My husband Eddie and I met Fr Tarcy on our first visit to Turkey, in April 2003, at Mass at Meryemana. We loved it so much that we bought a house in Kusadasi in our first week!!!
The Mass we attended at Meryemana was a truly memorable experience for us both. Fr Tarcy was such a spiritual person and he conveyed the true meaning of the Mass to all.
My husband Eddie was always planning our return flight back to Turkey before we even left, we loved the chats after Mass, sitting in the sunshine, drinking coffee and watching Tarcy enjoying the social gathering of his flock. I will treasure the memories of his beautiful smile and the laughter in his twinkling eyes. There is a wonderful community spirit about the place.
I remember a particular Mass where Tarcy talked of different religions and he said, very strongly, that a religion should unite people and not divide, also it was wrong to try to take a faith away from someone, under the guise of conversion, that would not be a true religion! The most important thing, he said, is HOW a person lives his life an HOW he treats his neighbour. We should celebrate our similarities not our differences. Often he referred to the crowds of Muslims who visit and how they showed a great devotion to Our Lady. He was truly a man of God and a great example to us all..
Tarcy inspired all who listened and will be remembered by many thousands.God Rest his Soul.
Sadly my husband Eddie passed away 2 years after fr Tarcy but no doubt he will be carrying on with the chats with Fr Tarcy and Liam, they were great friends.
God Rest their Souls and Bless all who need our prayers.
Evelyn OConnor