​Fr. Jack O'Malley, '54, Receives Spiritus Paenitentiae Award

On June 14, 2017, Father Jack O’Malley received the Spiritus Paenitentiae Award from his alma mater, St. Francis University in Loretto, PA where he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics.

The event included a luncheon at the Omni William Penn Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh where friends and family joined representatives of the University for the presentation. Among those representing the university were Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., President of St. Francis University and Rev. Joseph Lehman T.O.R., Vice President of Mission Integration.

This award is based on the Roman Catholic and Franciscan tenet of forgiveness. As written in the Peace Prayer of St. Francis, “It is in pardoning that we are pardoned.” St. Francis, St. Clare and Dorothy Day imitated Christ in the ability to forgive others and to seek mercy. Through the Spiritus Paenitentiae Award, the University recognizes individuals or organizations whose acts of love, charity and care of all creation exemplify the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis.

“I am humbled and grateful for this recognition”, Father O’Malley said. “I will always appreciate all I learned in my years at the University and I am thankful to the Franciscan Fathers, the faculty and staff for their dedication and generosity to me and all who have passed through the doors of St. Francis. I have been blessed with opportunities and resources to empower those who are struggling in their lives. The mentoring and values I learned during my college years at St. Francis were a guiding foundation for me throughout my ministry.”

Submitted by Marcia Snowden