Community Corner

Tinley Man Crosses Paths with Cardinal George on Road to Priesthood

Chicago's Cardinal Francis George was in Rome to participate in Khalil Hattar's elevation to acolyte on his journey to priesthood, as George traveled to Rome to join other cardinals in choosing a new pope.

The timing couldn’t have been better for 25-year-old Tinley Park resident Khalil Hattar. 

Hattar was one of 60 seminarians who transitioned to acolytes during a Monday Mass in Rome, Chicago Tribune reports. Cardinal Francis George and others from around the world gathered to discuss issues facing the church, and to begin the early steps of choosing a new pope. His arrival allowed for his participation in Hattar's journey to priesthood.

“It's wonderful,” Hattar said of having his own archbishop present. “It reminds me of the people back home I'm going to serve.” 

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Hattar, a former St. Elizabeth Seton parishioner, is of Jordanian and Palestinian descent. When he advances to deacon, next and finally priesthood, he will be only one of a small number of Arab priests in the Chicago archdiocese. He says he’s looking forward to filling the void and ministering to the Arab community when he returns in a few years.

Get the full story by the Chicago Tribune.

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