This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Patricia will be awarding a $25 Amazon gift card to one randomly drawn
commenter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Remember, the more you comment, the better your chances to win.
Patriot Priest tells one man's personal experience over
several epochs and areas of history. It is also, in part the story of one
unique individual, author Patricia Daly-Lipe's great uncle, Msgr. William A
Hemmick. Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Europe, he became fluent in five
languages. When the First World War broke out, he felt committed to help the
troops. After the war, he was proclaimed the Patriot Priest of Picardy by the
Army and Navy. After years spent in Paris, William Hemmick was asked by the
Vatican to come to Rome. Ultimately he became the only American Canon of St. Peter's
representing the Knights of Malta to the Holy See.
It was he who performed the nuptials of American film star
Tyrone Power and Linda Christian. He also converted the future Queen Astrid of
Belgium.
Enjoy this excerpt:
Only a few months after entering the American College,
William became quite ill. Physicians were called. After checking the boy
carefully, they proceeded to give him sad news. William had contracted
tuberculosis of the most virulent sort and could not expect to live more than a
couple of months. Of course, he wanted to leave for home immediately.
The Rector, Dr. Kennedy, arranged, however, that he should
have an audience with the Holy Father (Pope Pius X) before he left. Dr. Kennedy
himself took young William to the Vatican and, having first told the Pope in
private of the circumstances of the case, the student was ushered into the
Pope's chambers.
The Pope smiled at him tenderly as the young man knelt to
kiss the papal ring. Then he lifted his chin, looked him straight in the eye
and, very reassuringly, advised the young man, "Don't worry at all
now."
William looked up at the Pope's smiling face in
disbelief.
"You are going to be all right. Go home and get rested
and well."
Then the Pope placed his hand on William's head and said,
"One day you will be back here."
The ailing young seminarian would not have dared to hope at
that moment the Holy Father was speaking the truth. However, he was.
Soon after he returned to America, William's health
improved. Although his convalescence was long, he was finally able to resume
his priestly studies at Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland,
followed by six years at Catholic University in Washington, DC.
About the Author:
Dr. Patricia Daly-Lipe, is an Author and Artist. She has
written six books, all different genres. She is winner of the San Diego Book
Awards, Best Books Finalist, the JADA Novel Contest, USABookNews.com Finalist,
2009 2nd place in poetry by the Virginia Writers Club, Inc, and 2013 winner in
historical fiction at the Annual Royal Dragonfly Book Awards for 'A CRUEL CALM,
Paris Between the Wars and 2013 winner for her short story by the Virfginia
Writers Assn.
Although born in La Jolla, California, Patricia spent equal
time in Washington, D.C., home of several generations of her mother’s
family.
She has taught at colleges and writing centers, written for
magazines and newspapers (including the Evening Star in Washington, DC, La
Jolla Village News, The Georgetowner andUptowner), and her paintings have been
accepted and sold in Juried shows, art galleries, and private homes. Two of her
books feature her paintings on their covers.
Patricia served as President of both the La Jolla and DC
Branches of the National League of American Pen Women.
Patricia now lives in Virginia with her husband, Dr. Steele
Lipe, three dogs, three horses, and two cats. For years, Patricia raised,
raced, and showed Thoroughbred horses. Now she rescues them. She is the mother
of three and grandmother of six children.
Buy the book at Amazon.
6 comments:
Thanks for sharing the story of William Hemmick and his remarkable journey. The book sounds truly inspirational.
ilookfamous at yahoo dot com
Thank you, Ryshia. It is my hope that we might learn from the past. Wars are horrible,
but the human spirit is receptive to inspiration and creativity and hence, peace. My great uncle, Msgr. Hemmick, proved this is so.
Elisa-Maria - I agree it sounds like a fantastic story.
Literarylady - I agree, there is so much to learn from the past. We need more people like you recording history.
Goddess Fish - As always - my pleasure.
Interesting person
bn100candg at hotmail dot com
Goes to show there is always a story in the past to write. Fascinating life. Makes you wonder what motivated him.
Brenda, you said on your web site it is important to follow your heart. What motivated my great uncle? His heart. The etymology of the word 'courage' is coeur/heart! And yes, it takes courage to follow/listen to your heart. Father William did just that.
Post a Comment