‘HE’S LIKE A SAINT’

It was balloons, banners and streamers as far as the eye could see. 

Over 120 decorated cars rolled past the large window at Van Rensselaer Manor in Troy last Thursday. Drivers honked their horns and waved toward a giant window where, sitting pressed to the glass on the other side, was Father James Vaughan, pastor emeritus of Sacred Heart Church in Troy.

He waved his arms, smiled and blew kisses to every car in the parade. Every few cars he would raise his hands even higher and give two thumbs up. A smile never left his face and his arms never stopped waving, a hard feat to do at the age of 94!

It was a special day for a very special priest. Friends, family and parishioners of Father Vaughan organized an “anniversary caravan” for their pastor, who celebrated his 70th anniversary in the priesthood on June 3. 

After a health setback, Father Vaughan entered the rehabilitation center at Van Rensselaer Manor. Threats of the coronavirus have halted large public gatherings in the state, making the caravan a perfect way for parishioners and loved ones to say hi to their priest. 

Cars gathered in the parking lot at St. Michael the Archangel in Troy, a few blocks away from the entrance to the rehab facility. Attendees taped signs to the side of their cars or attached last-second streamers and balloons. The Troy Fire Department led the caravan with a classic-style fire truck at the front of the line. 

There was a buzz of excitement in the crowd - even with everyone wearing masks and practicing social distancing - there was no fear of being in public, just a joy of getting to see Father Vaughan. It makes sense, given that for years - literally through generations - Father Vaughan has been pastor to thousands of families, and has left a lasting impact on everyone he meets.

“He’s like a saint,” said Joe Gregware, parishioner at St. Michael’s the Archangel in Troy. “He’s had a huge impact on my life.” 

Father Vaughan grew up in Troy, attending St. Michael’s School and Catholic Central High School. He left to attend St. Thomas Seminary in Connecticut but came back to the area after he was ordained in 1950.

Over the years, Father Vaughan served at a handful of parishes including St. Mary’s in Troy, St. Ambrose in Latham, St. Patrick’s in Athens and St. Mary’s in Hudson. But for the last 47 years, Father Vaughan has served as pastor, and now pastor emeritus, at Sacred Heart Church.

Hundreds of Sacred Heart parishioners came out for the caravan, all from different ages and generations, but all spoke of Father Vaughan’s kindness, especially his humility.  

Herald Curley, parishioner at Sacred Heart, named his youngest son after Father Vaughan. “He’s a very close friend,” Curley said. “I’ve known him for a long time and he’s just a beautiful person.”

Mickey Kelly grew up at Sacred Heart and has been a parishioner for 80 years. After her husband unexpectedly died, Kelly said Father Vaughan was “like a second father” to her five sons. 

Steve and Caroline Jackson, parishioners and distant family of Father Vaughan, had a sign on their car with the words “Accept, Adjust, Trust.” It is Father Vaughan’s mantra, they said, and especially during these unprecedented times, his words have been something to focus on. 

“You only need to live by these words,” said Steve Jackson.