Readers grant priest's wish

Buoyed by a sea of support from former colleagues, long-lost friends and other generous souls in the Albany Diocese, Rev. Nicholas Campagnone is finally going surfing, Internet-style!

A flood of phone calls poured in following a story in The Evangelist documenting his desire to link up via computer with those outside the walls of his nursing home. Stricken with multiple sclerosis, a chronic degenerative disease that leads to neural and muscular impairments, Father Campagnone is confined to a wheelchair.

Among the first to respond to his request for upgraded computer parts was William A. Teoli, a member of Immaculate Conception Church in Glenville. He produced a used 486 computer with a keyboard, mouse, modem and speakers.

Personal touch

Although Mr. Teoli had never met Father Campagnone, he decided to hand-deliver the computer to the priest at Wesley Nursing Home in Saratoga Springs after reading that they shared a common interest in computers and things Italian.

"My wife Carol and I are going to Italy -- where my ancestors are from -- in November, and I thought it would be fun to meet Father before we leave for Florence and Caserta," said Mr. Teoli, who is studying Italian in preparation for his trip.

As a token of his gratitude for the donated computer system, Father Campagnone, who speaks fluent Italian, has offered to help Mr. Teoli practice communicating in the language that came so naturally to their respective fathers.

Monitoring

Stepping forward with a promise to keep "Father Nick" stocked with paper and toner for his printer were former colleagues of his from Maria College and the Capital District Psychiatric Center in Albany, as well as others whose lives he had touched during his three decades as a priest.

"When we worked together at Maria College back in the '80s, Father Nick was always the first to help others in need; now we want to help him," said nutritionist Pat Severon Wager.

She added that other Maria colleagues, including physiotherapist Bill Fennell, also want to help Father Campagnone secure a special left-handed mouse and other assistive or adaptive computer-related devices as the need arises in the future.

'Changed forever'

"When Father Nick touches your life, you're changed forever," reflected Gene Snowden. He and his wife Marianne are donating a color monitor to Father Campagnone, who witnessed their marriage. In those days, the young priest commuted via motorcycle and went for daily jogs. "He is just the nicest man in the world -- a very giving person. We'd really like to give something back," said Mr. Snowden.

Ellen Carruthers insisted upon picking up the tab for a year of Internet service for Father Campagnone. She remembers him as "an eloquent speaker" who had a way of getting through to the students he taught at Maria College.

Arlene Shako and Ann Drew, both of whom also have MS, wanted to help because they believe Father Campagnone could provide "much needed inspiration and support" to others with disabilities.

"Father Nick and I once ran a prayer group together. He's a beautiful, faith-filled person who always took the time to listen. I believe he could be a tremendous inspiration for other people with disabilities if he could get on-line," said Mrs. Shako.

Mrs. Drew echoed those thoughts, saying: "Father could provide an important ministry via the Internet to help not only other MS patients and disabled persons but also their children."

'Gift of time'

Shirley Hartwell Filion, who attended St. Mary's School in Glens Falls with "Father Nick" as a child, commented that the retired priest's "gift of time" may prove to be a source of healing and inspiration to others.

Janice Kelly called to say there is "a growing need for priests and religious to volunteer on-line" on behalf of the Catholic community. She hopes Father Nick would consider volunteering for scheduled chats sometime in the future.

Bea Manico, who met Father Campagnone during her days as a parish cook for another diocesan priest, commented that his "terrific sense of humor" might also have a healing effect on others.

"His ability to laugh and to make others laugh is a gift," observed Mrs. Manico. "He was always a very special person, and I'm sure he still has much to offer."

'Deeply touched' by generous response...

To say that Rev. Nicholas Campagnone is thankful for all the donations and offers of help he has received from readers of The Evangelist would be an understatement.

"Please tell everyone I am deeply touched and immensely grateful for all they have done," Father Campagnone said.

In addition to donations of computer parts and related technical services, Father Campagnone received what he described as "a very generous check" from Our Lady of Mercy Church in Colonie, where he once served as a "weekend priest."

Rev. John Waldron, pastor, asked parishioners if they would like to put something extra in a special collection for Father Campagnone and they responded enthusiastically.

"Father Nick hasn't been here for about five years," said Father Waldron. "But judging from the response to the collection, it's obvious the parishioners remember him with great fondness."

In addition, the parish council at St. Patrick's Church in Johnstown, where Father Campagnone also served, is interested in helping him get -- and stay -- on line. An anonymous donor has also promised to provide Father Campagnone with a custom-built computer desk that will be wheelchair-accessible.

Father Campagnone has been moved by the cards, letters and phone calls that came his way from long-lost friends and former colleagues throughout the Diocese. Many said they wanted to help because he had always been the first to offer assistance to them when they needed it as long as a quarter of a century ago.

(Those wishing to correspond electronically with Father Campagnone may do so at either [email protected] or [email protected].)
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(06-26-97) [[In-content Ad]]