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Father Mac: The Life and Times of Ignatius D. McDermott, Co-Founder of Chicago's Famed Haymarket Center ReviewMonsignor Ignatius McDermott, or 'Father Mac' as he is affectionately known, was born in Chicago in 1909, and grew up immersed in Democratic Party politics and the Roman Catholic religion on Chicago's predominantly Irish south side. He was the youngest of eight children, the son of a devout Catholic businessman. Monsignor McDermott's older brother, James, was also a devout Catholic and an influential attorney who rose to prominence in the powerhouse Chicago Democratic Party of the 1940's and 1950's. At a pivotal time in Chicago politics, James McDermott nearly became the Cook County Democratic Party chairman and a mayoral candidate; titles that ultimately were won by a tough and ambitious Cook County Clerk named Richard J. Daley.
Chicago Sun-Times columnist and political commentator Thomas F. Roeser has presented an inspiring and informative portrait of one of Chicago's greatest humanitarians, Father Mac, the 'Apostle to the Addicted.' His story ranges from the rough and tumble Chicago of the early 1900's to the thriving capital of the Midwest as it stands today. The biography was a labor of love (all proceeds go to the Haymarket Center for treatment of alcohol addition that Monsignor McDermott co-founded,) but had some unusual challenges.
At a recent luncheon honoring Father Mac, Roeser explained: "For over four years, I met with Father Mac for dinner once a week over dinner, and he would recount places, names and events from his life. Every time I thought I had the book done, he would come up with another story that was so incredible I had to add it," Indeed, the book is brimming with stories ranging from Father Mac's encounters with the high and mighty, like the Chicago mayor 'Big Bill' Thompson, to the most despondent residents of Skid Row.
Ordained as a Roman Catholic Priest in 1936 (his first Mass at Visitation Church was attended by Mayor Ed Kelly and most, if not all, of the City Council!), throughout his life Father Mac has inspired all who meet him with his wit, charm, and sincerity. But it was his efforts on behalf of the homeless that distinguished Father Mac from any other priest Chicago has ever seen. Roaming Chicago's Skid Row on West Madison Street like Mother Teresa roamed the streets of Calcutta, Father Mac approached the winos, junkies, and homeless men and women with respect, treating them as human beings, seeing them as God's children. His strategy was to gain their trust and cooperation to get them sobered up and off the streets (several of Father Mac's remarkable success stories are recounted in the book) and it worked.
After a lifetime of work in Chicago's Catholic parishes, at Catholic Charities and in Chicago youth homes, the Archdiocese of Chicago encourage Father Mac to retire. Instead, Father Mac borrowed over one million dollars, and 'retired' to a dilapidated, rat infested building on the near west side of Chicago, turning it into Haymarket Center, today one of the largest and most successful treatment centers for alcohol addiction in America.
Throughout his life, Father Mac put his political connections to good use on behalf of the downtrodden. He successfully convinced the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois to revise their statutes on public drunkenness, essentially decriminalizing alcoholism and putting in place the opportunity for social services agencies to begin treating alcoholics rather than jailing them. When the Illinois legislature threatened to cut funding for daycare centers for the children of recovering alcoholics, Father Mac brought the kids to the state capitol and onto the floor of the assembly. With the children literally in their arms, legislators voted to keep the programs intact.
The breadth and depth of Father Mac's experiences results in a story that appeals to several audiences. Roeser's analysis of the political landscape in Chicago from 1920 to 1960 concisely describes how the Democratic Party grew to dominance. Father Mac's involvement in charity brought him into direct contact with the movers and shakers of his time -- Presidents, Mayors, legislators, Bishops, and his fellow priests -- and many humorous stories are recounted. But more important than Chicago history, Father Mac's story is about Haymarket Center today: the programs and the people who are saving lives and giving hope to the hopeless every day.
An avid sports fan, especially Chicago teams like his beloved White Sox, Father Mac's personal sports recollections cover the entire century, and are some of the best stories in the book. Over lunch, I asked Father Mac how many sporting events he attended in his 94 years. "Oh gosh," he said settling back in his chair. His eyes lit up and a wry smile crossed his face. Perhaps he was remembering the Babe Ruth home run ball he "caught" as a kid, or his days as mascot for the Chicago Cardinals as the NFL was being born, or any one of thousands of sunny days in Comiskey Park, Soldier Field, or at Catholic League high school playoff games. After a minute of silent pondering, Father Mac turned to me, chuckled, and with a smile a mile wide said, "A lot of 'em. I've been to a lot."
"Father Mac got me again," Tom Roeser said with a smile when I saw him recently. (Father Mac is notorious for his humorous quips and one liners, so I was ready for a good one!) Roeser explained that since the book has been published, Father Mac keeps coming up with new stories, including the time that the famous magician Harry Houdini visited Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. Houdini's advice to the young priest stayed with him his entire life: "Keep your eye on the ball," said Houdini, "Keep your eye on the ball."
The 'ball' Father Mac kept his eye on can best be described by the motto he adopted as a young Priest, a quote from St. Vincent de Paul, another pioneer dedicated to the care of the urban poor and sick. "When you no longer burn with love," said St. Vincent, "others around you will die of the cold." Father Mac's heart has burned like a beacon for over a century in Chicago, and thanks to this inspiring and entertaining biography, his faith, hope and charity will not be forgotten...
Karl Maurer is a CPA, political consultant, and a volunteer for several Catholic and social charities... He writes from New Lenox, a suburb southwest of Chicago.
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