Why is Frank Gallagher the first recipient of the Image of God Institute Legacy Award? If you couldn’t make it to the Benefit Dinner, we wanted to share with you the idea behind the award and why Frank was selected. The following was delivered at the Benefit Dinner:
Michael and Heather often see their role as simply passing on the great riches they have received. Great leaders of the faith have preceded us to give us what we have today. Another way to say it, “We are standing on the shoulders of giants” who lift us closer to Jesus’ light and love! This is the heart of the Legacy Award: thanking the great leaders, the giants, on whose shoulders we stand.
The first recipient of this award is Frank Gallagher, Heather’s Dad, Michael’s father-in-law. He was here in this room with us just last year, still swing dancing with his daughters and granddaughters. He passed away on Divine Mercy, a devotion the family later discovered was very near and dear to Frank’s heart.
Frank was a man of strong faith and great joy … living a fully abundant life! As an elementary PE teacher in the Pattonville School District, he won the Teacher of the Year award, was a finalist for the state award, and amassed many accolades throughout the years for his service to his parish and the Bridgeton community. He was well loved as a teacher, friend and father. But, today, we focus on how he directly impacted the Institute.
There are four distinct ways.
1. Hospitality – In their small home, Frank, with his wife Kathy, was always up to hosting a party, having people over. This open heart and open home paved the way Michael and Heather having a similar heart for hospitality – a pivotal part of the Institute. Biblical truths and profound concepts are best mulled over in the living room, with people we trust, with a cup of coffee or bowl of ice cream.
2. Seeing others – Frank truly listened when you spoke. He saw past the superficial to the heart of each person, caring for them and encouraging them. He never stated that he believed in the dignity of the human person, he lived it. You knew you had value when you were with Frank. And, he knew the value of all people – when students at his school were seen with a Playboy magazine, he didn’t shame them or get angry. He simply said the body and sexuality is a beautiful gift given to us, and we should reverence it, seeing and knowing the dignity of the women depicted.
3. Strong Passions – Frank loved sports, especially the football Cardinals and Mizzou basketball and football…what commitment!?! He could get heated and angry, especially at the disappointing end of most seasons. Yet, he’d also get so excited, singing the Mizzou fight song unprompted and at very odd moments. Frank would pull Kathy out for dancing when no one else was dancing. And he’d turn up the oldies music every evening with appetizers. He had great passions, but they never dwarfed his love for Kathy, his family and especially his faith. His epic love story with his wife is a topic for another time, but a wonderful reminder that great love in marriage reveals the great love of God naturally and powerfully.
4. Personal Devotion – As a child, he prayed daily that God would lead him. Starting sometime in his 40’s, Frank began daily prayer every morning…faithfully praying the Rosary, attending Mass every week and often weekdays, and sharing his love of Jesus in his character education program. His evangelical zeal, especially later in his life, motivated Michael and Heather to trust in the Lord with great expectations. He supported and encouraged them every step of the way.
This Institute wouldn’t exist and wouldn’t be the same without Frank’s example and support. We know he lives on… thank you Frank!
Photos
-Frank PE Teaching
-Swing Dancing with Kathy
-“Key Prayer” Given to Hundreds of Families; his childhood daily prayer
