The parents of Kielce Gussie, the woman who delivered the first reading at Pope Francis’ funeral, shared their thoughts on this momentous occasion.
Kielce Gussie, a 28-year-old journalist with Vatican Media, grew up in Middleburg and graduated from Bishop Snyder High School.
Her parents, Thomas and Arthurine Gussie, said Kielce didn’t find out she be reading during the funeral until Wednesday.
“I was surprised and very grateful because I know that she would do well,” said Arthurine Gussie, Kielce’s mother, in a phone interview.
Arthurine and her husband, Thomas, expressed their pride in their daughter’s achievement. As a Catholic family, they view Kielce’s participation in the funeral as a tremendous honor and blessing.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we even believe she would work at the Vatican, much less be able to read at the pope’s funeral,” Arthurine added.
Thomas Gussie described Kielce as outgoing, friendly, dedicated, and hardworking. He highlighted her commitment to her faith and her career, which has led her to this remarkable moment.
Arthurine noted that Kielce’s reading at the funeral fulfills a goal she set for herself when she moved to Rome years ago. “She wanted to be someone who would get a chance to talk about the saints and relate to the faith as a young person,” she said.
Kielce’s parents said they are proud of her accomplishments, but they are overwhelmed by the attention their daughter is getting.
