Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board

Mass of Thanksgiving Celebrates Pat Daly’s 40 Years of Service

Posted on 06/27/2025

“If the only prayer you ever say in your life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”

With those words by Meister Eckhart, spoken by Lorena Madalena, Executive Assistant to the Chairperson, the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board community gathered in gratitude on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for a Mass of Thanksgiving honouring Patrick J. Daly.

“Today, we offer this prayer to you, Pat, as our gift for your commitment and faith-filled devotion to publicly funded Catholic education in Hamilton and throughout the province of Ontario,” she said in her opening remarks.

Held at the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King, the celebration recognized Mr. Daly’s 40 years of service as a Catholic school trustee, including 34 years as Chairperson of the Board. It honoured a lifetime of leadership rooted in faith, humility, and hope.

Presiding at the Mass was The Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, O.M.I., who, in his homily, acknowledged the remarkable impact of Mr. Daly’s long-standing service.

“After 40 years of service, Pat is prepared to let go and take on another responsibility, always, always in support of devoting his life for Catholic education in the province of Ontario,” he said. “Pat, we honour your Christlike manner. We honour all you have accomplished here. We know that you are being called by God to share your many gifts at another level of engagement. This, too, is a movement of the Holy Spirit in your life in much the same way that our new Holy Father has been called to greater service. Thank you for all you have meant to so many. You have given your life to Catholic education. May the Father who sees everything in secret reward you.”

On behalf of the HWCDSB community, Director of Education David Hansen offered heartfelt thanks and farewell, highlighting Mr. Daly’s remarkable 40-year vocation in Catholic education.
He spoke of Mr. Daly’s extraordinary contributions, including 34 years as Chairperson, collaboration with 49 trustees and every Director of Education in the board’s history, the construction of more than 25 new elementary schools and 7 secondary schools, extensive renovations, the support of thousands of staff, and the graduation of over 120,000 students.

“These accomplishments are remarkable and deserve to be celebrated,” Hansen said. “But what we truly honour is a vocation lived well. As the Gospel of John reminds us, ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last.’ Pat answered that call and did so in loving service to students, their families, staff, and the broader Catholic community. In saying yes to that calling 40 years ago, he changed his history — and ours.”

Mr. Daly expressed profound gratitude for the presence of so many who gathered for the Mass and reception, calling it “a most memorable Eucharistic celebration.” He extended deep appreciation to His Excellency Bishop Douglas Crosby, Bishop Emeritus Anthony Tonnos, Father David Wynen Rector of the Cathedral Basilica, Monsignor Kroestsch, Chancellor of the Diocese of Hamilton, and the many priests and sisters, for their faith-filled leadership and support. He thanked those who planned and participated in the liturgy—from committee members and lectors to servers, musicians, and the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Chamber Choir. He expressed deep gratitude to trustees, past and present Directors of Education, Senior Administration, school leaders, employee group partners, teachers, staff, parents, Pastors, and students who inspired him throughout his 40-years of service.

Mr. Daly shared that his journey in Catholic education began in 1964, on his first day of school at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Elementary School. “Back then we started in grade one,” he said. His teacher and Principal, Sister Perpetua, gently took his hand and led him into the school. “For years I thought she had offered me comfort,” he continued. “But much later I came to see that she gave me something much more than that. She gave me hope.”

Among those in attendance, Mr. Daly gave special mention to Sister Teresita McInally, whom he described as “a dear friend and inspiration” and one of only a few people who could move him to tears. Honouring her 80 years of faith-filled service to the Church, Daly called on the congregation to join him in acknowledging her tremendous Christian witness. “I thank her for being a blessing in my life,” he said, extending his gratitude to “the countless religious sisters, the bishops, the priests, the lay men and women who built the strong foundation of publicly funded Catholic education.” These individuals, he added, “are the true giants and heroes.”

He recognized and thanked Associate Director of Corporate Services, Paola Pace-Gubekjian for her wise counsel, trust and support and especially Executive Assistant, Lorena Madalena for her tireless work, encouragement and invaluable assistance.

While acknowledging insufficiently so, he reserved his deepest appreciation to his children Michael, Kyle, Colleen and Monica and daughter-in-law Robyn and wife Carol. “I could not be more proud of my children nor grateful for their constant support, many sacrifices and love.” Inviting her to stand, he thanked his wife Carol noting that, “any little contribution I have made was only as a result of her inspiring goodness.”

“I have never done, and never will do, anything to deserve Carol’s endless love and support” he said. “She is my most trusted advisor, my closest confidant, and my best friend.”

While stepping down from his role as Chairperson, Mr. Daly’s journey in Catholic education continues. He will assume the role of Executive Director of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, where his faith-filled leadership, depth of experience, and enduring vision will continue to serve and inspire Catholic school boards across the province.

As my understanding of the purpose of Catholic education matured, I came to see above all else Catholic schools are communities of hope. Places where “Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church are at the centre” of students’ learning experiences.

Mr. Daly closed with the words of Pope Leo XIV, that “unity and mission are two essential aspects of the Church’s life.” Echoing those words, he prayed that: “Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother, all those who serve, and benefit from, Catholic education in Hamilton-Wentworth remain united in a shared mission to communicate Christ so as to help form Christ in the lives of others.”

“Thank you. God bless each of you. And God bless Catholic education.”

The Presentation Ceremony included the presentation of a Spiritual Bouquet by Student Trustees Carla Khalil and Noah Sorgini, a Papal Blessing presented by Bishop Crosby, and a certificate from the Ministry of Education recognizing Mr. Daly’s contribution to Catholic education in Ontario.

 

Mass of Thanksgiving for Patrick Daly at HWCDSB - June 18, 2025