Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
September 11, 2002
Capuchin friar and Jesuit priest honored
Fathers Ed Judy, Michael Sheeran praised at Serra Salute
By Roxanne King
A Capuchin friar renowned for serving Denver's homeless and a Jesuit priest respected for his leadership in education and ability to bring diverse people together to seek the common good were honorees at this year's Serra Salute at the Hyatt Regency Denver Sept. 6.
Father Ed Judy, O.F.M. Cap., former director of Samaritan House, and Father Michael Sheeran, S.J., president of Regis University, were wined and dined, then roasted and lauded at the fund-raising event that recognizes outstanding service to the Church by priests and religious. Proceeds benefit the Serra Trust, which fosters vocations to the priesthood and religious life by providing financial assistance to those in formation or in discernment.
For the first time, the honorees received a letter of congratulations from the Vatican.
"The Holy Father offers heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to both Father Judy and Father Sheeran as they receive due recognition for their valued service to the Church in Denver and to the community at large," Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., read from the letter, framed copies of which were given to the honorees.
The priests also received crystal crosses mounted on bases noting their award.
Father Judy oversaw Samaritan House for 11 years, until a brain tumor forced him to retire last year. While at the shelter he increased awareness of the homeless population, expanded services for families in crisis and networked with other service providers, helping to create the Metropolitan Denver Homeless Initiative, which he served as president.
Radio personality Thomas Manoogian, better known as "Lou from Littleton" on KOA Radio, told how meeting Father Judy changed his life for the better.
"I try now, because of Father Ed, to give back to those who are less fortunate than me — not just my old shirt, but to give my heart," Manoogian said.
He praised the priest's gentleness, kindness and generosity, but particularly, his faith.
"I've never met a man who had so much faith at such a difficult time," Manoogian said. Drawing laughter he added, "I have a lot of faith — when things are going good."
Father Michael Scully, O.F.M. Cap., provincial minister for the Capuchins in Denver, praised Father Judy's courage and leadership.
Likening the priest to the boy in a Harry Chapin song who throws himself beneath a rock to stop it from falling onto townspeople below, he said, "He's now under the rock, he slowed it down so other people can help to slow down the problems (rocks) of the world."
Before hearing accolades about himself, Father Sheeran had to endure some ribbing.
Noting that diocesan priests are usually trained in six to eight years, but Jesuits in 13, Msgr. Ed Hoffman, V.F., pastor of Church of the Risen Christ, joked, "That appears to offer prima facie evidence that Jesuits are slow learners."
President of Regis since 1993, Father Sheeran realized his dream when he established the school's Institute on the Common Good, which sponsors public and private forums that aim to find solutions for community issues. He collaborated with the archdiocese to help seminarians earn a Catholic undergraduate degree locally prior to beginning theological studies and recently completed a project to assure that Regis will remain a national leader in creating innovative educational models to expand the university's influence past its geographical boundaries.
Noting that Father Sheeran has a doctorate in politics from Princeton University, Msgr. Hoffman said the priest "is not a politician, but a diplomat" who has the "unique talent" of bringing diverse people together.
"The vision that inspires his leadership and which he articulates in public and private is clear: the futures of our civic community, our Church, and Regis University are inseparable, and to neglect one is to neglect all," Msgr. Hoffman said. "Accordingly Father Sheeran has initiated projects, programs, organized discussions which consider the future as common ground: a shared challenge, a shared responsibility."
Both honorees thanked Serra for their acknowledgement.
Father Judy also expressed gratitude for and astonishment at the variety of residents he met at the shelter over the years, "some not so good, some very good," its staff and volunteers, and for the support he has received from laity and his Capuchin brothers during his illness.
Father Sheeran thanked the laity who sent letters of support to priests during this year of scandal in the priesthood, saying, "It's made a huge difference to me and to other priests."
Describing Father Judy as one of his "heroes" Father Sheeran noted that the Capuchin friar was given Regis' highest honor, the Civis Princeps award, earlier this year for exemplifying Regis' mission of "leadership in service of others."
"Service of God and neighbor is the call of every Christian," Father Sheeran said. "We want to prepare people to recognize the 'rocks' that hang over the community and equip them with the courage and skills to do something about those."
Acknowledging Serra's work supporting vocations, and addressing the organization and Father Judy, he said, "Thank you for strengthening me. ... Thank you for living the faith that we are all called to."
Father Patrick Dolan, pastor of St. Rose of Lima and talented vocalist/musician, performed a soaring musical tribute. Archbishop Chaput gave the invocation. Father Kent Drotar, director of the Vocations Office, gave the closing prayer. William Eck Jr., chair of the Serra Trust, served as master of ceremonies.
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