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Father Tom Jennings, Rock County’s longtime leader of religious and social causes, died March 29 at age 78 at his home in Caledonia.
Jennings served 15 years as priest of St. Catherine’s Church in Luverne. However, he’ll be remembered across all denominations in the community for his gentle spirit and encouraging leadership style.
“It’s been magical. It’s been a magical time,” he said at his September 2018 retirement party that attracted 275 community members.
In addition to weekday and weekend services, Jennings presided over 378 baptisms, 212 funerals and 94 weddings in his time with the Luverne and Ellsworth parishes.
Jennings often shared his love of nature and farming, weaving messages into his homilies.
“He enjoyed all of God’s creations to the fullest,” his obituary reads (page 7A).
“He was frequently seen taking pictures of all kinds. He loved hiking, gardening, photography, reading and drives in the countryside.”
A farm boy at heart, he often joined local agriculture tours and events and participated in the annual Rock County Tractor Drive behind the wheel of a vintage International tractor.
“I saw so much more than I usually do in my car going 55,” he said.
“Going slow allows one to see what God sees — all the details of creation, light and shadows, fence posts, vast varieties of wildflowers and grasses, the cuts made by meandering streams, the shapes of clouds. Sounds are more accentuated when moving slowly. I felt so free moving at 12 mph.”
His message: “Go slow in September and enjoy the early days of autumn. Go slow and see, hear and feel more than ever before.”
Funeral services were Tuesday in Caledonia where McCormick Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.