New book chronicles priest

So they wrote one.

According to Rev. James Gulley, pastor of St. Mary's parish in Amsterdam, the people there lovingly remember Msgr. Glavin as a pastor who dedicated his life to them. Although he died four years ago, his indelible imprint is still evident. Recently, Father Gulley and his brother, Rev. Anthony Gulley, an associate at the parish, collaborated to write a book about Msgr. Glavin's life.

Life of service

Father James spent more than 20 years serving at St. Mary's with Msgr. Glavin. In the years following the latter's death, Father James increasingly felt the need to publish a work dedicated to the Monsignor's exemplary life, which was filled, he said, with "a deep love for life and for people."

"I was assigned to St. Mary's in 1981 when I was still a deacon," recalled Father James. "I remember the Bishop telling me that it was going to be an assignment that he thought would be very important for me. Although I didn't realize it at the time, now I know he was absolutely right."

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's decision marked the beginning of Father James' longtime friendship with Msgr. Glavin, a friendship defined by encouragement, loyalty and a very practical way of life for him as a new priest.

Remarkable man

"Many who knew Msgr. Glavin knew of his very special abilities," he explained. "In Amsterdam, we all loved him. My brother Jim and I wanted the people of the Diocese who didn't know him to realize what a kind and loving man Msgr. Glavin was."

The two brothers set about the task of reviewing the personal mementos and myriad photos of the Monsignor's long life. Together, they recreated his 37 years of service to St. Mary's as well as his 62 years of ministry to the people of the Diocese of Albany, which included time as a chaplain during World War II.

Biography

He was a veteran of World War II, serving as chaplain in the China/Burma/India theatre, making a 750-mile march through mountains and jungle on foot with the 475th Infantry, a group known as "Merrill's Marauders." He was the only survivor out of eight chaplains sent there. He received a commendation and emblem to signify "outstanding and meritorious service and attention to duty."

After the war, he served in the diocesan Marriage Tribunal, as chaplain at Saint Rose and as Vicar for Religious. In 1960, Father Glavin was appointed administrator of St. Mary's parish in Amsterdam and remained there as pastor until his death in 1997.

Putting it together

While Father Anthony was gathering all the information and putting it into prose, Father James undertook the task of organizing and retelling the Monsignor's life in pictures.

"I laid them out myself," he told The Evangelist. "We had lots of photos. They tell their own, unique story."

(Proceeds from the sale of "Service to the People" will be applied to the fund-raising efforts for St. Mary's Institute. The suggested offering is $25. The book can be purchased by calling the school at 842-4100 or Father James or Father Anthony at 842-4500.)

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