THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2008
Fr. Mannion Ready For Retirement
By DENISE FLEISCHER
Lifestyle Editor
Rev. William D. Mannion, a priest of the Archdiocese for nearly 47 years, will continue to serve Our Lady of Hope Church in Rosemont until his retirement on June 30.
"My family was very happy for me, but never pressured me," said Father Mannion about his choice to become a priest. "I went to Quigley Preparatory seminary in Chicago in 1951, graduated in 1956. Four years of high school, one year of college and then went on to finish college at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, and three more years at St. Mary of the Lake University (for his Doctorate of Ministry)."
Ordained on May 1, 1963, he has served St. Emeric in Country Club Hills, Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, St. Christina in Chicago. He has been on the Priest Personnel Board, served St. John of the Cross in Western Springs as an associate pastor, St. Athanasius in Evanston as pastor and Our Lady of Hope.
In July 1999, he applied to be pastor at Our Lady of Hope Church in Rosemont and was selected by Cardinal George. He was recommended by a board and then a final choice was made.
Father Mannion has always had a great interest in liturgy and history, especially scripture. When he was in his teens, one of the professors at Quigley Seminary stated that there were priests who had never read the Bible. Father Mannion began reading a chapter a day of the Bible for nearly two years.
He also loves the arts, words and the imagery that can be conjured by word description.
According to Mannion, the Catholic men of his generation considered becoming a priest one of their life options.
"I've always had a great love for scripture and preaching," he said, "and I try to bring (forward) love for the Bible and the importance of the community caring about one another."
When asked what touches his heart in his role as a leader of the church, he responded that it was realizing the goodness of people. He feels that many people have a jaded attitude, are cynical of others, but there are many more good people not getting recognized for how they care for their families.
"Seeing that delights me, inspires and encourages me to be worthy of serving them," he said.
He added that one of the great things at the church is the wonderful staff and parishioners. Father Mannion noted that there are 800 registered parishioners.
On a personal level, for as many years as he has been a priest, he has loved bike riding, going to the theater to see plays, exploring fine dining or family restaurants.
But what does the future hold for Father Mannion?
"I hope to travel to Ireland, Scotland and the British Isles when I retire," he stated. "I would like to go to Antarctica, New Zealand and visit friends and family."
When he returns, he hopes to be called on for first communions, weddings and funerals. He does not want to sever the connection with Our Lady of Hope church members.
He also would like to see his homilies turned into a book.
"I hope there could be a rediscovery of value of going to church. Sometimes people wander away and don't return. I'd like to see a boost in people coming for Sunday services and more involvement in church life," said Mannion.
On July 1, Father John Clemmens will become the next pastor of Our Lady of Hope, which draws many local parishioners from Rosemont, Des Plaines and Park Ridge.