I checked in at Cardinal Sean’s blog late today, and was stunned to read the news of the death of a newly ordained priest:

This week it was quite a shock for all of us that a young priest ordained last May, Father Daniel Kennedy, died suddenly of a heart attack in his brother’s home.

I had seen Father Dan recently and asked him, “How are things going?” He replied, “Cardinal, it’s wonderful to be a priest.” I could see how enthusiastic he was…

Because he was a young man who was apparently so healthy, and who had participated so many times in the Boston Marathon, of course there was no warning of his imminent death. As a result, the surprise and grief at his passing was very, very great.

Our sympathy goes out to his parents and family. Dan was very close to his family — a beautiful family…

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It’s astonishing to think of someone so young, and so new to his ministry, being taken so soon.

Father Daniel Kennedy was 34 years old.

This young priest was an avid runner, and the Boston paper, The Pilot, notes that he once wrote:

“Running a marathon is a journey that parallels, in many ways, discovering a vocation to the priesthood. For me marathon training is a time to be alone, a time to discern God’s will, a time to think and a time to pray.”

You can discover more about his life by reading his obituary from the Boston Herald.

There’s also more about him at Cardinal Sean’s blog. At this link, Fr. Dan took over the blog to write about the first few weeks of his priesthood last summer, including the joy of celebrating his Mass of Thanksgiving.

There are many more pictures at the link from the first great moments of his priesthood. Take a few minutes to see his ordination and first mass. Share the joy and pride of his parents and family. (You can also visit the parish he left behind right here.)

And after you’ve checked them out, whisper up a prayer for him, and for his family, and for the Church, which so desperately needs more young Daniel Kennedys.