Readers Respond 10-15-11

Hannans offer thanks
Bethesda, Md.
    The family of Archbishop Philip Hannan cannot thank you enough for the superb special section and news coverage of the archbishop’s life and ministry to the community. You captured his spirit and achievements just beautifully.
    The outpouring of love and prayers from the Catholic community, as well as people of all faiths, has been overwhelming. The archbishop’s episcopal motto, “Charity is the bond of perfection,” clearly lives on.
    On a personal level, we wish to offer special appreciation to the staff of Chateau de Notre Dame, who provided tender care to the archbishop. Every resident is treated with warmth and dignity.
    Most importantly, we are grateful to Archbishop Gregory Aymond, whom my brother loved dearly. The archbishop provided warm and personal support during my brother’s final days. The prayerful and uplifting arrangements that celebrated Archbishop Hannan soothed a grieving community and lifted our spirits.
JERRY HANNAN
AND FAMILY

Archbishop was visionary
New Orleans
    Xavier University of Louisiana joins with the people of New Orleans and the nation in mourning the death of Archbishop Philip M. Hannan.
    Archbishop Hannan was a special friend and supporter of the university, evidenced by his service as a member of the Xavier Board of Trustees as well as his personal role that led to the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the Xavier campus in 1987. He was a trailblazer and visionary who was clearly ahead of his time in regards to the ideals of social justice, civil rights, and respect for all people. I certainly count him as a personal friend and take comfort knowing he is at peace.
DR. NORMAN C. FRANCIS
President
Xavier Univ. of Louisiana

He was a friend
New Orleans
    I want to congratulate the Clarion Herald staff for the wonderful section on Archbishop Hannan. I was amazed at how you were able to put out such a piece in just about two days. It’s an impressive memorial, worthy of being kept and handed down.
    The passing of Archbishop Hannan brought back memories that I had all but forgotten. I think I knew Bishop Hannan before almost anyone in New Orleans. In 1961, I came to Washington, D.C., from Haiti, where I was working, to study at the Catholic University of America. I resided at the Oblate House of Studies on 7th Street in Washington.
    When I arrived, the provincial asked me to be superior of the house during my stay. At that time, Bishop Hannan was pastor of St. Mary’s Church in downtown Washington, and he was also either chancellor or vice-chancellor of the diocese. Every Monday at St. Mary’s there was a novena to the Miraculous Medal. The novena was at 11:30 a.m. and the Mass at noon.
    Since he was at the chancery, he asked the Oblates to do the novena and celebrate the Mass on Mondays. So all the members of the community took turns at presiding.
    At Christmas one year, he gave each member of the community a crisp $100 bill (1960 dollars). At Thanksgiving, to our great surprise, he invited all the community to have the Thanksgiving meal with him. The 11 of us were there from 1 p.m. to about 4:30 p.m. This means he didn’t have Thanksgiving with his family, but with us.
    I feel that he didn’t consider us as occasional helpers, but as friends. He felt very grateful for the little help we were giving him.
FR. JOHN MORIN, O.M.I.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, New Orleans

Clarion gets top marks
New Orleans
    You have my compliments on a wonderfully well done TRIBUTE to Archbishop Hannan. It has to be one of the finest pieces I have seen come from our Clarion Herald. You all deserve great praise. Well done!
FR. JOHN CISEWSKI, Pastor
Blessed Katharine Drexel Parish

Accolades for tribute
New Orleans
    I want to thank you and congratulate your staff on the superb job you have all done in print and online in covering the death and funeral of Archbishop  Hannan. You all captured pitch perfectly the exact tone needed, respect and reverence without becoming maudlin; full coverage covering the vast scope of his life and career, as well as such a wide variety of reaction and comment from so many people across the entire community.
    It has all been a most touching and fitting tribute to a great man. Congratulations and all best regards.
TED MAHNE
Theology teacher
Jesuit High School