The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots
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"I felt as numb and emotionally exhausted as every other American struggling to make sense of the stunningly brutal murder. My own grieving, however, would have to wait. First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy had asked that I deliver the eulogy for her husband–and my friend." – Archbishop Philip Hannan Whether parachuting behind enemy lines…jumping into a Secret Service sedan for a White House meeting with JFK…or navigating the swirling flood waters of a hurricane…New Orleans' Archbishop Philip Hannan knew only one way to operate: totally committed and full speed ahead! The embodiment of «The Greatest Generation,» Archbishop Hannan's intellect, wit, generosity, and work ethic were unparalleled when fighting for what he believed in: the dangers of fascism, the preservation of the Faith, the inherent, if unforeseen, pitfalls in advising politicians on Church doctrine. Grab a front row seat on this extraordinary man's always fascinating, ever-humbling journey as he makes his mark on the pivotal events of the 20th century–the second World War, the Kennedy presidency, Vatican II, the integration of the South, Hurricane Katrina. Go behind the scenes as Archbishop Philip Hannan–at age 97, still the quintessential priest and American–details the events, pressures, decisions, and emotions of his one-of-a-kind experiences…proving, once again, the impact that one human being can have on history.Read an excerpt here.
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FROM COMBAT, TO CAMELOT, TO KATRINA
MEMOIR OF AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
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That night, slumped in my chair at the rectory, my fatigued mind tried to sort out the jumble of paradoxes, at least as I knew them, in the life and death of John Kennedy. On the one hand, he was brilliant, witty, charming, a man navigating life with the utmost confidence. Though dominating every situation, he was never domineering. On the other hand, Jack was a complicated soul, incredibly talented, yet, flawed, categorizing his actions in a manner often hurtful to those who loved him. Though he never had to worry about money, he had forged a close bond with the poor, especially poor blacks, whose love and admiration for their President was visceral and responsive, thanks to his knack for being solicitous without condescension. Handsome and virile, he was attractive to women; a symbol (by virtue of his war record) of bravery and courage to men.
Above all, Jack challenged everyone — especially the young — to be his or her best self. “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” had called to action the children whose fathers fought and won World War II, challenging them to do something important with that hard-earned freedom. I, personally, knew scores of engineers, architects, lawyers, and plumbers who, infused with Kennedy’s optimism, went on to get a masters, doctorates — or open their own businesses. Unlike no president before him, Jack Kennedy instilled in Americans that most imperative of all things: hope.
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