Walsh Reverend Msgr. Charles F.

I was at the rosary for Msgr. Walsh last evening. I have a story to tell about him. Many years ago I was a founder of the pro life movment here in Kansas. At that time Msgr. was the vicar general for the diocese under Bishop Maloney. An opportunity came up for us when the US Surgeon General, Everett Koop appeared to be very pro life and so I wrote to him and asked him if he would come to Kansas and speak on the abortion issue. Much to our surprise he agreed. Because he was such a major figure it was easy to raise the money to rent the Orpheum theater and also the marquee- his name in lights and all. In advance of the appearance he sent boxes of his book. Glancing thru the book I was shocked to realize that while he might be against abortion he was for major population control in third world countries that refused to birth control their poverty stricken people – advocating that we not give them aid unless they complied. Well – I had to notify the Bishop – even tho he had always kept us at a distance I am sure – fearing we might do something to embarrass the diocese. He would always say we were not a Catholic organization – we were a ‘civil’ one. Oh boy – the reaction was immediate – while he did not want to acknowledge us as a Catholic organization – I got a phone call in the middle of the afternoon from Msgr. Walsh (on behalf of the Bishop) I was ordered to report to him (Msgr) right then. I had two small children – had to find a babysitter and went. I was told I had to cancel the upcoming event – and that the marquee had to be taken down – and that if, in any way, the Bishop was spoken against – that I would be denounced from every pulpit in the diocese. I was in tears of course. I told Msgr. that I was a faithful daughter of the Church and it was myself who brought the book to his attention. Of course – while the subject was abortion and this might not come up – it was the Bishop’s judgement that would prevail. It was all very harsh, however, I came to understand why it was so. I got hit by my own pro life people who had donated monies (now lost) who were very angry and protested that we were not a Catholic organization and the Bishop had no right to tell us what to do. I replied that it would be done according to the Bishop and that I was a Catholic and he my bishop. The sign came down and I wrote to Dr. Koop that the event was cancelled. I sent the books back and I know he knew why it was cancelled. Anyway – Msgr. was the ‘dragon at the door’ so to speak in regard to speaking for the bishop. He (Msgr.) often tried to help us. When he had to be stern he certainly could be and there was none of the famed humor in our meeting. Ever after that people would refer to me as ‘that woman’ but I knew that the wrath of the pro life movement in regard to what they saw as losing an opportunity was directed at the Bishop and not me (I heard he got a lot of angry phone calls) – and that by being so very stern he strengthened me to do what I had to do in the face of a rebellious movement which wanted to look good for once. Msgr. Walsh did his job very well. I so admire him and was privileged to serve the pro life cause under him and a very good Bishop. God bless you handsome brothers of his – it was good to see you there. mary jo heiland of Wichita

Msgr. Walsh was a wonderful pastor and friend. He always had such a wonderful sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. He was a delight and we so enjoyed being with him. We will miss him dearly and he will always be in our prayers.

I wanted you to know how very much I loved you and cannot wait til the day that we meet again in Heaven. I know you will be waiting for me at those beautiful gates. Sunday’s have been very hard for me…I miss calling you and saying as you pick up the phone…’Is this the most wonderful man in the whole world’? I love you very much and I miss you.

I am so sorry to read about Fr. Charlie’s death. I think that he was ordained the same year as I made my FHC, I remembering going down to Carrabeg? Headford with my father,mother and Grandma Walsh. It was a lovely day . May he rest in peace