President Bush joined hundreds who gathered for Snow's funeral

Published: 2008-07-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- President George W. Bush was among the hundreds of mourners who gathered July 17 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington for the funeral Mass of Tony Snow, former White House press secretary. Snow, 53, died July 12 after a long bout with colon cancer. "Tony Snow, the professional, is a hard act to follow, Tony Snow, the man, is simply irreplaceable," said Bush in a tribute immediately following the opening procession. He also noted that once Snow's cancer returned for the second time, "he did not turn to despair. He saw it as another challenge to tackle. He found comfort in the prayers he received from millions of Americans." Vincentian Father David O'Connell, president of The Catholic University of America, was the main celebrant and homilist. Msgr. Walter R. Rossi, rector of the national shrine, was a concelebrant. Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl of Washington was presiding bishop. The basilica, the largest Catholic church in North America, was filled nearly to capacity for the funeral Mass.

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