There is something to be said about being in the right place at the right time. When Capuchin Father Seán O’Malley finished his graduate degrees in Spanish and Portuguese literature at Catholic University nearly 60 years ago, he thought he was preparing for a life as a missionary overseas.
But the archbishop of Washington — and God — had other plans. The nation’s capital had a quickly growing Hispanic immigrant community, yet only one Spanish-speaking priest. Fr. O’Malley was needed, and his religious provincial agreed that he should stay.
Those early years gave a new direction to the future Cardinal O’Malley’s life. Accompanying new immigrants as they struggled to adapt to life in America while supporting their families thousands of miles away helped Father O'Malley develop a profound pastoral understanding of the dignity and isolation of the poor and marginalized.
Even today the Cardinal shares anecdotes from those years. These encounters framed his future ministry as a bishop, archbishop, and papal advisor.
Cardinal O’Malley is known internationally for his compassion for the vulnerable and deep sense of justice for the suffering. Through his daily witness of charity, and prayerful calls for justice and accountability, he has in many ways served as a public conscience, drawing us not only to see Christ in the vulnerable, but also nudging us to be more like Christ to others.
“That love and dedication [of Cardinal O’Malley] to Hispanic and Latino communities has remained an extraordinary example for the Church in America,” said University President Peter Kilpatrick.
Another keystone in Cardinal O’Malley’s life has been his relationship with The Catholic University of America. In some ways, the University has been his second home. He not only studied theology and language studies at Catholic University as a young seminarian and priest, but he also shared his knowledge as a professor.
Several decades later, as archbishop of Boston, Cardinal O’Malley joined the University’s Board of Trustees. He has helped to lead and guide the University for nearly two decades, including as chairman from 2016 to 2017. Over the years, he has found other ways to give to the community, including offering Mass and talks to students and faculty when on campus, and hosting events and Mass for University alumni in Boston.
This connection is inspiring new generations. Catholic University student Andrea Valladares put it well: “Your support of the truth has been invaluable and has touched the lives of many students, including mine. Thank you for your constant leadership, your example of faith, and for always guiding us with wisdom.”
In 2024 Cardinal Seán O’Malley retired as archbishop of Boston and, in doing so, retired from Catholic University’s Board of Trustees.
In tribute to his life of service, the University has launched the Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley Endowed Chair for the Study of Hispanic Catholics in America, within the School of Theology and Religious Studies. The chair is meant to ensure that Cardinal Seán’s commitment to the pastoral care of migrant communities and his presence in the life of The Catholic University of America live on through future generations.
“For over a century, the School of Theology and Religious Studies has been at the heart of Catholic University’s service to the Catholic Church in America, with a longstanding dedication to its Hispanic community. Forming the Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley Endowed Chair for the Study of Hispanic Catholics in America underscores our school’s dedication to enhancing the Church’s support for the nation’s growing Hispanic Catholic population,” said Dr. Joseph E. Capizzi, Dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies.
The prestigious O'Malley Chair will enrich Catholic theology by embracing the tapestry of Hispanic experiences across America. Through rigorous academic inquiry and practical pastoral formation, the O’Malley Chair will celebrate the Church’s diversity and enhance its ability to engage with contemporary challenges and opportunities.
To date, numerous dioceses around the country, University Trustees, the Papal Foundation, Catholic organizations and individual donors have come together to raise $2.4 million toward the initiative. Once the $3 million goal is met, hopefully later this year, Dean Capizzi will begin a national search to fill the chair.
Please contact Dennis Strach, Director of the Office of Diocesan Engagement, at strach@cua.edu or 202-319-5910 to learn more about supporting this legacy.
