b'A in Cleveland. He was deeply impressed by the Marianist concerned. Im here to serve; thats what gives me joy. Thats whatt age 14, Mike OGrady decided to become a Marianist. ItALL PHOTOS: ROBIN JERSTADwas 1961, and he was a freshman at Cathedral Latin School gives my life meaning.Brother Mike is sharp; you cant put anything over on him,brothers and priests who were his teachers. So inspired, Mike decided says Paul Fanucchi, the longtime director of nursing at the Residencereligious life was the path for him. It was the best decision I could Community. But its not Brother Mikes administrative skills that makehave made, he says. Everything since has been grace. the greatest impression, according to Paul. Mike has an undyingcommitment to his brothers at this community. Hes always willingI feel like a thief to listen to them. And as busy as he is, hellAfter his freshman year, Mike enteredGod took this dumb kidmake the time to take a brother to a ballgamethe Marianist postulate to begin religious at age 14 and said, go thisor to a movie. I have a lot of respect for that.formation while continuing his studies.way, Mike. The Irish wouldThe average age of the brothers at theHe finished high school in 1964 and pro- say lucky, but it reallyMarianist Residence is 84. And so, the deathfessed first vows as a Marianist brothermeans graced. of a fellow Marianist is a sadly familiar a year later. occurrence. Brother Mike handles this withBrother Mike attended University ofBrother Mike OGrady, SM strength and grace, according to Paul. AsDayton, a Marianist university in Ohio,death approaches, Mike always takes theand then began a career that has included individual into consideration. What are histeaching high school and guiding young wishes? What will give him peace? Quitemen in Marianist formation. For moreoften, brothers receive hospice care at thethan 20 years, he served at St. Aloysius,residence, where they remain in the embracea historic Cleveland city parish, whereof the community.he was director of religious education and, While a death in the community is alwayslater, pastoral administrator.hard, Brother Mike says that faith providesIve never had a bad job, Brother Mike solace. We share the sense of resurrectionlaughs. Sometimes I feel like a thieflike in the face of death, he says. When wereIve gotten away with something. Ive had saying goodbye to a brother, we know wereit so good. Every assignment, every place sending him off to a better place with God.Ive been has been so rich and rewarding. I walk around in grace. I really do. Luck of the IrishEverything delightful about an Irish heartA special calling shines through in Brother Mike OGrady.After more than four decades of varied and Hes quick to laugh, quick to joke, quick torewarding service, Brother Mike was called make you feel like hes been your friendin 2012 to serve as director of the Marianist forever. His smile is broad and genuine.Residence Community in San Antonio. The And, by gosh, there might just be a twinkleresidence is a community of about 40 aging in his eye.Marianists and is located on the campus of Brother Mike OGrady, SM, goes for a walk with He says hes been delighted in every stepFather Jerry Chinchar, SM, and Father JerrysSt. Marys University. For these men, niece, Annette Murray. of his ministry journey. I live in gratitude,decades of full-time ministry are past. he says. I feel like Im in charge of my lifeMany need nursing care.Im doing what I want to dobut God has guided me. The role of director of this large community combines a daunting Fifty-seven years ago, a still-growing boy entered the Marianistarray of administrative tasks with deeply personal, one-on-one postulate. Brother Mike is still charmed by his choice: God took thisministry to Marianist brothers and priests confronting the challenges dumb kid at age 14 and said, go this way, Mike. The Irish wouldof old age. Brother Mike is OK with that. He considers it a privilege. say lucky, but it really means graced.\x00Im glad to be here. I look forward to praying with these good,wise men, he says. Some of them are near-saints, as far as Im Carol Dexter is a freelance writer from Columbia, Illinois.Marianist Residence Community: If you would like to make a donation in honor of Brother Mike OGrady or other Marianists living at the Marianist Residence, use the enclosed envelope or go to marianist.com/donate. For more information, contact Brother Alex Tuss, SM, at 800.348.4732, ext. 3003, or [email protected]/donate 17'