Joe Donnelly: “back in 1973 a young man caught a lucky break that changed his life. That young man was I, and it was my acceptance…”

“back in 1973 a young man caught a lucky break that changed his life. That young man was I, and it was my acceptance letter to the University of Notre Dame that opened up the gates of opportunity for me. Last night, the beloved president emeritus of Notre Dame, Father Theodore Hesburgh, passed away at the age of 97. On his last day, Father Ted said Mass in the morning and passed away 12 hours later. He counseled Presidents and Popes, but he was first and foremost a priest--one who ministered to the homeless, the poor, and those in need--and that is when he was also the happiest. We were so lucky to have him touch our lives, and those of us in Indiana were fortunate enough to experience him as our friend and neighbor. Nobody who ever walked the streets of South Bend could forget Father Ted driving around in his little Ford Mustang, giving a wave to everybody he saw. Our country and the world is a better place because of Father Ted. He loved his God, his country, and Notre Dame, and he ministered to anyone who asked him for help. Father Hesburgh grew up near Syracuse, NY, and was ordained and became a priest in 1943. He promptly asked that his first assignment as a priest be as the chaplain of a naval aircraft carrier. The leaders of the Holy Cross religious order were not surprised, as they knew of Father Ted's great patriotism, his love of the U.S. Navy, and his devotion to our servicemembers.…”