Cardinal O'Malley Dedicates Kennedy Commons

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The entire Catholic Memorial community gathered with Cardinal Seán O'Malley on Friday, May 18, to celebrate Mass and dedicate the school's student commons in honor of Father Dan Kennedy '92.

 

Kennedy was a standout student during his years at Catholic Memorial and made the important choice to join the priesthood in 2007. Sadly, less than a year after his ordination, Father Kennedy died unexpectedly from complications of an undiagnosed heart condition. His funeral Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Seán O'Malley, who also ordained Kennedy.

 

"Spiritual writers talk about the Second Call," said O'Malley. "They say there are moments in our lives when we are called again—to renew our commitment, to embrace our vocation, to walk closer to the Lord. I felt, that for many of us, Father Dan Kennedy's death was like that Second Calling. It was something that moved people so profoundly and called on us to take stock of our own lives, to see how we were answering to the call that Father Dan answered so generously and so joyfully.

 

"It's wonderful that CM has not forgotten this man who loved this school so much and who received so much here, but whose short, short life made such a deep impact on all of us."

 

Inspired by the life of Father Kennedy, parents Barbara Finigan and Paul Fitzgerald P’16 took the lead in funding the project to redesign, renovate, and dedicate CM's student commons.

 

"We met Father Dan as he was a seminarian and his passion about the priesthood was infectious,” said Finigan and Fitzgerald “His desire to serve others and improve vocations amazed us. He loved his alma mater. We believe CM boys could not have a better role model during these important years and having Dan inspire the community on a regular basis is fitting."

 

In all, the school hopes to raise half a million dollars. The community has rallied to support the school and Father Kennedy.

 

"Once again, the Catholic Memorial community answered the call to support such a noble endeavor," said Jack Moynihan '81, P'18, Catholic Memorial's Vice President of Advancement. "Father Kennedy epitomized what it means to be a Knight. His legacy and spirit will live on every day in the Kennedy Commons. Because of the commitment of the Fitzgerald family, Kennedy family, and other devoted donors, our young men will feel his spirit in perpetuity."

 

"Father Kennedy is an inspiration and model to our community," said Catholic Memorial President Dr. Peter Folan. "His passion for life and dedication to others inspired everyone he met in his life. The Kennedy Commons serves as an important gathering place where all CM students can come together to build bonds of friendship and cultivate their passions. We are grateful to the Fitzgerald and Kennedy families for their support of this transformational project."