91�����

On Wednesday, members of the student body, faculty, and staff of 91����� Aquinas College, California, gathered for a farewell luncheon in honor of Rev. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J. After nearly 17 years of on-campus service, Fr. Buckley will be leaving the College in September for the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, California � the culmination of nearly six decades in the priesthood � and the community embraced the occasion to thank him, to express its gratitude, and to reminisce.

In a show of fun, the event began when Dr. John J. Goyette, dean of the California campus, drove Fr. Buckley into the dining hall in a golf cart, amid much laughter and applause as tutors and students rose to their feet. President Michael F. McLean then took to the dais, describing Fr. Buckley as �a friend, mentor, and confessor to me and many others� whose �departure will be difficult, though inspiring� for members of the College community. �I say �inspiring,� because this is an instance of Fr. Buckley modeling the Catholic virtue of obedience,� Dr. McLean explained. �As much as we would like to have him stay, he follows the command of his Jesuit brothers. In doing so, he follows God and, through that, he teaches us.�

Next, Dr. Goyette spoke of what he described as �another side of Fr. Buckley,� characterized by �his kindness, his humility, and his sense of humor � the last one you might call mischievous or somewhat irreverent.� The priest, Dr. Goyette continued, has always put the needs of the College�s students first. �He wakes up at 4:00 a.m. to do his work, then takes a midday nap so he can be with students late at night for consecration at curfew. Fr. Buckley also encourages any students who are struggling. Not only that, but he�s a joy in confession. He's always reminding us that �Christ came for the sinners, not the self-righteous,� to put us at ease.�

As the crowd erupted in applause, Dr. Goyette presented Fr. Buckley with a spiritual bouquet, a framed photograph of the College�s California campus, and a memory book filled with anecdotes from alumni. �Somebody said life is like passing through a water stream; it slips by quickly,� Fr Buckley observed. �And it does � for everyone. You won�t be here in another five years, students. We all go elsewhere after a time. It�s a very nice place to go, too. I see it as more of the main entrance into something that�s even greater � the great banquet in Heaven.�

Showing his love for the students, Fr. Buckley said he intends to bring this year�s class list with him to meditate over in front of the Blessed Sacrament. �St. Theresa of Avila said to always bring reading material to meditation. Now I can keep you all in my prayers in a special way,� he said. �Come up to see me sometime, too,� he added. �I cannot wait for when I can see you all again � here or in Heaven.�