Sister Celestine Callaghan, who was christened Eileen, was born in County Sligo, Ireland. She joined the Sisters of Mercy, and along with many religious sisters, came to the United States to help establish Catholic schools.

In her honor, we have established the Sister Celestine Callaghan Memorial Fund, so that she may continue to help scores of Catholic children grow in faith, knowledge, and character. She has passed the torch to us, and we cannot let it falter.

Well done, good and faithful servant. May you rest in peace.

Ray Chavez, a Poway resident since 1961, and parishioner at St. Michael’s Church, was our nation’s oldest Pearl Harbor survivor. He passed away at the age of 106, on November 21, and his funeral will be held on Thursday, December 13, here.

Although a bit shy and modest, Ray is truly a great American hero, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and learn from his wisdom. Thank you for your service, Ray – our prayers are with you on your next line of duty.

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the seas.