A great man passed away today.
He didn’t write books, he wasn’t on TV, and as far as I know, he never cut an album. All he ever did for his entire adult life was serve the Church in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
Some knew him as a disciplinarian at Bishop McGuinness High School, some knew him as a “Brick and Mortar” priest who built parishes and schools, some knew him as a leader in the community, who was a principled ecumenist and advocate for the poor. But most of those who knew him knew him as a shepherd.
That is what he was to me. He heard my first confession, was the first to offer me the body of Christ, and was a constant source of encouragement. He was a gentle, straightforward, powerful man who was everything a Catholic pastor should be.
He’ll only be remembered by those he touched, but he was a great man, nonetheless.
