Unless You Become Like Little Children Father Kennealy Publishes New Book on Cincinnati Legend Father Francis Finn BY EILEEN CONNELLY, OSU
Just in time for his 90th birthday in September, Jesuit Father Thomas Kennealy, SJ had another reason to celebrate: the publication of his new book about a fellow Jesuit who he describes as “one of the greatest inspirations of my life.”
James Green, book editor, with Father Kennealy, SJ, author.
Unless You Become Like Little Children focuses on the life and legacy of Father Francis Finn, a much-beloved figure at Xavier University and well-known author of a popular faith-based novel series for young people. A St. Louis native, Father Finn entered the Society of Jesus in 1879. Ordained to the priesthood in 1891, he spent time at Marquette University before serving at Cincinnati’s then-St. Xavier College. As St. Xavier Church’s associate pastor, he helped local immigrant families, and in 1904, he was appointed the first director of the St. Xavier Commercial School for girls, which offered a two-year course of study in office skills, including bookkeeping and stenography. “He was a real innovator and became known as a social apostle,” Father Kennealy said. “He became very involved in helping the poor and the needy, and, in time, became one of the most loved preachers in Cincinnati.”
“You went away from [Father Finn’s] books thinking ‘this is the kind of person I’d like to be.’ I think my vocation, to some extent, came from his writings.”
22 |
An avid reader since childhood, Father Finn believed strongly in literature’s influence on young people, writing stories with relatable characters, plenty of adventure, and emphasizing the importance of prayer and keeping true to one’s values. Father Kennealy recalls being particularly inspired by those stories during his high school years. “Father Finn’s approach was remarkable and very subtle,” Father Kennealy said. “He wrote exceedingly interesting stories that appealed to the adolescent mind, but also contained an underlying spiritual message that you weren’t even aware of. All of his characters had a very deep faith. They modeled purity, loved the Church, and, of course, loved Christ. You went away from his books thinking ‘this is the kind of person I’d like to be.’ I think my vocation, to some extent, came from his writings. Other Jesuits have told me the same thing.” When he retired two years ago, Father Kennealy began working on Unless You Become Like Little Children. As Xavier’s former historian, he found a wealth
