Pastor's Mutterings.

Dear Parishioners,

I was looking for some information about the founding pastor Reverend Timothy J. Hurley. He established this parish in 1924. I was more intrigued by that fact he was born in 1870 and ordained in 1898.  He died July 7, 1946. The only notation was he was pastor of St Barnabas.  What was the world like back then?  Pius IX was Pope. Pius IX was the longest reigning pope for 31 years from 1846 to 1878.   St John Paul II came in second with 26 years.  Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th President.  His real name was Hiram Ulysses Grant and his final resting place is truly Grant's tomb. 

Chicago was mission territory for seminaries of Europe. He was ordained in 1898 and sent to Chicago.  He began as Pastor of Margaret of Scotland until Cardinal Mundelein gave him the job of establishing this place we call Barnabas.  As legend has it Catholics were not welcomed and even burned a cross to protest. We have come a very long way.  What a challenge to bring the Catholic faith to this part of the city. I am sure he longed for his native Ireland.

I am curious about whose footsteps I am following as Pastor of St. Barnabas.  Does anyone have memories of Father Hurley? Perhaps you have heard stories passed down from your family members?   Well, I think I learned a little along the way about our history and now I know who the longest reigning Pope was.

Father Jim