CardinalSeansBlog on Danny's Death

This week it was quite a shock for all of us that a young priest ordained last May, Father Daniel Kennedy, died suddenly of a heart attack in his brother’s home.

I had seen Father Dan recently, and I asked him, “How are things going?” He replied, “Cardinal, it’s wonderful to be a priest.” I could see how enthusiastic he was. He had been working in the chaplaincy program with the Navy, and he was very engaged with his parish ministry. He also wrote on this blog last summer of his experience as he was just beginning his ministry.

Because he was a young man who was apparently so healthy and who had participated many times in the Boston Marathon, of course there was no warning of his imminent death. As a result, the surprise and grief at his passing was very, very great.

Our sympathy goes out to his parents and family. Dan was very close to his family — a beautiful family.

As today was his funeral Mass, we ask people to pray for him and pray for his family. We also pray that other young men will be inspired by his generosity and enthusiasm for the priesthood. Although his ministry here was short, we know that he is a priest forever.

[For the original post, please click here: http://www.cardinalseansblog.org/2008/02/01/]