Bob Hope remembered at Washington mass

Friends of comedian Bob Hope have celebrated his life and career at a Mass in Washington DC, a week after his death at the age of 100.

Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop of Washington, was friends with the British-born comedian and his wife Dolores for more than 30 years. They met while McCarrick was secretary to then New York Cardinal Terence Cooke, who was also responsible for Catholics serving in the military.

McCarrick presided over last night’s memorial Mass at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The Hopes had a special connection to the cathedral. In 1994, the couple donated the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope of Pontmain, France, in honour of Bob Hope’s mother.

“Not just because of the name, but I guess also because of the great devotion of Mrs. Hope, Bob and Dolores agreed to put this chapel in,” McCarrick said.

“He was a man who really understood people’s feelings and what would make them smile and what would make them laugh,” McCarrick said.

“I know that Dad is looking down saying, ’Well, I just got another audience,”’ Kelly Hope, the couple’s youngest son, quipped. “Everyone loved my father, as he did everyone.”

A large picture of a smiling Bob Hope was on display in the front of the church. Kelly Hope was grateful for the turnout, estimated at about 800 people.

“He took all the time in the world for everyone else, and it’s nice for everyone to pay homage to him,” he said.

“Bob’s enthusiasm for life and passion for his work spoke of a remarkable man, a champion of American principles and ideals, and a steadfast advocate of those who so gallantly defended them,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, who represented President George Bush at the service. Hope spent years entertaining troops in four wars.