Father Gavin Quinn to Celebrate 50th Anniversary as Ordained Carmelite Priest

Submitted by Bonnie Kohout.

For many attending Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish in Darien, the highlight of a Saturday or Sunday Mass would be lining up for an exuberant high five with none other than Padre GQ. That would be The Rev. Gavin Quinn, who situates himself conveniently in the church foyer to greet all who slap or grip his hand. This favorite, weekly ritual perhaps best exemplifies Father Gaven’s hands-on approach to 50 years of priesthood. He touches the lives of so many people and his gift of giving to others has made a difference.

From 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, Father Gavin will be honored at a parish celebration recognizing his 50-year milestone as an ordained priest with the Carmelite Catholic Order. More than 200 parish volunteers will assist with the event, coming together as a community to honor a man of long-held distinction. The day lines up closely to the day he was ordained – March 6, 1965, at the Basilica of Queen of All Saints in Chicago.

At age 76, Father Gavin has remarkable energy and stamina to maintain what can only be described as a rigorous schedule for someone who technically retired and became “pastor emeritus” several years ago. Yet slowing down is not his way. He’s not one to idle away the hours. He credits his interest in being there for others to his devoted Irish parents, John and Mary Quinn, who taught all of their six children to be service-minded. When questioned about his parish duties, Father Gavin aptly describes his purpose: “I hatch, match, patch and dispatch.” Translated, this means he officiates at christenings and weddings, visits hospitals and nursing homes and comforts families by leading funeral Masses or services. In the past 14 months, he has officiated at more than 145 funeral Masses in the Chicago area. He’s well known at the local hospitals, often visiting a changing roster of patients two- to three times a day.

His commitment to service extends beyond the parish. He has served as chaplain of the Chicago Insulators Union-Local 17, since 1968; international chaplain of the Heat and Frost Insulators Union since 1968; and chaplain of the Chicago Building Trades Council since 1970. Each September, close to Labor Day, he leads a memorial Mass for all deceased members of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades. He maintains a strong allegiance to the ministry of union members and their families.

In 2003, Father Gavin’s commitment to the community was recognized when he was named Darien Citizen of the Year. The dinner honoring him was attended by hundreds of parishioners, family members, union officials and special friends. A tribute video highlighted his long career and service.

This year, in honor of his 50th anniversary as an ordained priest, Father Gavin will ride on a decorated float during the South Side Irish parade. He has a strong following on Chicago’s South Side, originating from his childhood years when he attended and graduated from St. Clotilde Catholic School. He also taught classes at two Carmelite Catholic high schools, Mount Carmel High School in Chicago and DeSales High School in Louisville, Ky.

Father Gavin’s history with Our Lady of Mount Carmel dates back to April 27, 1990 when he was installed as the fourth pastor of the church. He remained in this capacity until 2006 when he was transferred to St. Matthew’s parish in Glendale Heights. In July, 2008, he returned to Our Lady of Mount Carmel following his retirement. In addition to parish duties, he also assists at the National Shrine of St. Theresa in Darien.

Parishioners have grown accustomed to hearing many “Gavinisms,” those unique expressions of thought that he shares during Masses or special occasions. An example: “May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand – but never squeeze you too hard.” He also encourages people to be positive, even during the darkest hours.

“Every day is a gift…that is why we call it the ‘present,’ he said. He also lives by his own words and encourages others to do the same.

“The Gospel urges us to do four things,” he said. “Judge no one; forgive everyone; live simply; and love a lot.”

Personal history of Father Gavin Quinn

Born Jan. 8, 1939, to John J. and Mary (Conway) Quinn; third of six children, born in Chicago.

May, 1945 – First Communion

May, 1952 – Graduated from St. Clotilde Catholic School.

September, 1952, Entered Carmeite Seminary at Mt. Carmel College, Niagara Falls, Ontario

May, 1956 – Graduated high school from the Carmelite Jr. Seminary.

September, 1956 – Entered college; returned to Mt. Carlmel College in Ontario.

August, 1961 – Entered Whitefriars Hall, Washington, DC, for a four-year theology program

March 6, 1965 – Ordained a priest at Basilica of Queen of All Saints in Chicago

March 7, 1965 – Officiated at first Mass, Queen of All Saints

September, 1965-1986, Had teaching assignments at Mt. Carmel High School in Chicago and DeSales High School in Louisville, Ky.

December 22, 1987 – Assigned as associate pastor at St. Matthew’s parish in Glendale Heights

April 27, 1990 – Assigned as pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish in Darien.

March, 2003 – Named Darien Citizen of the Year

June, 2006 – Transferred to St. Matthew’s parish in Glendale Heights.

July, 2008 – Returned to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish as pastor emeritus.