Yesterday morning, Cardinal Virgilio Noe died. Most of you are probably unaware of him, as he was always in the background, so to speak, despite being in numerous photographs and videos of Pope Paul VI, John Paul I, and John Paul II.
Cardinal Noe was Msgr. Noe back in 1978 when I met and spoke briefly to him. He is the one who assigned me the task of bearing the cross for Pope John Paul I during his installation Mass. He was “in charge” one could certainly say of the papal ceremonies. Always had a military style closely cropped haircut. I sense he was a gentle soul underneath his demeanor when conducting his duties.
I remember being glad he was finally ordained a bishop, and later made a cardinal. To my knowledge, he remained in the Vatican throughout his years as bishop.
May he rest in peace.
3 Responses to Rest in Peace: Memories of Cardinal Noe