Chaplain journeys from monk to priest

Monsignor Dennis O’Donovan serves as Legatus chaplain and vicar general . . .

Monsignor Dennis O’Donovan

Monsignor Dennis O’Donovan
Portland Chapter

Monsignor Dennis O’Donovan, 70, has a brother and sister, both of whom are happily married with children. He is happily married to the Church, which he served as a monk before asking to be released to the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore., more than 30 years ago. Oregon is “a secular society with a vengeance,” he says, and Legates serve a leavening role by witnessing to their faith and by reaching out to other Catholic leaders, who tend to stand out in a state where Catholics are in the minority.

Tell me about your call to the priesthood.

When I was in high school in Des Moines, one of my teachers was a priest as well as vocations director for the diocese. Even though he was diocesan, he invited me to attend “seminary week” at the Benedictines’ Conception Abbey in Missouri. I was quite taken by their life of prayer and community. I ended up going to college anyway, but entered the monastery in 1962 after my second year.

I valued my years in the monastery when things elsewhere got really turbulent after the Second Vatican Council. I got a great spiritual grounding in prayer and liturgy. I also loved teaching at our boys’ boarding school in Elkhorn, Neb.

But I felt a call to more pastoral ministry. When I did some postgraduate work at the University of Oregon, I asked my superiors to release me to the diocese. That was in 1979, and I’ve been here ever since — as a pastor most of that time, but for the last 11 years as vicar general. I wear many hats and do lots of odds-and-ends. For example, I’m very involved with our child-protection program, which has been copied elsewhere. On the weekends I’m able to serve pastorally at parishes.

How were you introduced to Legatus?

One of the greatest things Archbishop John Vlazny ever asked me to do was to serve as chaplain of our Legatus chapter, which I’ve been for the past five years. I was a handy choice: My office is right next to his! The previous chaplain, Fr. Michael Maslowski, was involved with the founding of the chapter, but he was assigned additional duties that preoccupied his time.

What about Legatus appeals to you?

Just seeing our members’ dedication and care for their faith life, a care that extends to their businesses and employees. It’s faith in action, and it’s inspiring. I’ve always loved being a priest. For me, it’s the greatest privilege imaginable. I so appreciate the support of Legatus members for my vocation, just as I try to support them in their personal lives. We strengthen one another, and I treasure that support.

How would you like to see the chapter move forward?

I encourage members to continue reaching out to other Catholic leaders to make them aware how Legatus can help them strengthen their faith. That personal strengthening is so important, because strengthening one’s dedication to Christ carries over into everything one does.

What do you do to relax?

I like to walk and read, especially just before going to bed, so I’ve got a few books that are dog-eared pretty badly. Most recently I’ve been reading President George W. Bush’s Decision Points. I really like mysteries, too. I’ve read all of Agatha Christie. Oh, and when I retire, I’d like to take up golf again.

Can you recommend any special devotions?

I recommend getting a copy of Benedictus: Day by Day with Pope Benedict XVI, a book of daily meditations drawn from the Holy Father’s written and spoken words. They’re absolutely magnificent, especially for busy people. Each daily meditation always gives me something deep to ponder — and each is barely a page long.