Dear Friends,

FUNERAL OF FR. JEROME MCKENNA, C.P.:  Fr. Jerome died In Atlanta, Georgia following a fall on April 7th, just six days before his 94th birthday. He was the oldest active Catholic Pastor in the USA. Fr. Jerome was a very likeable Passionist priest from a big family here in Pittsburgh. He took his vows in Pittsburgh in 1951and was ordained in 1958. He served in many important positions and was in in-charge of our Social Concerns. He had a degree from Rome. Worked with the Servant of God, Fr. Theodore Foley there. Was Rector of several monasteries including here at St. Paul’s. He served as Director of Social Concerns and as a Provincial Consultor. He served as Pastor in West Virginia for 20 years and was Vicar General of the Wheeling Diocese. His last assignment was Pastor of our parish in Atlanta, Georgia from 2009 till his death. He was a favorite of mine. I first met him in 1957 when he was a deacon in Union City, NJ. I attended his ordination as an 8th grader in April, 1958. He was Rector of this Monastery when I took vows in 1965. He came here last year to testify on behalf of Theodore Foley’s cause for canonization. At 93 he was still sharp as a tack and deeply loving our Passionist Community. He outdid himself-testifying in behalf of Fr. Theodore’s sanctity. May they now enjoy the presence of Jesus with Paul of the Cross and all the great Passionists who went ahead of them.  The funeral Mass was held in Atlanta. Here at this Monastery, he will be viewed in the church Thursday April 18th, 3 to 9pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday at 10:00am with burial in our cemetery. Fr. James O’Shea, C.P., our Provincial, will officiate. Atlanta’s Archbishop, Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv. will attend.