An amazing life, to be sure.
The oldest Catholic priest in Tennessee passed away on Monday. Monsignor George Rohling died at the age of 97.
Rohling was a priest for 71 years in the Diocese of Nashville, ministered at six local parishes, taught at Father Ryan High School and served as a chaplain at Saint Thomas Hospital. He celebrated more than 40,000 Masses in his lifetime.
“He was devoutly religious, and a very traditional man and traditional priest, so we’ve lost a little bit of that,” said Father Ryan Principal Paul Davis.
Those who knew Rohling called him a slick salesman with divine intentions.
“If your child’s choking on a dime, don’t call a doctor; call Monsignor. He can get money out of anybody,” said Tommy Hagey, director of Camp Marymount. “It was all used to help people in our community — every bit of it.”
Rohling bought the property for Camp Marymount in the 1940s with his own money and asked the diocese later if it approved.
“He truly believes the Holy Spirit brought him here to create this camp,” Hagey said. “He will forever live here at Camp Marymount. You know? He will never be forgotten.”
“His memory will be one of service and somebody who cared a lot about city and obviously a lot about his church,” said Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, who said he considered Rohling a friend and counselor.
There’s more, plus video, at the link.
Read Previous Post
