The Presence of God: Remembering Tony Fadale

Tony lived out the example of Christ, inspiring his community through service.

By: Mark McDermott

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The parables of Jesus’s teaching are so familiar after years of Mass or religions education that it can be easy to lose sight of their implications. What does it really look like to be a neighbor? What does it feel like to be a part of the “Body of Christ?” The Gospel seems to answer its own questions - take the exhortations of service in Matthew 25. But here again, comfort and familiarity with the message can make revelation seem like a laundry list. If service to others is reduced to an act of compulsion, it loses its humanity and mercy; in a sense, the ministry loses its heart.

That’s why Jesus doesn’t ask us to serve alone. Not only is he with us, but he has called others to be our neighbor as well - we are all part of the Body of Christ. The late Tony Fadale, a leading member in what seemed like dozens of local and parish ministries, taught me this as I was trying to discern where I could serve. He never had to tell me in words, because for myself and for countless others in the community, his shining presence spoke volumes: where he was involved, we all wanted to follow.

As he did for many others, Tony introduced me to the local chapter of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Tony empowered each member to share their gifts in our chapter: some with fundraising, others with advocacy, others with media. Through his example, Tony showed the power of the Body of Christ. We may all have different gifts, jobs, life circumstances - but if we live out the intention of fellowship with others, we contribute to the vitality of the entire Church.

That was true within our chapter, and CRS extends that contribution around the world. CRS provides lifesaving food distributions, agricultural education, and infrastructure development in over 100 countries. Most importantly, CRS’s programs focus on community resilience and independence to ultimately build self-sufficiency without aid. It seems daunting to be a “neighbor” or “in communion” with someone thousands of miles away, but CRS programs allow us to interact with the global Body of Christ.

Confined to an individual, the gift of a warm smile and infectious humor seem trivial. Tony used these gifts to animate ministries throughout his community and, via CRS, around the world. His loving family and friends will continue to draw on his inspiration for years to come. Far beyond a trite “laundry list,” Tony exemplified the joy of a life lived as a true neighbor to all that is the tangible fulfillment of Jesus’s teachings.

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Tony Fadale brought joy and life with his service and his smile.