Gala Honoree Speech from Ed & Catherine Hennessy
/The 2022 lay honorees for our Augustinian Gala were long-time missions supporters Ed and Catherine Hennessy. They were kind enough to share with us the text of the speech they gave at our gala on Friday, April 22 at the Drake Hotel in Downtown Chicago
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you.” - Saint Augustine
Good evening and welcome everyone to our first in-person Gala in 3 years. It is truly wonderful to see you!
Our family indeed seems have had more than a few accidents of time, place, and circumstance with the Augustinians. My Dad’s father, Bernard Hennessy, was the 5th person to walk through the gates at Ellis Island on the morning of June 13, 1920. Long story short, he needed to leave Ireland -- and in a hurry. He traveled with two men, one dressed as a priest and the other disguised as a woman. My grandfather was lucky enough to be the tall one.
From New York, Bernard Hennessy made his way to Philadelphia where the Augustinians found work for him on the Villanova College farm. After about 6 months of that, it was time for him to move on. He landed eventually in Chicago where he married and raised 10 children, my father (Leo Hennessy) folding in at number 6 in that collection. My parents, Leo and Helen Hennessy, were teachers. An Augustinian priest named John McNabb gave my dad his first teaching job at Mendel Catholic High School. A close bond was formed between John McNabb and my parents. When my parents became engaged in 1956, their first notion was to announce the good news to John McNabb. They ended up waking him up that night by throwing pebbles at his window.
In the early 60’s Fr. McNabb received a battlefield promotion to Bishop and was sent off to Peru to establish there an expansion of the Augustinian Foreign Missions. Before he embarked on that monumental challenge, Bishop McNabb received some sage advice from an older Augustinian priest – that he needed to establish his own source of support in the United States. Bishop McNabb entrusted my parents to build that support – of both the financial and moral variety. Leo and Helen rallied their numerous friends to aid in the cause, many who were also teachers, and others across varying trades and businesses. They formed what became the Chulucanas Mission Club and they raised money for Bishop McNabb and then Bishop Dan Turley (who is here tonight) for nearly 45 years.
My wife Catharine came on the scene in 1994. One day she observed my dad giving me some standard marching orders regarding the usual fundraising plans and she inquired what it was all about. I had to level with her, “I forgot to tell you about this, this is a thing we do, and it is kind of a big deal”. Catharine came to agree that it was indeed a big deal and she eagerly jumped in and offered her energy and talents to the cause. She was invigorated and particularly inspired by the many wonderful people in the Chulucanas Mission Club – many of whom are with us tonight – and numerous others departed.
We sent our sons, Eddie and Leo, to St. Rita High School, where the capable Augustinian men taught them, among other things, that the 10 Commandments are not just “suggestions”. Our daughter, Mary Helen’s application for admission was denied. Over years, we formed friendships with a network of Augustinians – bonds that have been and remain deeply rewarding.
I reflect tonight on Bishop McNabb. He was a remarkable man, and we were privileged to have known him. My father always said that had John McNabb not been called to the priesthood, he would have been the CEO of General Motors. He was a cross between Pope John Paul II and John Wayne. He could rip you with a sharp criticism, while at the same time casting a wry smile. About 8 years ago Catharine and I were attending a Mass at St. Rita in honor of newly appointed Bishop Bob Prevost. There were numerous priests in attendance, among them a relatively frail Bishop McNabb. Fr. Bernie Scianna and Fr. Tom McCarthy called me into duty to assist Bishop McNabb with his vestments. While I was once a seasoned altar boy, mistakes unfortunately were made with the garments. After it was all over Fr. Bernie and Fr. Tom asked me how it went. I said good, he only yelled at me 6 times. Bernie and Tom said that if they had assisted, he would have yelled at them 12 times!
My wife’s family is from Philadelphia. To assure that we spend quality time with them, we have vacationed a week of every summer in Ocean City N.J. for 25 years. When schedules have permitted, Fr. Bernie and Fr. Tom have been able step away from their summer meetings at Villanova to join us briefly down the shore. On occasions we have been fortunate to join with them in their celebration of an intimate Mass. It was Catharine’s insistence that we celebrate Mass in such a setting, as it was something she fondly remembered my parents would do in their home with Bishop McNabb. It stuck with her; and indeed, those memories stick with me. After Mass, I thanked Fr. Tom and Fr. Bernie and explained how important it was, not just to us, but for our children. Fr. Tom and Fr Bernie smiled and said, of course it’s important… you can talk to them until they’re blue in the face, but it’s better just to show them.
Augustinians are great communicators; they are gifted talkers -- but chiefly they are doers. They persuade by their deeds. On this subject, our friend, Prior Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, has frequently remarked, preach the Gospel always, and occasionally use words. Fr. Tony’s leadership markedly has been buttressed by the encouraging Christian, and quintessentially Augustinian messages to be not afraid— and to trust that whatever might be lacking, God will provide.
The Augustinians live and work at their ministries every day with a confidence that is hard to comprehend. I recall that when I was a teenager, someone asked Bishop McNabb what his greatest strength was. He quickly responded that he had been blessed with an unwavering faith. I see now that that strong faith is the bedrock of the Augustinian Order. It manifests as calmness, as wit and humor, as optimism, and it is highly contagious.
My wife Catharine and I are honored and humbled to be recognized this evening. In this room tonight we are surrounded by goodness and decency; and souls in heaven are smiling.
Saint Augustine’s words ring true…
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you.”
I sense that many of you here tonight have come to know the Augustinians through your own accidents of time, place, or circumstance. Still others here tonight may be just learning of the infectious charisma that the Augustinians have on tap. Welcome all and God bless you for your much needed support.
