The funeral Mass for the family killed in an arson at their home in Waterford has heard how they were “a beautiful family who did no wrong to anybody.”
“We are better people for knowing you, for you were the salt of the earth and lights in this community,” the emotional funeral heard.
The Bishop of Waterford, addressing mourners, told the church that as a country, “we have not really faced up” to the drugs problem, and that “young lives and the lives of the not-so-young are being destroyed by drugs,” as he described the drugs trade as a “web of evil.”
The funeral was held at the Sacred Heart Church in Waterford City, as mourners gathered outside and packed the church to say goodbye to Philip and Kim English and their children Callum (12) and Jayden (9).
Parish Priest Fr Gerard Chestnutt extended his sympathy to the English and Companjen families on behalf of the people of Waterford and “indeed the entire people of Ireland.”
“Last Tuesday morning an act of total evil left a family and community devastated and heartbroken. I acknowledge on behalf of all, our gratitude to the first responders who did everything possible to save the lives of the family,” said Fr Chestnut.
“I also acknowledge the staff at University Hospital Waterford and the staff at Crumlin Children’s Hospital. In Crumlin, Nadia and Elliott remain in critical condition and both are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”
Over the weekend, a man and a woman appeared in court, charged in connection with the fatal arson attack.
Cian Stacey, 21, of no fixed abode, and Jessica Dalton, 31, with an address in Waterford city, were charged with Section 4 assault causing serious harm. No application for bail was made.
‘HEARTBREAK, SHOCK, DEVASTATION, AND ANGER’
Speaking at today’s funeral, where all four family members were laid to rest together, Fr Chestnut said: “On Tuesday morning, forces of darkness came in the dark and devastated a family, taking four innocent lives. The feelings of all are clear: heartbreak, shock, devastation and, yes, anger.
“What comforting words can we find this day? For the families, you have received in so many ways an outpouring of love and support which, you can be assured, will continue from this day on.
“What comforting words can we hear this afternoon to offer hope and consolation?” added the celebrant.
The church also heard that “the gospels provide words that speak of reality but also of hope and promise – The words of Saint Matthew’s gospel speak of the reality of tragic death and grief.”
“Hope and promise triumph. In the midst of this terrible tragedy, we believe God has brought Philip, Kim, Callum and Jayden to himself, with all the family circle that have gone before. We wish absolutely that they were still with us and they should be.”
The parish priest said that the gospel for the Funeral Mass was “very appropriate,” as it said, “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
Fr Chestnut said that he wanted to speak to the grieving community directly.
“To the English and Companjen families, the love and support of this community is guaranteed. We know that you are heartbroken. Philip, Kim and the children were a regular family. As parents, their focus was completely on their children. They had four beautiful children, each with their individual personality, loved by all who knew them.”
The Mass heard that Philip was funny, lovable, sensitive and caring, and that “family always was his priority – any photograph that you have seen of him sums him up, always smiling.”
‘A DARK DEED TOOK YOUR LIFE, BUT YOUR LIGHT WILL SHINE FOREVER’
“Kim had a different personality to Philip: vocal and feisty, but the most loving, kind and caring person. As parents, they adored their children.
“Their life as a family was a journey of love. And there were many journeys as three of their children faced illness. Through all of that they were completely united and dedicated.”
Callum, aged 12, was remembered for his mischievous smile.
“The photograph put up by Johnville Football Club is him. The smile, the winner’s medal placed between his teeth. A lovable rogue. You tested the patience of family, friends, principal and teachers in Scoil Lorcain,” said Fr Chestnut.
“But Callum, you were loved by all. Everyone in Johnville, in fact everybody in this community is heartbroken. On behalf of all of us, Callum, you are a winner. A dark deed took life from you but your light will shine forever.”
Jayden, aged nine, was remembered for being “a force of love, life, and energy that came into the world when you were born.”
“Boundless energy, you rarely stayed still. You were full of fun and mischief. Very often you were heard before you were seen. Life was never dull at home, in the Birchwood Estate or at Saint Joseph’s School when you were around but you were adored by all,” said Fr Chestnut.
Football jerseys had been brought to the altar and draped over both boys’ coffins.
The priest said that tears had been shed by staff at the schools where the children attended.
“You were loved as pupils,” said Fr Chestnut.
The Irish Blessing was sung during Mass, while the final song was You’ll Never Walk Alone, the anthem of Liverpool Football Club, a team Philip and Callum loved.
“To you as families, the lyrics speak of darkness but, most importantly, hope. As a family, you will never walk alone. They will always be in your hearts, always a huge part of your lives and this community will ensure that the English and Companjen families will never walk alone,” said Fr English.
The words from the poem For the Fallen was also read.
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.” That is the promise of everybody here to Philip, Kim, Callum, Jayden. You will always be remembered with love.”
BISHOP CONDEMNS DRUGS TRADE ‘WEB OF EVIL’
Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan expressed his sympathy to the families, saying that the tragedy has “shocked us all to the core.”
“How heart-wrenching it is to see four coffins before this sacred altar. This entire community and the whole country join in loving solidarity with the family and many friends of Phil, Kim, Callum and Jayden, as we also hold in prayer Nadia and Elliott, who are in critical condition in hospital,” said the Bishop of Waterford.
“Four beautiful, innocent lives have been taken: two loving, devoted parents who did the best for their children, and their two sons – all innocent victims of a web of evil which is the drugs trade.
“As a country we have not really faced up to this problem and it is a fact that in every city, town, village and townland harmful drugs are available. Up and down this dear land people are turning to drugs.
“Young lives and the lives of the not-so-young are being destroyed by drugs, and those who work behind the scenes need to see the consequences of their dark trade and atone for their sin. And I encourage anyone with information to convey it confidentially to the authorities,” said the Bishop.
“And anyone in Ireland who thinks that there is no harm in taking a line of cocaine on the weekend is utterly mistaken and is also feeding this evil machine.”