Fightin' Bob

Father Bob Cornell passed away on Sunday, May 10. http://www.jsonline.com/news/obituaries/44754852.html

I first knew Father Bob as my Congressman. Yes, I barely remember the person Father Bob beat in the election. However, the first Congressman I really knew and to whom I paid some attention was Father Bob. He was my Congressman during the time that I was becoming aware that the world was bigger than my neighborhood. I remember the news reports on the Vietnam War. I remember seeing news reports about cars lined up for miles to get gas. I remember seeing news reports about the new Polish Pope. I remember seeing news reports about problems in Iran. Father Bob served just two terms in Congress. During this four years, all of the above events occured.

Father Bob was one of just two Catholic priests that have served in Congress. He was a liberal to the hilt. He beat an archconservative and then was beaten by an archconservative. He seriously considered running for Congress again (and would have likely regained his seat). However, Church leaders informed him that a Catholic priest serving in elected office was frowned on.

Although discouraged, Father Bob pressed on like nothing much changed. Even though he was no longer a Congressman, he still showed up at all of the parades and events. It seemed everyone knew him - maybe more because he was an active priest and teacher than because he had been a Congressman. He still wrote articles and letters to the editor of all of the regional papers. Father Bob's impetus for his actions was his faith, not his political party.

I had the opportunity to get to know Father Bob when I was a novice at St. Norbert Abbey. He was always full of many stories and jokes - most of which had nothing to do with his having been a Congressman. He did not really care if people knew he was a Congressman. He was a priest, confrere, friend and teacher. Those roles always had priority for him - and they served him and others well throughout his life, including the four years serving in Congress.

Father Bob just won the big election.