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BY KATHI STEARNS
Staff Writer
DUNWOODY--Since Msgr. R. Donald Kiernan, pastor of All Saints Church, wears
many hats, he has earned the respect of his compatriots and is affectionately
considered their brother in service.
Police officers with the Georgia State Patrol call him “captain”
and officers with the DeKalb County Police Department call him
“colonel” because of his 46 years of service to law enforcement
officers. Still others refer to him as “doc” because of the numerous
honorary doctorates that he has received from various colleges and universities
throughout the country. He is also affectionately known as the “Patriarch
of Longhorn Steakhouse,” the restaurant he religiously frequents at least
twice a week while he unwinds and enjoys good steak and salmon.
However, the title that means the most to him is simply
“monsignor.” It is the one that makes his eyes sparkle and brings an
instant smile to his face.
That signature smile was never brighter than when Msgr. Kiernan celebrated
the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood with a special Mass
and reception May 8.
Archbishop John F. Donoghue, parishioners young and old, the Knights of
Columbus, the DeKalb County police color guard and more than 60 priests from
the archdiocese filled the church beyond capacity to celebrate this special
occasion with their beloved monsignor.
“He has made a unique contribution to the Catholic Church in
Georgia,” said Msgr. Dan O’Connor, pastor of St. Jude Church, Sandy
Springs. “No other priest has made the ecumenical impact on the people of
Georgia that he has achieved through his contact with law enforcement and
police officials as well as with others in governmental and political
positions. The enormous crowd of people at this celebration is a testimony to
his zeal as a pastor of souls in the many parishes he has served. The number of
priests present is also a tribute to the esteem in which he is held by his
fellow priests.”
David Donahue, adult enrichment coordinator at All Saints Church, said that
it is Msgr. Kiernan’s love for the priesthood that attracts so many people
to him.
“The most important element in his life is his priesthood and that fact
is prominently reflected in all that he does,” Donahue said. “As a
pastor and administrator he is extremely collaborative and trusting in the good
judgment of those with whom he ministers. As a person he is most affable and
always concerned about the other individual. One would have to look far and
wide to find a man who is so well respected, not only because of his
personality, but more importantly because of the way that he carries Christ to
all that he meets.”
His parishioners recognize the fact that Msgr. Kiernan has been a model of
ministry.
“He is truly a priest who constantly demonstrates his love for the
priesthood,” said Deacon Ray Egan of All Saints Church. “In spite of
the fact that he is a mature priest, he is progressive in developing
evangelization among the people of Atlanta. His approach is always very subtle;
because of this I believe that he has established a sincere respect for the
Catholic faith. I have learned a great deal from his leadership and model my
own approach to ministry after his example.”
Father Paul Reynolds, pastor of St. Andrew Church, Roswell, a close friend
and homilist for the jubilee Mass, explained to the assembly that his homily
would be a bit unusual because Msgr. Kiernan had requested one which would have
the congregation “rolling in the aisles.” So, Father Reynolds told
story after story about his experiences with his friend.
He advised the members of the congregation never to go out to dinner with
him because he simply can’t go out to eat; he would be sure to talk with
everyone in the restaurant.
Once, while trying to get around Msgr. Kiernan’s socializing, Father
Reynolds decided to take him to a Spanish restaurant for dinner.
“By doing this I thought I would get out of the restaurant at a decent
hour,” said Father Reynolds. “My eyes almost popped out of my head
when I heard him say ‘Hola’ to the kitchen crew. I knew we were in
for another long night.”
Father Reynolds also recalled an occasion when Msgr. Kiernan substituted for
him at Mass while he was on vacation. Father Reynolds offered to return the
favor if his brother priest ever needed to get away.
Msgr. Kiernan declined, saying that the people at All Saints were used to
“first-class preaching” and that he didn’t want to let them
down.
After sharing numerous other stories, Father Reynolds thanked Msgr. Kiernan
for his years of service to the archdiocese and its people.
“We applaud all that you have done for the Catholic Church,” said
Father Reynolds. “You truly are the best.” The congregation broke
into thunderous applause.
As he prepared for the eucharistic celebration Msgr. Kiernan reminded the
assembly that this is why he became a priest as he invited his brother priests
to the table of the Lord.
After the Eucharist, Archbishop Donoghue presented Msgr. Kiernan with a
papal blessing from Pope John Paul II and shared a few words with the
congregation.
“I have never met a priest who is better known or more loved than Msgr.
Kiernan,” Archbishop Donoghue said. “He is an extraordinary priest
who has a sincere love for and interest in people. He has never met an
individual he doesn’t love. We are grateful for his years of service to
the archdiocese and its people. I know that while he continues his ministry as
a priest he will continue to bless the lives of all he encounters.”
The archbishop then paused and said with a smile on his face, “I say
this so that monsignor won’t ask to retire next year.” The
congregation applauded wildly showing their approval.
With his papal blessing in hand Msgr. Kiernan thanked the congregation
saying, “The first 50 years went by pretty fast; I hope the next 50 go by
a little slower.”
During the reception, Liane Levetan, CEO of DeKalb County, proclaimed May 8,
1999 Msgr. Kiernan Day in recognition of this milestone in his life. U.S. Sen.
Paul Coverdell; Bobby Cremins, Georgia Tech basketball coach; Tom Brown, public
safety director for DeKalb County; Jack Killoran, an officer of the U.S. Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Buddy Nix, director of the Georgia Bureau of
Investigation; and Tom Kitchin, chief executive officer of Jameson Inns, were
among the leaders on hand to present plaques and declarations celebrating the
special occasion.
Msgr. Kiernan stood center stage in the parish activity center as one after
another of the speakers congratulated him for his exemplary service. Msgr.
Kiernan in turn responded with a commentary on how the presenter had impacted
his life so profoundly.
However, the last presentation left him speechless. Father Philip Smith, OP,
president of Providence College in Rhode Island, where Msgr. Kiernan received
his undergraduate degree, conferred upon the jubilarian the honorary degree of
doctor of law. As the degree was conferred Msgr. Kiernan received a standing
ovation. As he looked out at the hundreds of people in attendance he whispered,
“I am so grateful” as he fought back tears and walked off the stage
to try to compose himself.
Those unable to attend the celebration sent letters of congratulation,
including Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes; former Georgia governors George Busbee and
Lester Maddox; Fulton County Sheriff Jacquelyn H. Barrett; and Lenny Wilkens,
coach of the Atlanta Hawks.
In addition to the public officials, there were those who have a purely
social relationship with him who had stories to share.
According to George McKerow, Longhorn Steakhouse founder, Msgr. Kiernan has
been with them since the very beginning.
“He comes in every Sunday night and eats at the bar with a group that
he formed called the Sunday Night Supper Club,” McKerow said.
“Whenever he comes in, he leaves knowing the name of everyone in the
restaurant. I think that is one of his ways of evangelizing.”
Msgr. Kiernan is known for his rendition of “You Don’t Have to
Call Me Darling, Darling,” which he has taught the patrons of the Longhorn
he frequents.
Parishioners past and present shared stories about their personal
experiences with Msgr. Kiernan.
“It is amazing how many families he has become a part of during his
years as a priest,” said Johnny Paulk of the Jekyll Island Club where
Msgr. Kiernan frequently spends time on the greens. “I never know when he
is going to call, but he’ll show up, play 9 or 18 holes of golf, get his
room and grab a bite to eat at the Red Barn. I promise you we can’t go out
to dinner without running into someone he either baptized, married or
buried.”
According to a group of parishioners who regularly play golf with the
pastor, he will do anything to remain competitive on the course.
As an anniversary gift this group supplied Msgr. Kiernan with a golf bag
embroidered with the words “Thou shall not cheat.”
Msgr. Kiernan, 74, a native of Massachusetts, attended Mt. St. Mary Seminary
in Emmitsburg, Md. He was ordained to the priesthood May 4, 1949, by Cardinal
Richard Cushing, archbishop of Boston.
Msgr. Kiernan’s first assignment following his ordination was as
assistant rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Savannah. His
first pastorate was at St. Peter’s Church in LaGrange. Named a monsignor
in 1969, Msgr. Kiernan served as a pastor of several other parishes in the
archdiocese until he was assigned as pastor of All Saints in 1985. He was also
editor of The Georgia Bulletin for 13 years.
Msgr. Kiernan has also built a legacy of service to many community and state
organizations. He founded the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, serving
as its director and chaplain for over 20 years. He is also the current chaplain
of the Georgia State Patrol, the DeKalb County Police Department, the local
division of the ATF and the Knights of Columbus.
“Words can’t describe the many gifts he shares with us,” said
Major Gene Moss, commander of the North Precinct uniform division for DeKalb
County, who has known the priest for over 25 years. “People seem to
gravitate toward him. He is an integral part of this department. He knows what
to say to the officers in any situation.”
In 1984 the Boy Scouts of America recognized Msgr. Kiernan’s
contributions by awarding him its highest honor, the Silver Beaver Award. He
currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Metropolitan Atlanta Boy
Scouts of America.
In addition, Msgr. Kiernan also serves on the board of the USO. In 1993 he
was appointed to the selection committee for candidates for the U.S. Service
Academies by Sen. Coverdell.
Msgr. Kiernan has received many honors and awards, including the
Prothonotary Apostolic, which is the highest rank of monsignor, in 1979. He
holds an honorary doctorate in public administration, conferred by Biscayne
College in Miami in 1974; in August 1998, he received an honorary doctorate of
law from Georgia State University.
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