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I love this! Sir Jimmy Savile, beloved English eccentric, TV personality, philanthropist on a staggering scale, and devout Catholic, was buried in a golden casket earlier today in Leeds. Thousands filled the streets and 700 jammed Leeds cathedral to pay their last respects. Jimmy Savile was knighted for his charitable works and known as "Jim'll fix it". Savile also received a papal knighthood in 1990.
A cross between St. Philip Neri and Margaret Haughery, he sported a long blond mane, giant stogies, gold jewelry, and a track suit. (Sir Jimmy finished the London Marathon in 2005 at the age of 79. He may have been the most beloved Catholic in the UK. How wonderful to hear about a serious Catholic who did shatter all the conventions while keeping the commandments and was revered and loved by people of all backgrounds.
The Bishop of Leeds said:
As he addressed the congregation, he said: 'Today Jimmy lies at the front of this cathedral where in former years he had remained discreetly hidden at the back in order not to disturb people's prayers or distract their attention from what was taking place at the altar.
'This afternoon, he occupies the first place always in our thoughts, affections and prayers.'
In the homily, Monsignor Kieran Heskin said: 'Sir Jimmy Savile can face eternal life with confidence.
'His life story was an epic of giving - giving of time, giving of talent, giving of treasure.'
No one knows exactly how much Sir Jimmy gave away. His accountant lost track after 40 million pounds. ($ 63,696,000.00 at today's exchange rate.)
I'd never heard of him before but I have to find out everything I can because I'm going to use him as an example of the charism of giving in the Called & Gifted.
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Intentional Disciples Blog 
