with great enthusiasm. From the outset, Msgr. McSweeney was dedicated to opening and advancing the Cause for Gertrude Barber. He had great admiration for Dr. Barber and the work that she did to bring hope to children and adults with disabilities and embraced this canonization effort every step of the way. His help was invaluable in filing the extensive paperwork needed to begin the process, and he never doubted that she would one day achieve sainthood.
The early supporters of the Cause appreciated Msgr. McSweeney's contagious optimism and are forever grateful for his commitment to this effort. In memorializing Msgr. McSweeney's life of service to God and others, we join in this Irish blessing: "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Testimonial
Dr. Barber gave you a different perspective on people with disabilities. She called them 'abilities' and so it just really had a positive spin on everything. It really gave you hope, and that's what most parents really needed.
Dr. Barber was always there to compassionately guide families through the darkest hours. She guided us through trying times and brought us to a much higher level by allowing us to find some reason for our experience, and then to put it to good use in assisting others. Dr. Barber ... delivered every individual she encountered to a place that can only be described as their personal best.
She had a huge impact on the community; she got people to accept people who were different … Gertrude created something really special and unique and if you go across the United States, you'll have a hard time finding an organization like the Barber Center.
We were her family; our children were her children, and we could pretty much talk to her about anything. I think part of what Dr. Barber was doing came from her instincts as a woman to make sure that children – all children – had the same benefits in the community. She's left a legacy of memories and has left a true and lasting effect.
Gertrude was a beautiful lady, but her outward beauty was a reflection of her inward refinement and peace knowing that she was doing God's work. Everyone who came in contact with her knew how special they were, for she had that ability to make each of us feel so special.
Dr. Barber was the Mother Teresa of Erie. She saw the suffering of the exceptional children and adults of this area and used her manifest skills and above all, her love, to respond. With indomitable faith in God, Dr. Gertrude was a pioneer in service to those beloved by Christ. She left a thriving institution to carry on the work of service, education, and love that will always reflect the ideals of this humble, resourceful and noble woman. She has enriched our world.
As a loving and caring individual, a highly respected and admired professional, and a concerned civic leader, Gertrude delicately touched the souls of many and left behind a precious imprint of herself on families, friends, and her community.
