sepals and fronds

               

                        Some  Special Folks  I've

                      been blessed to know 

                                                                        

                                         

                                                                                                                                   

         Rev. Fr. Bernard Donaghey, director of the high school dept.

                  ST. PAUL'S COLLEGE, Tacloban City, Philippines; circa '60                                     

When I see a photograph or an image of His Holiness, Pope John Paul II, I  automatically remember  Fr. Donaghey,  he of  my high school years. They bear a close physical resemblance,  and the same gentle, loving presence that is much akin to Godliness.  As a high school junior,  I  had the  opportunity for more  than  just  a  reverential  acquaintance with Father  when I was sent as Leyte's  representative to the English declamation  contests  in two Visayan meets held in Dumaguete City. Father headed the provincial delegation composed of sports  coaches, athletes, and literary-musical contestants.

At the English declamation contest held at the St. Paul's College auditorium in Dumaguete City, I emerged 2nd out of 10 contestants from all over the region. First prize went to the only male contestant ( from Cebu), while 2 declaimers tied for 3rd. Now this was when Fr. Donaghey showed his true grit - by standing up to protest the judges' decision, saying that the first  prize awardee delivered not a declamation piece, but an oration, thus disqualified; and in which case the second place winner - I - should ascend first place. Understandably, the massive Cebu delegation counterprotested with howls and hoots, and ofcourse, the judges' decision is always final. I did not expect  Fr. Donaghey to stand up like that, knowing him to be such a mild and seemingly compliant priest, but because he did that, I was now in awe of him,  taken aback - yet pleasantly so - by his unforeseen valiant spirit.   

As this is being written, there  is no way for me to know where Fr. Bernard Donaghey  may be  at the moment ; whether he  is still among us, or has passed on to join his Creator.   

                                             

Postscript:  Just received this email from Rev. Fr. Edward Cardoza:

From :  "Fr. Edward Cardoza" < eacardoza@adelphia.net>

To:          belladv_2000@yahoo.com

Date:      Fri., 17 Mar 2006 11:01:22 -0800

I read your tribute to Father Bernie on the internet and you closed by writing that you had no idea of where Father Donaghey was or if he were still with us.  Father Bernie died this monring in Highland, CA where he was Chaplain at the Patton State Hospital.

Although he was suffering from many physical problems, he still carried out his priestly duties.  A very dear man.

Sincerely,

Father Edward Cardoza

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~     

I hope Fr. Edward Cardoza, who is actually a stranger to me in the sense that I hadn't made his acquaintance before this, has received my response. Thank you, Father Edward!         

                           Go to page 2 for my next special folk .