A liturgy of love and luminous mystery

The ordination of Father E. Donald Osuna was televised on local station KTVU in 1963. Following the remodel of St. Francis de Sales in 1967 as the cathedral of the new Diocese of Oakland, Father Osuna composed special music for the blessing. He served there as rector until 1986 where the liturgies featured a lively range of musical styles. His musical arrangements were featured at Bishop John S. Cummins’ ordination in June 1977 and at the vigil service and funeral Mass on Dec. 20 and 21, 2025.

Father Osuna coordinated and composed Bishop Cummins’ funeral services as a Christmas gift to the faithful of the Oakland Diocese. He crafted them as a serenade in word and song, reflecting his vision of life and death, faith and ministry.  

For the wake on Dec. 20 Father Osuna chose the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, which celebrate Christ’s Transfiguration. “Christ Be Our Light,” a favorite hymn of the priest’s, resonates throughout the decades and also honors the Cathedral erected and christened to be a living memory of the Second Vatican Council's Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, Christ “the light of nations.” 

The Scripture readings and music of the Mass proclaimed and sang of Bishop Cummins’ priorities as leader and shepherd: hospitality, collaboration, outreach, social justice. “Come and be fed, here at this table” (Here at this Table, Communion song). “Be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-13). “Do you love me?...feed my sheep” (John 21:9-19).  “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (choral interlude).  

Aware of the liturgical legacy of local composers, Bishop Cummins incorporated their songs and acclamations, inviting several of them to perform and lead their music. His wish was to bid farewell with an echo of the “cathedral sound” he loved and fostered at St. Francis de Sales, Oakland’s first cathedral. 

Lastly, the liturgies bore a distinct Irish accent, acknowledging the bishop’s beloved ancestry. In the mausoleum, as his body was being laid alongside that of Bishop Floyd L. Begin, the choir intoned, to the melody of Londonderry Air (Danny Boy): 

Go, silent friend, your life has found its ending. 

To dust returns your weary mortal frame. 

God, who before birth called you into being, 

Now calls you hence, his accent still the same. 

Go, silent friend, your life with Christ is buried 

For you he lived and died and rose again. 

Close by his side your promised place is waiting 

Where, fully known, you shall with God remain. 

Go, silent friend, forgive us if we grieve you, 

Safe now in heaven, kindly say our name. 

Your life has touched us, that is why we mourn you; 

Our lives without you cannot be the same. 

Go, silent friend, we do not grudge you glory; 

Sing, sing with joy deep praises to your Lord. 

You, who believed that Christ would come back for you, 

Now celebrate that Jesus keeps his word.  

Father Don Osuna 

December 2024