Seton Hall University - Galleon Yearbook (South Orange, NJ)

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It is often only with hindsight, after the tempo of life slackens and the turbulence of the moment sub- sides, that the full stature of a man can be measured. On June 1, 1959, Msgr. McNulty was buried; anyone who surveyed the countless known and unknown mourners passing the bier in his cherished Seton Hall chapel, who witnessed the singular- ly impressive funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in the presence of several thousand friends, and felt the hushed atmosphere of the burial rites at Gate of Heaven Cemetary, would realize that the man who had just achieved his final rest was indeed a great man. Msgr. McNulty, when he died on May 27, was sixty years of age, thirty-four years a priest, and ten years president of Seton Hall Uni- versity. So beloved was he of thousands as a curate in the par- ish, as a teacher in the classroom, as a president in the university, that the adage, of the dead say noth- ing but good is unnecessary. He never husbanded his talents for him- self; never looked upon his cham- bers as an ivory tower. Though at times he was churned up or agi- tated, it was always for the victory of benevolence or the defeat of in- justice. During Msgr. McNulty ' s incum- bency Seton Hall grew apace: uni- versity status became actual; addi- tional buildings were purchased or constructed; two new schools, the School of Law and the School of Medicine and Dentistry, were es- tablished; a new college was n

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Requiescot in Pace Right Reverend Monsignor John L. McNulty, Ph.D. LLD. Born — September 10, 1898 Died — May 27, 1959 10

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founded in Paterson; several insti- tutes were fostered, especially the Institute of Far Eastern Studies and the Institute of Judaeo-Christian Studies. Msgr. McNulty took a per- sonal interest in every venture un- dertaken in the name of the University— external testimony of the deep spirit that was his. Without doubt the principle of his life and the pervading influence of his actions was his calling as a priest. Tenderness, enthusiasm, love, humor, loyalty, devotion, thought- fulness— all, like the waters flowing from the temples in the vision of Ezechiel, poured out from the font of his priesthood. He fulfilled the admonition given him at ordination . . . be perfect in faith and prac- tice, well-grounded in the two-fold love of God and neighbor 7 This is why the eulogist could say, 7 The Church has lost a great priest, the community a great lead- er, Seton Hall a great president, and many thousands a sincere, self- sacrificing friend. We shall miss his kindly smile, his inimitable wit, his contagious enthusiasm, his ever- welcome inspiration. We shall miss him, but he will go on and on liv- ing in the memories of all of us. And because he will go on living in our memories, Msgr. McNulty will not have died, for he does not die who lives— he does not die who lives on in the heart of those who love him. He will live on in the hearts of thousands, because thous- ands— many thousands loved Mon- signor McNulty! 77 12