we all answer calls to serve in different ways. For me, that has meant representing the great State of Illinois in the U.S. Senate. But on May 8, 1974, a young priest answered the call to serve by receiving his ordination as a priest. Father Cletus Kiley could not have known the impact he would make on Chicago, and on people across the Nation, on that day in 1974. But as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest, it is clear that his dedication to spiritual and social well-being has been nothing short of remarkable. Father Kiley was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, and he found spiritual and education homes in several of the Catholic schools in the city. Following his seminary education, Father Kiley earned a master's degree in applied spirituality from the University of San Francisco and a doctorate in ministry from the University of St. Mary of the Lake. He developed an affinity for languages--becoming fluent in Spanish, Italian, and French--which helped broaden his impact and touch the lives of even more communities. Much of Father Kiley's time as a young priest was spent in Chicago. He served as an associate pastor of Epiphany Parish and, later, as pastor of St. Agnes of Bohemia.…
On the recordMay 14, 2024
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