Forthcoming Biography will Chronicle the Life of a Deceased Priest
Story by Karen A. Avitabile
The late Father Philip Cascia of the Archdiocese of Hartford was described as a “man of action” for his extensive humanitarian and peace efforts which extended nationally and internationally.
“Father Cascia was a saint in his own, unique way,” said George Hughes, who chokes up when he discusses the priest and his friend. “I’m not the only one affected by this man.”
Hughes of Prospect delivered a presentation on the legacy of Father Cascia at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, an event that drew some 70 attendees.
He highlighted Father Casia’s multifaceted life, including his diplomatic efforts through sports and the founding of St. Vincent DePaul Mission in Waterbury.
Hughes, a historian and former newspaper correspondent with a passion for writing, is working on a book about Father Cascia’s life. More than 40 interviews have been conducted, he adds, and the research is still underway. “I’m making steady progress on the book,” he said of the writing project.
After a short illness, Father Cascia, 55, died on Jan. 16, 2007, when he was administrator of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Plainville. His additional assignments included serving churches in Prospect and Waterbury. He was a prefect at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield.
Father Cascia developed a strong foundation of faith early in life. When he was 6 years old, he began religious training at St. Adalbert Preparatory School in Enfield. After seminary, he was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Hartford on May 28, 1977, at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford.
“He knew he wanted to be a priest at a young age,” Hughes added.
The priest also served as chaplain and wrestling coach at Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury. While coaching, he arranged for wrestling teams to travel to the Soviet Union.
Father Cascia was appointed by the late President Ronald Reagan to establish Intersports USA, an international program designed to foster cultural exchanges between American sports teams and those from other nations.
In 1998, the priest was instrumental in organizing a trip for Pope St. John Paul II to Cuba and led a Connecticut delegation. In 2000, Father Cascia was invited by the Vatican to celebrate the pope’s 80th birthday. That same year, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his work through Intersports USA.
Father Cascia was founder of St. Vincent DePaul Mission in Waterbury, an organization that aims to combat the root causes of homelessness in the Greater Waterbury area. The mission has grown to provide a wide range of services including a soup kitchen, emergency homeless shelter, thrift store and mental health facilities. It also offers programs for individuals and families with disabilities.
Hughes met Father Cascia in 1979 when he moved to Prospect and joined St. Anthony Church in the town. He said he held the priest in high regard and was grateful for his numerous contributions.
Today, Hughes remains active as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, a Bible study teacher and a choir member. He has served on the parish council at St. Anthony Church and was a faith formation teacher.
During his presentation, Hughes scrolled through photos of Father Cascia on a large screen. “Look at the smile on his face,” said Hughes, pointing to one of the photos.