Read Tributes to Monsignor Bud

BELOW ARE SHARED MEMORIES OF MONSIGNOR BUD

CLICK HERE to add your memory of Monsignor Bud. All submissions are screened for content and are published as submitted on this webpage.

Fr. Alan  GRIFFITHS

Memory of Msgr Fiedler: I learned of Msgr. Bud's death recently and would like to contribute to this tribute.

Tom Gouin

Memory of Msgr Fiedler: I met Bud at the University of Notre Dame in the summer of 2003. Bud was there for his "retreat". I was beginning my Masters degree in Liturgical Studies. Bud used to sit in a chair overlooking the residence hall courtyard, armed with a mechanical pencil and small notebook, jotting down thoughts that came from his meditation time. We spent hours talking about church matters, Vatican II and his work at the Cathedral, a place that he loved with his whole being. We declared Bud our "Titular Bishop of Hogwarts" because he was a big Harry Potter Fan. I remember taking him to the Bookstore when Book 6 came out. Bud declared the release date a "Holy Day of Obligation" which meant that as soon as we got back to campus, he would occupy his "Cathedra" in the common room, and read his book!

Brother David L. Caretti, FSC

Memory of Msgr Fiedler: I first encountered Bud while working on my Masters degree at the University of Notre Dame. At first, I wondered why this diminutive elderly gentleman was living with the theology students in our dorm, and knowing But, I only had to ask. I suppose, for some reason, it took me all of 4 weeks to have not only the time, but also the courage to do so, and only 4 minutes for him to disarm me of my own self-perceived awkwardness. Bud quickly became one of the bright lights of my summers at Notre Dame and some of my fondest memories include the walks and talks that we had.

Stephanie Calcara – Lashley: Memory of Msgr Fiedler:

My first memory of Bud was during a particularly challenging time in my life. On a particularly bad day, I decided to go to 12:15 mass on a Monday afternoon at the Cathedral because it was close to the office I was working in at the time and felt that I needed some "guidance."

I was immediately moved by his sermon, a letter he had written to the congregation detailing a challenging time he was going through. I was drawn to his speech and to him as a person. I found myself drawn to him and thus, the community at the Cathedral. He was an amazing man and someone that I always felt at home with.

Sheryn Keith: Memory of Msgr Fiedler:

My favorite memory of Bud was back in 1995. I joined the young adults group and got to know Bud a little bit because he was so involved with our group. We had a progressive Christmas party that started off in Bud's residence. He shared food with all of us and started our party off right. I was always amazed at how well he welcomed all of us and tried to get to know all of us individually. He was a great man and will be missed.

Valorie Wells Fenton: Memory of Msgr Fiedler:

During a particularly dark time in my stormy romance with a strong-willed man, I came to see Bud, as my Pastor. I was struggling to find God's will in this tumultuous relationship.

As I outlined the latest details of this daily barrage of verbal abuse and alientation from my family and friends, my dear pastor leaned across his desk and said, "Valoirie, I am going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it quickly. What do you stand to gain if you stay in this relationship?"

My candid reply was, "About a million dollars, as his widow one day."

Bud sat back in his chair and blinked at me behind those rimless glasses and said gently,

"Is that all you think you're worth?"

I was so moved to tears that I could not answer. But Bud just handed me a tissue and prayed for me silently. I could feel the true love of God filling my mind as well as my heart and I knew in that moment that God wanted me to take care of myself as well as I would have cared for any of my children.

When I fled the domination of what appeared to be a rich man, I found the healing and wholesome love of the Cathedral family and my own healing began.

Thank you God for sending Msgr. Bud into my life just when i needed him most.

Alan and Kathleen Sack: Memory of Msgr Fiedler:

Monsignor Fiedler blessed our marriage on our one year anniversary in 1995 -- that was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Bud. Until we moved to NJ in 2000, we were very fortunate to be part of the Cathedral Community! Alan sang in the choir and was a lector and I was an altar server.

We have many wonderful memories of Bud; most of all his sense of humor and his ability to make the teachings of the church relevant to everyday life. He always made you feel special -- no matter what the reason. When he said Mass and we received Eucharist from him, he always called you by name; a truly personal experience.

After we moved away, we would visit KC annually and always went to Mass at the Cathedral. I will never forget on our last visit, Bud took us on a special tour of the renovations -- he was so proud of the "new" Cathedral.

Bud was a true" angel on earth" and inspires us today -- he is deeply missed, but I know he is smiling down on us from heaven.

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