Celebrating Alumni Clergy at the Cardinals for Christ Dinner

The Catholic University of America welcomed clergy and religious alumni back to campus on April 21, 2026, for the second annual Cardinals for Christ Dinner, an evening marked by fellowship, gratitude, and shared mission.

Hosted by the Office of Diocesan Engagement, the gathering brought together priests, deacons, and consecrated religious to celebrate their faithful witness and the many ways they continue to carry the University’s mission into the life of the Church.

Reflections on Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

The evening featured keynote remarks from alumnus Rev. James Bradley, J.C.L. 2016, J.C.D. 2017, assistant professor of canon law, who reflected on the legacy of fellow alumnus and Catholic University professor, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, S.T.B. 1920, J.C.B 1920. Excerpts from his talk include:

"Father, later Monsignor Sheen, taught at this University for almost a quarter of a century. He wrote over half his books while he was on the faculty here.

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Sheen really [understood how] Catholic University had formed him, and also how it had given him a serious academic platform from which to serve the Church through the extraordinary broadcast ministry that would follow.

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Because he knew that ivy leagues and dreaming spires are one thing, but that a University conceived by and for the Catholic Church offers something still more; a true education, not only in the sense of shunning ignorance, but in the formation of the human person for beatitude.

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Sheen recognized the distinctiveness of this place, and its capacity for good; and good in the fullest sense of that word.

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He studied canon law here, and he taught theology and philosophy here. Just as this campus and our University as a whole is key to understanding Sheen, so these ecclesiastical schools and their specific disciplines—found uniquely in a single institution in the United States here at Catholic University—are key to understanding the genius of our great institution. The sacred sciences are not just three disciplines amongst many on a campus like ours, but fundamental, integral, and proper to its identity."

Sheen will be beatified in September during a liturgy celebrated by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, S.T.L. 1987, S.T.D. 1992.

Shared Callings and Lasting Connections

“It was truly a joy to celebrate our clergy and religious alumni,” said Dennis Strach, director for the Office of Diocesan Engagement at Catholic University. “There’s something deeply meaningful about bringing together those who share both a commitment to serving the Church and a love for Catholic University.”

The dinner program also recognized alumni who this year celebrate their anniversary of perpetual profession:

• Father Frank Donio, S.A.C., B.A. 1989, M.A. 1993, D.Min. 2012  - 40 years
• Brother Dan Wisniewski, O.F.S.F., B.S. 1995; Alumni Board of Directors - 25 years
• Sister Grace Dominic Gomes, S.V., B.A. 2001 - 10 years
• Sister Maeve Nativitas O’Doherty, S.V., Ph.B. 2008 - 10 years