RIP Fr. Patrick Lee, Class of 1976

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 Fr. Patrick Lee, Archdiocese of Chicago ordination class of 1976, passed away this morning, April 14, 2025.  Patrick's first assignment as a priest was at my home parish of St. Christopher in Midlothian, IL.  I can still remember hearing stories of the day Patrick was moving in at the rectory.  It was/is a one-level building and right in the middle of town.  I recall the story because while Patrick was unloading his car, I hear he was listening to Led Zepplin rather loudly, and people telling me about the pastor's (George Brown, God rest his soul too) reaction as if he were saying "what have I done?"  I can picture Fr. Brown in my head, putting his face in his hands and shaking his head in disbelief.  Still, Patrick became a favorite for many of St. Chris' faithful.  He had a very deep spirituality.  He could be soft-spoken at times, but he would also be outspoken at times too.

I still consider Patrick another brick in the wall I've come to know as priesthood.  I rejoice at all of the personalities we were blessed with in my formative years.  Patrick, RIP.

Michael

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