The Life of Archbishop Philip Matthew Hannan

The Clarion Herald states, “Philip Matthew Hannan fifth of eight children of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Francis Hannan, was born in Washington, D.C.” (Clarion Herald 1). Archbishop Hannan was born on May 20, 1913 where he spent most of his young life. Tom Benson told the Clarion Herald, “Archbishop Hannan once told me that the New Orleans Saints were part of the unique culture and social fabric of our city. The same can be and must be said of him,” (Clarion Herald 35). New Orleans mourned the death of Hannan on Thursday, September 29, 2011.

Archbishop Hannan stated in his book The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots that, “Despite their opposing temperaments, my parents were extraordinary role models” (Hannan 37). Because of his parents giving money and doing anything to help the poor, he always heard the cry of the needy and he helped them by becoming a priest. "All the Hannan boys, and most cousins, attended the Immaculate Conception Parish School, at 8th and N Streets” (Hannan 38). Hannan and his six brothers all attended St. John’s College High School. Philip was valedictorian along with being a cadet captain, and at the end of his high school years, he received a scholarship to Catholic University. Before even attending Catholic University Hannan already had thoughts on becoming a priest but, every time they came up he disregarded God’s call to serve him. After attending Catholic University, Hannan enlisted as a seminarian in the North American College in Rome. While in Rome, he witnessed the rise of fascism and racism from the to be Axis countries of World War II. After the return home, Archbishop Hannan wrote in his book, The Archbishop Wore Combat Boots, “My ten-day vacation allowed me to celebrate my first Mass in my own parish of...

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...n his book, “ I wildy exceeded doctors’ expectations when I rebounded quickly from a serious stroke in 2007 at age ninety-four” (Hannan 403). Therefore, Hannan started exercising as he stated in his book, “I walk the steps of the St. Tammany Parish Courthouse everyday for exercise, drawing cheers and looks of amazement from courthouse visitors” (Hannan 405). Archbishop Hannan sadly died on Thursday, September 29, 2011.

Even though Archbishop Hannan is gone from the world forever he will always be with everyone that lives on the world to this present day. Archbishop Hannan did many a great things in his life time and that is what he will always be remembered for by everyone. Everyone on the planet will miss him as he fought in one war, was a bishop for fifty years, and lived to ninety-seven years old. Archbishop Hannan, you will be greatly missed form this world.