July 16, 2019
Chalice used by St. John Paul II presented to PC’s Dominicans
A chalice used by St. John Paul II when he was pope and belonging to the late Rev. Gerald W. Hussey ’68 was donated to the College’s Dominican friars community in June.
John G. Hussey ’68 said his twin brother’s will stated that the chalice be given “for general use by the Dominican priests” after his death. Hussey presented it to College Chaplain Rev. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, O.P. before a Mass in Father Gerald’s memory in St. Dominic Chapel on campus.
The chalice was used during the Mass by the celebrant, Rev. James F. Quigley, O.P. ’61, associate chaplain of the PC National Alumni Association. Father Peter Martyr concelebrated.
“The members of our immediate family — five brothers and a sister — and Gerald’s many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws were all in some way touched by Gerald during his priesthood. The donation was a proud and blessed moment, albeit bittersweet, for us all,” said Hussey.
Father Gerald, who served as a priest in the Diocese of Providence for 40 years, died on March 23. He was pastor emeritus of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Little Compton and of St. Madeleine Sophie Parish in Tiverton.
The chalice features a center node depicting Christ and the apostles at the Last Supper. It was used by Pope John Paul II at a Mass in his private chapel at the Vatican on Jan. 26, 1996. Father Gerald concelebrated the Mass and later received the chalice as a gift from the pope. The congregants included Dr. Joseph H. Hagan ’56 & ’96Hon., a former PC trustee who is a papal “Gentleman in Waiting.”
Father Peter Martyr said the chalice is “a great gift from an alumnus who truly desired that the Dominicans use this.” He said it reflected the “profound effect” the friars and the College had on Father Gerald.
“Using it here, then, is a beautiful way to honor those who taught Father Gerald at PC, Father Gerald himself, who had a priestly heart, and St. John Paul II, whose legacy continues to guide and aid the Church,” he said.
Father Peter Martyr added that the gift had special meaning to him, saying, “I have a great devotion to St. John Paul II because of the impact he had on me when I was discerning a priestly and religious vocation, and so I’m very excited to have the chance to use this chalice during the celebration of Mass.”
