.The. Rev Philip C. Cleary.
Photo courtesy of NPH Mu00e9xico.The Rev. Philip C. Cleary, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and past associate minister of Our Woman of Good Counsel Church on Hermitage Pathway in Chicago’s McKinley Park community, died 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 College of Loyola University as well as the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein. Cleary was commissioned to the priesthood on Might 9, 1979, by Cardinal John Cody, and also he commemorated his initial solemn Mass on Might 13 of the exact same year at St.
Jerome Church in Chicago. He then acted as associate minister at St. Boniface Church on Noble Street in Chicago as well as Our Lady of Excellent Guidance Parish.Coming from 1982 to 1984, Cleary functioned as head of state of the Affiliation of Chicago Priests and also was selected to the National Alliance of Priests’ Councils Exec Board in 1983.Nuestros Pequeu00f1os Hermanos.It was actually throughout this moment that Cleary learned about Rev.
William B. Wasson and also his mission at Nuestros Pequeu00f1os Hermanos (NPH), a not-for-profit association that targets at boosting the lifestyles of orphaned and also deserted youngsters in Latin The United States and also the Caribbean. Cleary’s preliminary program was to offer services for one summer season at NPH’s main home in Mexico but “he swiftly really felt phoned call to remain past his three-month phrase, starting what became a long term commitment to the children of NPH,” the NPH site explained.
Cleary offered for many years as National Director of NPH Mexico just before becoming corporate director of NPH International. He resided at NPH’s principal house in Miacatlu00e1n, Morelos, Mexico, where he devoted his lifestyle to the institution’s goal and also the children. He after that became chaplain for the Diocese of Cuernavaca in Mexico and retired in 2023.Life With Great Devotion.Diocesan Ronald Hicks, mind of the Diocese of Joliet and also some of Cleary’s closest good friends, don’t forgets Cleary as an advisor, good example and good friend that “lived life along with fantastic devotion.” Before getting into the College of St.
Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Hicks spent a year in Mexico volunteering for among NPH’s orphanages in Mexico.” He (Cleary) not simply provided metaphysical assistance yet also a true devotion to the purpose of strengthening the children’s lifestyles,” Hicks stated. Unconditional Affection as well as Company.” Due to seeing his priesthood and also exactly how he resided it, he influenced me to enter into the priesthood myself.” Hicks carried on that “over the years, many youngsters have profited from his love and dedication he adhered to principles of outright affection and also solution, making certain that the children reared in the home were actually not merely receivers however discovered exactly how to give back.”.Rev. Gregory Sakowicz, remembered his pal as well as schoolmate as a terrific clergyman along with a “missionary soul that was actually well liked and also appreciated through his friends.” Sakowicz also remembered that “Philip never searched for the spotlight and also constantly tried to take others into the spotlight.”.
Solutions on November 21.Another close friend and friend was actually Rev. Stanley Rataj. “He was one of one of the most reputable participants of our lesson as well as a real forerunner,” Rataj pointed out.
He recalled Cleary’s zest for life and his charisma mentioning “he was a great friend to all and also lived an incredibly loyal and splendid life.”.All funeral services will certainly take place at St. Zachary Church, 567 W. Algonquin Road in Des Plaines.
Visitation hours will certainly be Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, coming from 10 to 11 a.m. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m.
and will certainly be actually celebrated through Bishop Hicks. A personal interment will take place whatsoever Saints Catholic Burial Site in Des Plaines.