The work they did that day was their best work.

The name McGowan, as in Monsignor Andrew J., is a familiar one in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. For years he was known as a toastmaster and humorist extraordinaire on the banquet circuit, but who was he as a person.

It was a beautiful fall afternoon when the black Cadillac pulled into Windsor Park. Tony and I were waiting to greet the tall man in the black suit and Roman collar. I had seen him many times at social functions, but standing in our driveway with his back to the garden, he seemed larger than life.When he was present there was electricity in the air, and that day was no different.

As always, he was polite, fidgety, humorous and a perfect gentleman. I just knew it was going to be a good visit. Little did I know or suspect that the words spoken here would become so significant. In less than a year we were mourning his passing.

After the pleasantries, the moderator and the freshman went about the business of adults. There was a story to tell, and both men were at the top of their game.

It happens that way on location, sometimes things flow beautifully. Today was one of those days. I think it happens when people trust one another.

Msgr. McGowan felt right at home, and he talked at length about his family his upbringing, his early priesthood, his famous brother, Bill, and his life in later years when he devoted his time to helping others.

In the weeks ahead, we will produce three segments on the life of Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan for The New Windsor Park Stories they will be broadcast on October 8, 15 and 22 on WBRE TV, Channel 28 at 11:30 in the morning. These Sunday programs are well known in this area for their memorable interviews with people who make a difference in our world. It is as my husband calls it, “Television that will lift your spirits.”

In Part I, McGowan reminisces about his younger days as part of a large Irish family in Ashley. He talks about his parents, their hopes for him and his siblings, their sacrifices and the home they provided which he characterized as “delightful.”

He talks about the cardinal values of loyalty and responsibility. While he talks you realize that this is a conversation between two men who admire, respect and feel comfortable with one another…two men who know the shape and size of their hearts…two men who share a personal history…two men who have grown enormously since their first meeting. It is a conversation that only these two men could have. It is a conversation that is compelling, revealing, interesting and, at times, poignant and riveting.

McGowan had a happy childhood, attended schools in the Hanover area, and continued his education at Mount St. Mary’s in Maryland where he also entered the seminary.

One of his favorite topics is his brother, Bill, the founder of MCI. He chuckles when he recalls incidents in their early days and he proudly announces the work his is doing to preserve his brother’s legacy.

Some of McGowan’s happiest days were in Wilkes-Barre when he was a young priest and the moderator of St. Mary’s School on South Washington Street. He was admired by students for his youth, his energy, his charismatic personality and the work he did to develop a sports program for students. For the rst of his life he would remember the students from St. Mary's with great fondness.

Mussari is able to ask the right questions, because he knew the man when he was a student at the high school and at many of the social engagements they attended, occasionally on the same dais. Their friendship spans 50 years, and Mussari brings a smile to McGowan’s face many times as he goes down memory lane and tells his story.

When the conversation ended, there was a special moment. The two realized where life had taken them. You could feel the hopes and dreams that they had for one another.

Before the Monsignor parted, he looked deep into the eyes of his former student, and he said: “Thank you, Tony, for taking an interest in my story.”

It would be the last time their eyes would meet.

It was the first time the two men looked at one another as equals.

The moderator and the freshman had come full circle, and the work they did that day was their best work.

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