by Joseph Donnelly

Pat O’Brien portrayed Jerry Connolly in Angels with Dirty Faces. Spencer Tracy played Father Flanagan in Boys Town, and everybody’s favorite, Father O’Malley was Bing Crosby. All great actors in prodigious roles during an era when Hollywood glorified everyday heroes. A-list actors sought roles that celebrated clerics. Times have changed and there will be no movie on the life of Bishop Ignatius A. Catanello, “Father Iggy” to you and me, but he was my hero – a humble, yet proud man.

I assure you Bishop Catanello’s aspiration was to be a parish priest, nothing more. But his mentor was the incomparable Bishop Francis Mugavero, a humble man in his own right. Serving as Bishop of Brooklyn for more than 20 years (until his death, I actually thought Francis our bishop was a prayer), he had loftier plans for Iggy, having him serve as ecumenical minister, then rector of Cathedral Prep Seminary, and finally Episcopal Vicar.

Although Father Iggy was consecrated a bishop after Bishop Mugavero’s death, I am quite certain it was Bishop Mugavero’s wishes that Iggy follow in his footsteps.

I was there when Cardinal John O’Connor praised Bishop Catanello. This giant among giants was on the pulpit talking of a man that was his equal in the Conference of Bishops – his vote was no greater than Iggy’s.

How could this parish priest counsel dignitaries during the day and have time to bring teenagers to his favorite diner in the evening? His greatest calling was inspiring the youth of our diocese. No matter where he was, there would be a pack of teens waiting for him.

Bishop Ignatius A. Catanello served as a parish priest in five unique parishes and neighborhoods. Like a chameleon, he always blended in. He counseled countless parishioners at St. Rita’s, Long Island City; St. Helen’s, Howard Beach (ironically serving with future-Bishop Barbarito); St. Ann’s, Flushing; Our Lady of Angels, Bay Ridge, and finally, as pastor of Holy Family, Flushing.

In addition, Bishop Catanello shared his knowledge with thousands of students, teaching theology at St. John’s University for 20 years. He had a great affection for the Franciscans; He was a Third Order Franciscan himself. He also admired Cardinal Terence Cooke and supported the cause of making him a saint.

I assure you there was never any scandal associated with this man. He may be the last of the old-time priests. He was strong, gentle and inspiring. My eight-year-old son asked me at dinner, yesterday, “Was Bishop Iggy like your brother?” With tears in my eyes, I hugged my boy, Aidan, and said “Yes, he was. He called me ‘Bud.’” This made me think of the song, He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell, but made famous by The Hollies.

Everyone’s welfare was his concern. Even on his deathbed he wanted to help me with my issues. He said to me recently, “I know you are hurting, Joseph. Is there something I can do or someone I can call to make things right.”

Go figure, he was more concerned with my well-being than his own.

Whether you knew him as Bishop, Monsignor, Vicar, Father or just plain Iggy, you never felt anything less than special. The man made everyone at ease; He loved to preach of being comfortable.

I will miss my friend dearly; The diocese will miss his leadership.

Your greatest tribute would be to go to your local church, visit the tabernacle and say an Our Father and a Hail Mary.

Rest in peace, Buddy.[hr] Joseph Donnelly is a member of St. Ann’s parish, Flushing.