Msgr. John Wendrychowicz

See that incredibly adorable priest over there?  That's Fr. John Wendrychowicz.  Well, he was blessed with the title of Monsignor, so he's really Msgr. John.  

Anyway, today I learned that Msgr. John passed away.

Working in the Archdiocese means I get the death notices as they are shot off from our Communications office.  Seeing his name on the notice felt like a punch to the gut.

I knew Msgr. John from my days as a Dougherty student.  I never had him as a teacher, but he was routinely the celebrant at Masses, was ALWAYS around for Confession, and very often found in the chapel during lunch-time Eucharistic services.

He was such a kind, gentle priest.  I was always sorta shy around him because he seemed so holy.  I'm not shy around anyone, but I was definitely bashful around him.  It was through no fault of his own.  He was such a sweetheart, but I just felt very, very... I don't want to say unworthy, because that's the wrong word.  I guess uncertain of myself is proper.  As a result, I just remained silent and smiled a lot at him.  

Anyway, he once gave me great advice in the confessional - advice I still go by to this day.  He was always a wise confessor, and I appreciated that he was always - ALWAYS - so kind and gentle.  Again, though, I kept my appreciation to myself.  It slipped out in smiles and nods as we passed each other in the hall, but I never worked up the nerve to tell him how amazing I thought he was.

Until a few weeks ago.

He happened to call into my office, and I was lucky enough to pick up the phone.  He introduced himself and I actually felt my heart jump.  I blurted out, "As in Fr. John Wendrychowicz from Cardinal Dougherty???"

IMMEDIATELY I felt my cheeks burn as I realized how ridiculous it was for a secretary to blurt out a question like that when the poor guy's attempting to connect with one of his brother priests.

I could hear the confusion in his voice as he prepared to figure out who I was when he answered, "Why yes, I was at Cardinal Dougherty for a time."


I apologized, but then said, "Father, I'm so glad I picked up your call today!  I was a student there - graduated class of 2001.  I never said it then, but I've always wanted to tell you how wonderful of a priest I think you are.  We were so lucky to have you back then."

He laughed and said, "Well thank you!  I'm glad I called you today, too."  

I felt so good right then because God had let me make up for all those times I hadn't said a word to him.  As I passed Msgr. John over to my boss, I actually turned to my coworker Megan - super excited - because I had gotten to speak with him.  

So today, when I heard news that he had passed, I was terribly saddened that we lost such a wonderful priest.  However, in the same breath I uttered "Oh no... no... that's terrible!"  I also said, "Well good for him."

My coworker, Russ, happened to be next to me when I said that and he said, "Wha?"

And I responded, "Yeah.  Good for him.  Can you imagine the Christmas celebration he's gonna get to experience this year?"

So even though I shed a few tears for him (and his parishioners as he was an active pastor when he passed), I knew that his soul would be enjoying the splendor of Heaven in time for Christmas.  So if everyone would be so kind as to offer a prayer or two his way, I'd appreciate it.  I really do hope Our Lady came to collect his soul, herself.  He was a true representative of Christ, and I'm grateful for the blessing of both knowing him, and being able to tell him just how much I appreciated him before he met his Creator.

Bless the Lord for His goodness.

---