When Cardinal Patrick Aloysius O’Boyle was installed as the first “resident” Archbishop of Washington, in 1948, he immediately became aware of the need for many more priests to work among the people and establish additional parishes.
One of his better resources was to turn to Ireland and ask for priests being prepared for the “Foreign Missions.” Thus came the connection with Father Michael Valentine Keveny.
It was a cold winter’s day in Castletown, Easkey, County Sligo, Ireland, on February 15, 1947, when the baby boy arrived at home. Mrs. Keveny looked approvingly at the little fellow, checked the calendar, and said, “Even though he’s a day late, I’m still calling him Valentine!”
Father Val is one of five children, Martin, Joseph, Matthew, Valentine and Fionuala. His parents were dairy farmers with a few sheep and pigs as well. Life was hard and relentless. Cows had to be milked and stalls cleaned every day. Father Val grew up as a typical farm boy with lots of chores and was expected to pull his weight at an early age.
He enjoyed a very solid Catholic formation and at the age of 9, he was Confirmed and took the “pioneer pledge” to refrain from alcohol. He likes to tell everyone that he "gave up drinking at the age of 9!”
Father Val worked hard in the school at Castletown and earned early admittance to St. Mary’s College in Dundalk. Like David in the Old Testament who was called from tending the sheep to be anointed King, Father Val seems to have been called from tending the herd of cows to begin studying for the priesthood. He soon found himself attending St. Patrick’s College in Maynooth.
His seminary education was arranged and sponsored by Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle. After 7 years of study, he was ordained to the Priesthood for the Archdiocese of Washington, at his boyhood church, St. James, near the family farm.
Father Val sailed for America on the luxury liner QE2 on August 19, 1973. Just prior to leaving Ireland, the Archbishop had written to him reminding him that he was expected to travel to the U.S. once he was ordained. Father Val wrote back explaining that he first had to carry out his duties on the farm. The cows needed milking and the hay had to be brought in.
His first assignment was at St. Mary, Star of the Sea in Indian Head, MD. Since there was no rectory cook, Father Val was immediately introduced to “TV frozen dinners” (Swanson or Banquet or other?) Welcome to America, Father Val!
In 1977, he was assigned to St. Catherine Laboure, up the road in Wheaton. He became a living legend there. I know, since I was assigned as pastor there in 1994 and heard endless accolades of his accomplishments and antics. Obviously he worked tirelessly among all the age groups.
In 1986, he was moved to St. Hugh’s in Greenbelt, where he had to listen to the accolades of yours truly. I had been there for 11 years as a parochial vicar! Paybacks can be haunting.
From Greenbelt, Father Val became invested in hospital ministry with the assignment at the Washington Hospital Center. However, there was one more placement in parish life at St. Steven Martyr, Foggy Bottom, D.C., where he also served as Chaplain at George Washington University Medical Center. Work with the sick and dying began to characterize his life.
Although he is a Catholic priest, Father Val offers assistance and solace to all, regardless of religious denomination.
This is where the “red socks” comes in. He was told that some people of other faiths were reluctant to speak with him. He discovered that when these folks spotted the “red socks,” it broke the ice. They would ask him about them and he would tell them his name was Valentine, so he wore “red socks!” In July 2001, he became a proud American citizen, but kept his brogue!
Father Val came to St. Mary’s in Rockville, on July 5, 2000, to be in residence while working as a full-time chaplain at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. He also serves as chaplain at Asbury Methodist Village, in Gaithersburg. He serves at all the area nursing homes as well as the Shady Grove Rehabilitation Center.
I can’t begin to mention all the individual Holy Communion Calls he makes to a wide range of homebound persons in this area and beyond.
For over 20 years, he has served as the Catholic Chaplain to the Rockville Fire Department and faithfully attends most, if not all, of their monthly meetings. You should see him in his official uniform. Very impressive!
What impresses me the most about Father Val are several things. He is a very faithful and humble priest who is willing to go the extra mile with the sick and the dying. If a patient of his has been disconnected with a church or parish and passes away, he immediately offers his services for the funeral and interment.
He only spends the absolute minimum on himself but is very generous to anyone truly in need. He is for the “underdog.” His car is almost 20 years old! I think the angels and saints keep it going (St. Patrick and St. Valentine, pray for us)!
He is willing to go over and beyond the call of duty to fill in for another priest, even if he is already exhausted. He is a man of prayer. He is loyal and devoted to his priesthood and the Church.
He is a great friend and companion. He is always finding the good in others.
So, when we go out to eat at Hershey’s Restaurant, half the people in the place, customers and staff, know him. He always orders the same thing!
One of his favorite things to do is ride his road bike. Almost every day he is out touring the neighborhoods. So be careful, you may be under observation. He has good sight and good hearing!
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
There is a well-known symbol of the Holy Trinity in Ireland called the Shamrock with its three leaves from the one stem reminding us of the three Persons in the one God.
Our SECOND READING FROM THE LETTER OF SAINT PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS, tells us to mend our ways, encourage one another, agree with one another and live in peace.
Then, Saint Paul says: “All the holy ones greet you.”
He goes on to invoke the Holy Trinity and says: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
And from our GOSPEL OF SAINT JOHN, we hear: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
Father Val, this has been your mission, to carry out the work of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You have come to serve a “foreign mission,” right here in the Nation’s Capital. God knows you have made a wonderful difference in your 50 years of dedicated service to the Church of Washington. It is a pleasure to know you!
“Ad multos annos!” Congratulations, thank you and God bless you.