If I Ran the Zoo

I have had the extraordinary privilege of developing a very close relationship with the amazing Father William Treacy, who celebrated his 103rd birthday in May.

We met through a non-profit and realized that we had very similar values although he is an Irish Catholic priest who grew up in Ireland and I am a New York Jew and the son of holocaust survivors.

Father was assigned to a parish in Seattle, where he met the equally progressive Rabbi Raphael Levine and they created the TV series “Challenge,” which explored interfaith issues. As a Jew married to a Catholic, I loved their ability to find common ground between people of very different backgrounds.

Father Treacy’s constant sharing of wonderful pieces he writes inspired me to create the “Have Faith” column that has run in this paper monthly.

On his birthday, Sister Lucy Kurian visited from India. She honored her followers who contribute to her Maher Charitable Foundation which helps improve vulnerable children’s life chances by increasing their opportunities to access high quality education in her native India and throughout the world.

Father was well enough to join in the celebration and schmooze with those of us who had the honor to attend this wonderful event, hosted by Norma Jean Young, herself an inspirational community member.

Since then, Father’s health has declined and last week he actually stopped hosting Sunday Mass, which had small groups attending in person but were shared with hundreds of followers on Zoom.

Father is not allowed to have visitors now but I have stopped by his house and waved to him through the window a couple of times.

One thing is for certain, he will be with me in spirit for as long as I live. There are so many people who feel the same way I do about this exemplary man.