Chicagoland VOTF Presents Local Pastor with Priest of Integrity Award
The award was presented at the Pentecost Sunday 11 AM Mass, May 31, 2009, following Father Pat’s marvelous homily on “Life in the Spirit” describing the power available to all by intentionally living in the Spirit day in and day out. Recipients of the Priest of Integrity Award are chosen for their courage in speaking out boldly the Gospel truths and confronting injustice in systems and institutions, whether in the world or in the Church itself.
Father Brennan has paid dearly for his courage, especially for speaking out against the mishandling of the clergy sexual abuse scandal and challenging the Church to accountability without regard for his own security. As a result of his courage, his request to remain as pastor of Holy Family until his retirement in two years was denied. Instead, he must leave the Archdiocese of Chicago after serving as a priest of integrity 36 years, to serve in the Joliet diocese.
Following presentation of the award, Father Brennan received a standing ovation from the entire congregation, many of whom were seen weeping in gratitude for Father’s gifts and courage and in sadness for the enormous loss for Holy Family parishioners. The entire congregation raised their hands in blessing Father Pat. In a few brief comments following the award presentation, Fr. Brennan said, “In striving to be a person of integrity, I have found freedom. I am now free.”
For the text of Father Brennan’s homily and the text of the Award, please visit the Holy Family Parish web site at www.holyfamilyparish.org. For more information about Voice of the Faithful, go to www.votf.org or locally slstillsee@aol.com.
