Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Deacon Tim O’Callaghan talks about attending Pope’s speech to Congress

U.S. Pope Francis

Eduardo Munoz / AP

Pope Francis attends a ceremony inside the 9/11 Museum, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015, in New York. Pope Francis is on a five-day trip to the United States.

Pope Francis is, quite literally, sweeping the nation. Well, at least the East Coast, having arrived in Washington D.C. on Tuesday before traveling to New York City today and Philadelphia over the weekend.

Deacon Tim O’Callaghan, a pastoral associate at St. Andrew Catholic Community in Boulder City, was one of the few who attended Pope Francis’s address to Congress — the first ever in papal history — on Thursday. “I felt like Charlie in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, with my golden ticket,” O’Callaghan said in an email.

O’Callaghan, who is also the diocesan director of social ministries for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas, talked about whether expectations for the pope’s trip measured up to reality. His responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Sun: Did you talk to the pope? Or even get close to him?

O’Callaghan: Because of security and logistics it was impossible for me to get close to him. However, being in his presence was a bit overwhelming. It was truly an affirmation of the ministries I have embraced to further the values of human dignity in society and the advancements for the common good.

What was the most surprising part of the pope's visit?

When he mentioned Dorothy Day, I became misty eyed because of my dad’s — the late (Governor) Mike O’Callaghan — admiration of the Catholic Worker Movement, specifically the Las Vegas Catholic Worker house where he served meals to the homeless on mornings before he attended mass and went to work. Also, the black Fiat was a pleasant surprise because it really does reflect Pope Francis’ personal commitment to live out his vow of poverty and simple living. I imagine the “rock star” nature of his popularity must be quite draining on him.

What did you think of the canonization of Junipero Serra?

It may be controversial to some, however it’s quite extraordinary to have a saint canonized from the Americas, specifically one who had a large part in the settlement, history and growth of California.

The pope talked about welcoming immigrants. How do you think that played in Nevada?

First, as Catholics our social teachings call us to embrace the stranger among us and further more to love our neighbors. The first undocumented immigrants (in the Bible) were the Holy Family, Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt escaping Herod, whose intent was to kill the newborn king, baby Jesus. I think for many immigrants in the Diocese of Las Vegas and Nevada it must have been hopeful for them to hear the Holy Father address immigration to the Congress and challenging them to work together for a solution, and reminding the members we all came from immigrant families at some point in history.

Were you worried the pope would wade into domestic politics?

For any Catholic who has ever explored the rich social teaching of the church, they understand that it encompasses the entire political spectrum whether left or right.

What’s the biggest takeaway for you of the visit?

He resonates with people of every faith. Not only is he opening the doors to faithful Catholics, he is holding the door for those who have fallen away from the Church. He’s bringing all people to the light of Christ, even those who choose not to believe and that’s OK.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy