a column of benevolent gossip

• Anchors away —

  Joe Seper,
  Joseph Seper, Honor Flight Chicago, WWII honoree
  faithful usher at Queen of Martyrs (Evergreen Park), was one of 94 World War II vets from the Midwest on the June 23 Honor Flight out of O’Hare. Seper, 84, a Navy veteran who served in the Pacific, enjoyed the day, in Washington, D.C., seeing the capitol’s major memorials, especially the one dedicated to “the greatest generation.” He had tears when they returned to O’Hare and were greeted by a military and civilian throng of wellwishers. For more info on how to participate in Honor Flight Chicago, call (773) 227-VETS or e-mail: info@honorflightchicago.org.

• Baseball’s whipping boy —

  The latest from Larry Norris’ Sporting Chance Press is perfect summer reading, especially for Cubs fans. Norris, an alum of Mt. Carmel High School, publishes books spotlighting sports figures who inspire. Author Mike Cameron, a local sports writer, loves baseball and loves his subject: “Public Bonehead, Private Hero — The Real Legacy of Baseball’s Fred Merkle.”
  Author Mike Cameron’s tribute to a sports hero.
  
  The story’s apex is “the most controversial play in baseball history,” executed by multitalented rookie Fred Merkle, Sept. 23, 1908, as the New York Giants and Chicago Cubs battled for the National League pennant in a 1-1 tie. The make-up game that followed on Oct. 8, is sometimes called “the greatest game ever played.” And the triumphant Cubs went on to win the World Series. That was more than 100 years ago.
   This book is pure nostalgia — when baseball was mortal combat not a Field of Dreams. Cameron describes the play-by-play in a variety of vintage contests throughout the book, and it’s as real as listening to Pat Hughes on WGN today. Historical “color” abounds, making this a poignant page-turner. (For instance, 1908 saw the debut of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and the new yen for hot dogs.)
  The heroism of Merkle, as sports writers and readers derided him for decades, insulting not only him but his kids and grandkids, is the real story Cameron wants to tell. “Fred Merkle [who played on six World Series teams] is a hero and a role model against adversity. He overcame it all with incredible strength of character.” Cameron’s tribute evens the score. The 200-page, soft-cover book is $20+ shipping at www.sportingchancepress.com, or at (815) 245-9774.

• On the move —

  Mercy Sister Mary Jo De Marco
  Mercy Sister Mary Jo DeMarco
  (or Sister Bernita) is moving from St. Gabriel Parish (S. Wallace) to Mercy Hall (S. Central Park). She’ll be remembered for the 19 years she spent as a beloved principal at St. Gabe’s and the next 10 years as their religious ed teacher/director. She will still spend one day a week volunteering, as usual, in Mercy Hospital’s gift shop. (Sister made her first profession in 1937.)

• Parish potpourri —

  Father Tim Fairman, pastor at St. Bede’s (Ingleside), “blessed the fleet” of seasonal fishing and recreation boats on Long Lake June 27. . . . Mary Bailey begins her 20th year as sacristan at St. Kieran Church (Chicago Heights). . . . Sign in Nativity of Our Lord (W. 37th St.) Bridgeport lot during Cubs/Sox crosstown series: Church Parking Only. Violators Will Have Cubs Bumper Stickers Affixed to Car, then Be Towed. . . . St. Peter’s (Volo) wants to form an all men’s Gregorian Chant Schola. No experience necessary, only a willingness to learn.

• For Latin lovers —

  When Mary Anne Marks gave her address at Harvard University’s graduation ceremonies this spring, she delivered it in Latin! A scholar in classics and English, the New York native will head for Ann Arbor, Mich. this fall. She’ll try her vocation as a Dominican Sister of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist (aka the “Oprah” sisters). Founded in 1997, the congregation was blessed by Cardinal John O’Connor of New York. (If you Google Mary Anne Marks you can read the speech in English and on YouTube.com you can hear her animated delivery in that not-sodead language.)

Send your benevolent gossip to Church Clips, Catholic New World, P.O. Box 1979, Chicago, IL 60690-1979; or e-mail to dmadlener@catholicnewworld.com.