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Bingo Flourishes at School Named After Cardinal O'Hara

“Ipsam sequens non devias,” (If you follow Her, you will not go astray), is a motto that refers to the Virgin Mary.
“Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”
― St. Francis of Assisi
"Common Sense is always a
blessing of God."
- Cardinal John Francis O'Hara

The marvelous game of bingo is played every Sunday at 1 p. m. at Cardinal O'Hara High School on O'Hara Rd. in Tonawanda.

And, consequently, if you like good company, a fun and exciting game, and a chance to utter the word "bingo" loudly in a crowd of people, plus have at your disposal a nice array of refreshments, all on a Sunday afternoon, you might give this particular game a try.

The bingo at Cardinal O'Hara is sponsored by the high school's Home School Association (HSA), something that might be described as the equivalent of the PTA, with, however, and note it well, a decided emphasis on the ideals of the Franciscan traditions.

The school was founded by the Order of Friars Minor or Franciscans, the apostles of Francesco Bernardone, better known as Francis of Assisi.

According to the high school's website, Cardinal O’Hara High School provides a campus environment on 17 acres, offering a comprehensive college preparatory education in the Franciscan tradition.

Rooted in the five core values of Franciscan life: Formed in FAITH; Empowered in KNOWLEDGE; Immersed in TRADITION; Enriched in OPPORTUNITY; Prepared for LIFE.

The school opened in 1961 and was named after John Francis O'Hara, better known as Cardinal O'Hara (1888 – 1960).

Some of our readers may remember the man when, in 1945, he was appointed as the eighth Bishop of Buffalo, succeeding the late Bishop John A. Duffy.

O'Hara had a spectacular career. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1916, became president of the University of Notre Dame in 1934 and served until 1945 when he moved to Buffalo.

After a seven-year tenure as bishop, O'Hara was promoted to the fifth Archbishop of Philadelphia in 1951 where he served until his death in 1960.

During his tenure, O'Hara oversaw the establishment of 61 new schools, three women's colleges, and special schools for the mentally challenged, blind, and deaf.

Not generally favorable of the influence of radio and television on youth, he suggested that Catholics sacrifice such entertainment for Lent.

Pope John XXIII created him Cardinal Priest of Ss. Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Celio in the consistory of December 15, 1958.

His last words, uttered almost two years later, in response to a nun who told him the doctor would allow him to go home and rest, were, "No, I want to go to Heaven."

He is buried at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Notre Dame, Ind.
A devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he selected as his Episcopal motto:
Ipsam sequens non devias (If you follow Her, you will not go astray).

 

 

Niagara Falls Reporter - Publisher Frank Parlato Jr. www.niagarafallsreporter.com

Mar05 , 2013