Community members make regular trips to Weston to visit retired Jesuits

The Office of Human Resources has organized monthly visits to Campion Center in Weston, Mass., to retired Jesuits since June of 1998. On the most recent trip on Sept. 18, the Jesuits are delighted to see many familiar faces. But their enthusiasm really comes out when a legend steps into the room.

Minutes into the visit, Togo Palazzi ’54, is greeted with enthusiastic applause and shouts from the Jesuits, several of whom served as his mentors during his years at Holy Cross. Palazzi was one of the greatest basketball players ever for the College. A first-round pick of the Boston Celtics in 1954, he played three seasons (1954-57) with Boston winning one NBA title.

Palazzi, who was still glowing after he watched Holy Cross’ football team beat Harvard 31-28 on Sept. 15 at Fitton Field, says he is a regular Campion visitor.

“Holy Cross was a great experience — four of the happiest and most productive years of my life. The Jesuits opened up the doors for me,” he says.

Approximately 70 Jesuits live at Campion Center. Currently, four members of the Holy Cross Jesuit community live there: Rev. Alfred Desautel, S.J., former professor in modern languages and literatures; Robert A. Lindsay, former Chaplain; Rev. Francis X. Miller, S.J., former vice president emeritus of development; and Rev. Martin Ryan, S.J., former English professor and Jesuit minister.

Oftentimes, more than 10 visitors make the trip to Weston and bring homemade desserts. Regular visitors at Holy Cross have many wonderful memories of their visits to Campion Center. The Holy Cross Choir has performed at Campion Center twice. At a Christmas party last year, Denny Shea, retired physical plant engineer, and Maureen Kennedy, receptionist in Human Resources, appeared dressed as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — to rave reviews.

The Chaplains’ Office has initiated an “Adopt a Jesuit” program. A group of about 10 students involved in Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD) make weekly trips to offer companionship to the Jesuits.

“They enjoyed telling us stories about their past and the work that they performed in their youth,” says Caitlin D’Amico ’09, a history major who made weekly visits last semester.

“Their intellectual prowess is amazing to say the least. Even though some are in their 80’s or 90’s, their energy and enthusiasm for life is truly inspiring,” says D’Amico, who is currently studying at the National University of Ireland in Galway.

D’Amico says the visits were a way for her to give back.

“I was first interested in the program because I really enjoy working with the elderly. I know that the Jesuits lead such interesting lives, and I wanted to learn their stories. I also felt that it was important to give back to the Jesuit community because their philosophy is the cornerstone on which our Holy Cross education is founded. By visiting the Jesuits, this was my way of saying ‘thank you’ for their work and dedication,” she says.

Meghan Farrell-Talmo, director of activities at Campion Center, says the Jesuits enjoy the company visitors offer.

“It’s a great opportunity for members of the Holy Cross community to see faculty and friends. The Jesuits are very welcoming and warm, and they look forward to catching up with what’s going on at Holy Cross.”

Related Information:

• Jesuit Heritage Week to Celebrate Rich Legacy of Catholic Religious Order