FAIRFIELD—Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J., was celebrated by 500 friends and family members during an outdoor Mass and luncheon on Sunday, September 19. Below are remarks of thanks from Rev. Denis G. Donoghue, S.J., director of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality.
Dear Friends of the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality of Fairfield University,
Whether you attended in person or were there in spirit, thank you for being part of our celebration on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021! It was a glorious day to welcome back to campus and honor Rev. Charles H. Allen, S.J.
The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, celebrated the Mass on Bellarmine Lawn, and Fairfield University Alumni Chaplain Rev. Gerry Blaszczak, S.J., offered a heartfelt, inspired homily. Fr. Allen’s unique charism filled the tent with love and grace. His spirit of generosity was experienced by all. Fr. Allen sees the love of Christ in all those who are fortunate enough to be in his presence; this is the gift of Fr. Allen’s relationship with God.
With family and friends in abundance, we witnessed Fr. Allen’s humility and humor in accepting the Rev. James M. Bowler, S.J., Award from the Murphy Center, for his lifetime of service exemplifying the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Fr. Allen and St. Ignatius remind us to trust the invitation from God to see all things new in Christ, by accepting and embracing who we are uniquely called to be. The Murphy Center builds on this work by opening its doors to our on-campus community of students, faculty, staff, as well as the greater Fairfield County community, in order to help people grow in their awareness of how and where God is breaking through in their daily lives. This is the gift of finding God in all things. Fr. Allen’s ministry and the work of the Murphy Center is God’s work.
Please visit our website at fairfield.edu/mcis to learn more about the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality, and consider supporting our work by making a gift.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Denis G. Donoghue, S.J.
Director, Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality