The power of prayer: Father William Treacy celebrates 100th birthday

Father William Treacy, the iconic Irish Catholic priest, celebrated his upcoming 100th birthday on Sunday surrounded by 200 of his friends and followers. He will actually hit the century mark Friday.

Religious and spiritual leaders from India to Seattle to Skagit County eloquently heaped praise on Treacy. Speaker after speaker, including priests, rabbis and imams, shared their incredible respect for a man who has been a powerful presence in the lives of many people for 75 years.

The event took place at the site where Treacy and Rabbi Raphael Levine formed Camp Brotherhood over 50 years ago, adjacent to Lake McMurray near Route 9.

The two men had the popular television show “Challenge” in Seattle. It explored interfaith issues. Their followers bought them a 300-acre dairy farm. It became a beautiful peaceful venue that has hosted many events encouraging religious tolerance and common ground throughout the human family.

Rabbi Levine was 18 years Father’s senior. He died tragically in an automobile accident 33 years ago, but Father Bill pressed on. Interfaith groups, for example Kids4Peace, featuring Palestinian and Israeli kids, were held yearly on the site.

Camp Brotherhood was renamed The Treacy-Levine Center years ago, and now it is the home of Camp Korey, where kids with severe medical challenges get to experience a free week at a beautiful summer camp. Treacy still lives on the grounds.

After an opening prayer by Imam Jamal Rahman of the Interfaith Community Sanctuary, Jeff Renner, recently retired weatherman from KING 5 in Seattle, the master of ceremonies, showed a documentary celebrating the life of Father Treacy. It included lots of great archival footage, photographs and insightful interviews with the man and his many disciples, followers and friends.

Renner introduced relatives of Treacy who had come from as far away as Ireland and Egypt.

Rabbi Daniel Wiener, of Temple DeHirsch Sinai in Seattle, gave the keynote speech and compared the glorious beauty outside on a perfect day with the glorious beauty in the room. Sister Lucy Kurien spoke next. She has created over 50 shelters for abused women and men and children in India. Each spoke eloquently about how Treacy has inspired them and how incredibly sharp he is for a centenarian. Throughout the day, many joked about the fact that they wish they could remember things as well as he could.

Treacy then demonstrated how true that was as he gave an inspirational talk, mostly from memory. It was very clear that this was not only a wonderful inspirational man who has touched so many lives, but also an extraordinary living example that age is just a number.

Father Jim Dalton, who first met Treacy as a teenager, told how he approached the Vatican and was told that, of course, Pope Francis knew all about the amazing Father Treacy. The Pope sent a blessing read by Dalton.

After dessert was served, Treacy energetically worked the room, sharing hugs and conversation with his adoring guests, proving that he never forgets a face or a name as he joyously approaches his 100th birthday.