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Past Events

Miramar's Class of 1950

50 Year Reunion

September 15-16, 2000

Celebration and Remembrance
Miramar Class of 1950 Gathers
by Jim McDermott

        Celebration and Remembrance: Those words sum up Miramar's Class of 1950 50-Year Reunion held September 15-16, 2000.

        From the time we arrived on Friday until our departure on Saturday, memories of Miramar circulated among the gathering. We gathered to celebrate memories. We came to remember our departed confreres. Fr. Joe Connolly, SVD, introduced the idea of everyone giving a precis of his life's work. An interesting and multi-varied vignette of careers ensued.

        But the men behind the stories set the stage. Present from the Class of 1950 were our three SVDs: Fr. Joe, along with Frs. John Farley, SVD, and Don Mulrenan, SVD,--all well-preserved despite the years. Fr. Joe has accumulated more Rome air miles than most cardinals, and he recalled the fruits of his African missionary work as he toured on his last visit. His recollections highlighted his technical school and the Bible stories now translated into the native language. Fr. Don has refurbished 184 Beacon Street to establish the true value of the location. Together with Fr. Don Skerry, SVD, Fr. Don preaches from Maine to Florida to solicit mission collections. Fr. Jack is involved in an innovative missionary initiative from his base in New Jersey. He periodically takes a team of trained missionary personnel to various mission countries to spark new mission endeavors.

        Two surprises walked into this weekend reunion, surprises absconded fifty years ago, Chet "Jack" Keating and his wife Katharine, and John Eddy with his wife Amonia. We had some difficulty picturing Jack heading up a security service! John was always known for his smooth operation, so government service and diplomatic corps seemed to be a fitting extension of his career.

        Charlie Nichelson took the prize for the longest distance traveled, flying into Boston from West Palm Beach. I leaned on Charlie, our computer expert, to solve my personal home computer problems. Thanks, Charlie. His brother, Paul, gave him a thorough tour of the Boston Big Dig. Paul is an engineer in the Boston area. The last arrival to grace our conference room was Jim Clarkin. He had a long drive from New York after another busy day running his academy.

        Continuing the episodes in this circle of friends: Jim Harvey, with multiple years in retirement, can speak to many issues of the leisurely life. His wife, Betty, plans to retire in the very near future. Jim is just a phone call away for grandchildren baby-sitting services. Joe Skerry, former football quarterback and academic leader, has spent summer days at his home in New Hampshire pleasing the family with his culinary inventions, and serving as chief boatsman--ferrying the younger generation around the lake. Jack Slattery upheld the prestige of Boston Latin School for many years. Now, he and his young wife enjoy the attractions of Boston's cultural life. Jack, by the way, was nominated "best preserved" of the entire group. Credit, I'm sure, goes to his caring wife.

        Some "old" standbys also joined us, namely, Joe and Barbara Walsh. Joe still carries that fierce cane. Frs. Bill Kane, SVD, Ed Dudink, SVD, and Bob Jones, SVD, joined in on some of our activities. Everyone admired Fr. Ed's beautiful flower gardens.

        Kudos and thanks go to Jim and Terry Welch for planning the entire weekend. Their brochure of events, fronted by a great class picture, made things run smoothly. Gratitude goes to Fr. Bob and his Miramar Retreat House staff for housing and feeding us. It was a most refreshing weekend, with wonderful accommodations! In recalling old Miramar stories, some memories were much clearer than others. In the totality of recollections of Miramar's pre-condo days, episodes flashed like a lengthy movie. The group made Miramar come alive once again.

        The Sunday concelebrated Mass was the occasion for a unique homily--each member offering a personal moment of gratitude. Jim Welch led our singing with gusto. The pancake breakfast laid a solid foundation for the rest of the day. Some chose to walk the Miramar grounds across the street; others left the grounds to former memories. Handshakes and farewells! We went our separate ways.

Attendees: