Always faithful

By Catherine Antolino Mervyn

    For the thirty-three years that my husband and I have lived in Oxnard, California as parishioners of Santa Clara Church, I can safely and proudly say that our parish has been one of the most blessed in the Los Angeles Archdiocese in reference to clergy who have served her. One of several who have moved this humble writer to point him out is Msgr. Charles O’Gorman.

    An ordinand of All Hallows Missionary College, Dublin, Ireland, he was ordained for the Los Angeles Archdiocese. He came to our parish shortly after a U.S. Navy career where he had last served in Vietnam. He seemed in no hurry to introduce changes in the parish, liturgical or otherwise. As for extras, he assumed that we pretty well could take care of ourselves.

    Unless, of course, one might consider a change the removal of a century-old ornate baptismal font to an improvised confessional at the back of the church. He quietly engaged a talented parishioner to build a new one, simpler in design, and stored the old one. When questioned why the change, he nonchalantly replied, “The old one was too heavy, too massive to handle.” It was enough reason for him. There was no need to be concerned about major changes, his goal was to maintain the status quo in a practical and useful manner. “He was only a pilgrim on this earth,” he said.

    Before he came I had accepted the responsibility of training a group of female students from our school to become lectors for the daily liturgy. Every morning he was to preside at the liturgy. I knew he observed me with eyes in back of his head as he vested in the sacristy. In the same room I went through my rigid routine with the young girls, preparing them to proclaim the Word of God faultlessly. The Monsignor kept his peace for some time.

    Finally, one morning, after I had been a little more severe than usual in my critique with a student after the liturgy, he whispered an aside to me while divesting.

    “You’re too hard on the girls.”

    Reeling in suppressed anger, I must have exploded.

    “Father, this is the Word of God we’re playing with!”

    A shrug of his shoulder, a grunty breath, Msgr. sharply turned and silently continued divesting.

    A few days later, a school mother approached me outdoors.

    “Monsignor told us how you ‘mother’ the young lectors,” she related, indicating he was pleased with what I was doing.

    As a retired teacher who enjoyed writing as a hobby, I had the good fortune to develop my craft a little under the gentle nudge of Fr. Kenneth Baker who published some of my work in one of his minor publications. I was beside myself one morning as Msgr. O’Gorman asked if I would be interested in writing the history of our nearly one-hundred-year-old parish.

    The two years I spent researching the history of our parish in close contact with Msgr. O’Gorman were undoubtedly the most inspirational in my life. We did not always see things eye to eye and I knew he thought of me as “strong-willed,” and arrogant. What I thought of him on occasion would not make quality copy, but I do not regret one moment I spent doing what I enjoyed most.

    I grew in faith and understanding of people. His gentle yet stern counsel, his delicious, perceptive sense of humor, all contributed in the production of A TOWER IN THE VALLEY, The History of Santa Clara Parish.

    One memorable incident I recall was when in the mausoleum, I discovered that the marble front enclosing the crypt of our first pastor did not have the years of birth or death on it. I asked Msgr. O’Gorman if it should be done. His answer was: “What for? He couldn’t care less.” The dates were inscribed with the local Knights of Columbus picking up the tab.

    A long-time parishioner lovingly refers to him as “Speedy Charley,” meaning that his liturgies are celebrated speedily. True to his Navy habits he’ll tell you, “I’m used to saying Mass anywhere, anytime.” His weekly liturgies may be brief, but the people can always leave church having heard a word of wisdom and a chuckle at the end.

    “Fr. Charley” as he is lovingly known, is practicality personified. As senior retired priest, he often replaces other clergy when needed in surrounding parishes. While other priests may come and go for one reason or another, Msgr. O’Gorman and others like him, faithful to their God, will always endure.

You are invited to contribute to this series by sending in an account of a priest whom you admire. Articles should not exceed 800 words. The best of these will be printed. Send to “My Favorite Priest,” c/o Homiletic & Pastoral Review, 10 Audrey Pl., Fairfield, N.J. 07004. If you have a good photo of the priest, please send that also. Enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope, if you wish to have your article returned. . . . Mrs. Catherine Antolino Mervyn lives in Oxnard, Calif.—Editor

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