.The. Rev Philip C. Cleary.
Photograph courtesy of NPH Mu00e9xico.The Rev. Philip C. Cleary, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former associate minister of Our Female of Really Good Guidance Parish on Hermitage Avenue in Chicago’s McKinley Park community, passed away Sunday, Nov.
3, 2024, at the age of 71, in Mexico. Cleary was born upon Sept. 5, 1953, in Chicago.
He participated in Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, Niles University of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Academy in Mundelein. Cleary was actually commissioned to the priesthood on Might 9, 1979, by Cardinal John Cody, and also he commemorated his very first thoughtful Mass on May 13 of the exact same year at St.
Jerome Church in Chicago. He then served as associate priest at St. Boniface Church on Royalty Street in Chicago and Our Woman of Excellent Counsel Parish.Coming from 1982 to 1984, Cleary acted as president of the Affiliation of Chicago Priests and was elected to the National Alliance of Priests’ Councils Exec Panel in 1983.Nuestros Pequeu00f1os Hermanos.It was during this time that Cleary discovered Rev.
William B. Wasson as well as his goal at Nuestros Pequeu00f1os Hermanos (NPH), a nonprofit company that aims at boosting the lifestyles of orphaned as well as abandoned children in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cleary’s initial planning was actually to offer services for one summertime at NPH’s major home in Mexico but “he swiftly experienced called to keep beyond his three-month phrase, starting what ended up being a lifetime devotion to the youngsters of NPH,” the NPH internet site stated.
Cleary served for years as National Director of NPH Mexico prior to coming to be executive director of NPH International. He resided at NPH’s primary house in Miacatlu00e1n, Morelos, Mexico, where he dedicated his life to the association’s purpose and the youngsters. He after that became chaplain for the Diocese of Cuernavaca in Mexico and resigned in 2023.Lifestyle With Great Dedication.Bishop Ronald Hicks, head of the Diocese of Joliet as well as one of Cleary’s closest buddies, bears in mind Cleary as a mentor, role model and also good friend that “resided life along with terrific dedication.” Before getting into the University of St.
Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Academy, Hicks invested a year in Mexico volunteering for one of NPH’s orphanages in Mexico.” He (Cleary) certainly not just given spiritual direction however also a true commitment to the objective of improving the kids’s lifestyles,” Hicks mentioned. Genuine Passion and Company.” Because of seeing his priesthood and also how he lived it, he influenced me to get in the priesthood on my own.” Hicks proceeded that “throughout the years, many little ones have profited from his affection and also devotion he adhered to concepts of genuine affection and service, making certain that the little ones increased in the home were certainly not only recipients but learned exactly how to repay.”.Rev. Gregory Sakowicz, remembered his pal and also schoolmate as a fantastic priest with a “missionary center that was actually effectively liked and recognized by his schoolmates.” Sakowicz additionally recollected that “Philip never ever tried to find the limelight as well as consistently tried to take others into the spotlight.”.
Provider on Nov 21.One more close friend and also friend was Rev. Stanley Rataj. “He was among the best reputable members of our class and a true forerunner,” Rataj pointed out.
He remembered Cleary’s passion for life as well as his charm saying “he was actually a great friend to all and lived an extremely faithful and also remarkable life.”.All funeral services are going to happen at St. Zachary Parish, 567 W. Algonquin Street in Des Plaines.
Visitation hours will be Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, coming from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral Mass will observe at 11 a.m.
and also will certainly be celebrated by Bishop Hicks. A private interment will take place in any way Saints Catholic Burial Ground in Des Plaines.