a column of benevolent gossip

Carrying the torch — In the valorous line-up of Olympic torch bearers across the arch, two firefighters, brothers-in-law, passed on the flame near the Fire Academy on De Koven Street. They are Lt. Tom Ruane, Queen of Martyrs Parish (Evergreen Park) and Engr. Mike Shanahan of St. John Fisher Parish (S. Washtenaw). Both members of the CFD had taken time away from their families after Sept. 11 to fly to New York to be honor guards at funerals for fallen NYC firefighters, while brother firemen worked ’round the clock at Ground Zero. Other Catholic torchbearers across the country included religious, coaches, Catholic school teachers and students.

And why ‘knot’? — An 18th century German painting hanging in a church in Bavaria for 300 years, depicts Mary with a long white ribbon. (In traditional German wedding ceremonies a couple’s hands were bound in such a ribbon.) It seems a divorce loomed in a wealthy German family in the 1700s. A priest friend asked for this painting to be commissioned of our Blessed Mother undoing their “knots” of marital unhappiness. The couple eventually reunited and Johann Schmittdner’s painting was forgotten. But 20 years ago a copy was brought to Argentina where devotion to “Mary Untier of Knots” took on a life of its own, with fervor sometimes bordering on superstition. Prayer groups throughout South America and even on this side of the border have now taken this Mary to their hearts. Today’s devotion says: “Ask Mary to undo the knots in your home or even your business, as well as in the little everyday things that irk you.”

Junior Clips — Sarah Garvin, a sophomore at St. Gregory High School (W. Bryn Mawr), was recently chosen by the American Indian Center here as “Indian Princess Chicago.” A member of the Ho Chunk Nation, her Indian name is Ettitouwasi. . . . The family name of Harrigan is well known in the halls of Brother Rice High School (W. Pulaski). Six members of the Harrigan clan are currently enrolled, and three more will be incoming freshmen next fall. Their fathers and uncles, nine in all, were the first members of the South Side Harrigans at the school. There are 141 “second-generation students” enrolled at the all-boys school, the largest group in its 45-year history.

Thanks from the sisters — The sisters at St. Mary of Providence extend their gratitude to the outpouring of people who helped promote their Dec. 21 raffle (see Clips Oct. 28). The trip to Mexico was won by parents of one of their clients, second prize went to a Chicago police officer and third prize to a woman in an office where chances were sold. Thanks to every person—from bishops to folks at the South Water Market who heard about the cause—the sisters’ goal of $100,000 to cover their budget needs has been reached!

Everyone’s favorite ‘Big Mac’ — Msgr. Ignatius McDermott got a holiday visit from some top cops with a check from the St. Jude League for his Haymarket Center. Then the entourage stayed to help serve lunch to Haymarket residents. The Near West Side abuse treatment center, founded by Father Mac and Dr. James West in 1975, serves some 14,000 men and women yearly in various residential and out-patient programs.

Election returns — Augustinian Father Robert Prevost, provincial of the province that includes St. Rita and Providence high schools, was recently elected to head his religious order worldwide. The new prior general, a Mendel High School alum, left immediately for his new assignment in Rome.

On the record — Mike Flannery, award-winning CBS 2 News political editor and member of St. Barnabas Parish (S. Longwood), will give this year’s Honors Program Lecture at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St. Flannery is a native of Washington D.C. and graduated from Georgetown University.

Recycling Christmas — Those used greeting cards “it’s a shame to throw out,” can be sent to either of the following religious institutions for neglected or abused kids: Marillac House, 212 S. Francisco, Chicago, IL 60612 or St. Jude Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude St., Boulder City, NV 89005. “It’s a good thing.”

Pride of Polonia — Helen Zielinski, from Holy Trinity Parish (N. Noble), president of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America from 1971-1987, and Helen Wojcik of St. Joseph Parish (Summit), president from 1987-1995, were recently honored by Polish government officials here for their leadership and service. The humanitarian work they initiated in Chicago has had far-reaching results—from help in reconstructing the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor, fund-raising for the shrine of Our Lady in Doylestown, Pa., supporting democratic reforms in Poland, meeting with Solidarity’s Lech Walesa to providing
vans for handicapped kids in Poland. Sto lat!