247 Days: Father Dan Kennedy, A Proud and Happy Priest

by Daniel J. Kennedy Sr.

Father Daniel J. Kennedy had hundreds of friends and they already know much of this story — the winding course that took him across several continents, through nine marathons, in and out of the seminary, and finally to ordination as a Catholic priest. Father Dan’s style was to go at a 24/7 pace and, as a newly ordained priest, he kept up that pace. Day or night he answered calls with a cheerful grin and genuine concern, but after just eight months after receiving Holy Orders — 247 days — Father Dan was called to his eternal home, when an undetected heart condition felled him just eleven days after his 34th birthday. Through his father's eyes, this is the story of his ordinary and high-achieving youth and then his extraordinary call to Holy Orders and the Roman Catholic priesthood. It is an account of the Lord’s persistence in guiding a stubborn young man who was fully engaged with life to turn his long stride toward priesthood. As a college student he entertained the vision of himself as a priest of Christ, but the image faded when he was swept up in the world of work, travel, and play. Yet he remained a faithful Catholic, and he never stopped wondering what God really wanted from him.

Genres: Religion

290 pages, Paperback

Published February 18, 2016

Reviews

[Christian Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel J. Kennedy, Sr.’s memoir of his son and of his son’s short life and priesthood was an engaging, amusing, meaningful, joyful, sad and impassioned story, a book that delved into the rambunctiousness and joy of the general ordinary goings-on of family life and the everyday workaday existence: raising kids, working, paying bills, family outings, sports, life, death and faith. It is the latter, however-faith-that was the umbrella by which all the other aspects of family and work life revolved. But what is especially noted in this book is how the Kennedy parents instilled and grounded their kids with a loving discipline, work ethic and a solid Catholic faith. Some people might look at the Catholic faith and roll their eyes, too secularized and cynical, to see or appreciate how a healthy faith can carry a person so far. In the Kennedy clan, that deep-rooted faith brought their son, Daniel Junior, into the realm of Holy Orders-a mystery in its own right that not many people grasp-and understandably so, for even people with faith don’t always “get” it. I, myself, would fit in that group. Yet, while I don’t comprehend the mystery, I can respect and appreciate it. And that is what Mr. Kennedy articulates so wonderfully in this book. The openness.

He tells about his extroverted and athletic son who had a vibrant thirst for life and all that it offered, about his acumen in the corporate world, his charity and availability and a jolliness that radiated so penetratingly that anyone caught in it immediately took note of him. But beneath all the smiles, laughter and career professionalism, there was an undercurrent of supernatural grace that was imbued within him, long before he grew into adulthood. Even as a child, people saw something in him that made them ask: “Do you think he’ll be a priest?” While the family never directly posed the question to their son, it was something that always seemed to lovingly follow him, and Daniel Kennedy, Jr., showed an understanding of that vocational awareness by his deep reverence and inner contemplation that took many people who knew him totally off guard, as it did not seem to match the boisterousness of his personality. But by nurturing faith at home, the family was graced with a vocation. As he grew older questionable experiences or promptings began to introduce themselves into his life. That was one of the most compelling aspects of this life story. Yet, the family kept themselves at bay while he went through the discernment process, not interfering in any way. What comes after his call makes for fascinating reading.

247 Days: Father Dan Kennedy: A Proud and Happy Priest was a thoroughly enjoyable read, and while I do agree with a fellow reviewer that the book could have used a professional editor in some parts, it did not mitigate the power of the story being told, for it encompassed many beautiful things: family, love, sacrifice, the supernatural, all the very best aspects of God and His Church. After finishing the book, I can understand why our parish book club made it the January selection. For any man who is discerning a supernatural call to the religious life or the diocesan priesthood, it would behoove them to read this book. I think they would get a lot out of it and many questions, just by the sheer life examples of Daniel Kennedy, Jr., would be answered: the fear, the doubts, the joy, etc. In a documentary by Salt and Light production on the life of Saint Kateri Tekawitha, Fr. Thomas Rosica CSB says about St. Kateri and all people who fully answer God’s call: “...holiness attracts. Holiness appeals. It’s an enticing reality....The simplicity and thirst for God...” In reading this book, I think those were true aspects of Father Dan Kennedy and why people liked him. On the whole, that is true of all people who enter religious life for the right reasons. They just have that something special. A genuinely enjoyable read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story of a young vivacious priest! I loved all the photos throughout the story.
My only disappointment was that too many stories about Dan were repeated in the book. More careful editing would have made the book better. I'm glad my parish priest suggested it during a homily!

[Andrew Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would characterize this book as a man's love letter to his wife, his family and the son he lost at a young age.

Mr. Kennedy speaks with affection for his son and respect for the man he became.

Wonderful book, I cannot recommend strongly enough.

[Tim Southern]

I had the pleasure of working with Dan briefly at Cabot Corporation. He was a tremendous young man who had the faith to follow God's calling.