Before the Miter

Archbishop Casey’s Siblings Reflect on His Calling

by Colin Rahill

Just a week before the Mass of Installation of the Most Reverend Robert G. Casey as Archbishop of Cincinnati, I had the opportunity to interview some of the people who know him best—three of his siblings. His oldest brother, Mike; his sister, Pat (a Franciscan sister); and his brother and childhood roommate, Rich, shared memories of growing up with “Bob,” as they still affectionately call him. From their blue collar Catholic upbringing in the suburbs of Chicago to the quiet moments that hinted at a future vocation, their reflections offer a heartfelt glimpse into the family and faith that helped shape our new archbishop.

 

1. What stood out about Archbishop Casey as a child? Were there any early signs that he might have a calling to the priesthood?

Mike:

We grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in the south suburbs of Chicago. Our mother and father each came from large Catholic families. So, family—and Catholicism—was part of our childhood experience.

That childhood experience certainly included the Catholic Church. St. Terrence Church was within easy walking distance of home. Every Sunday morning included three things: (1) Mom getting five kids up and dressed; (2) going to Sunday morning Mass as a family; and (3) Dad making a big family breakfast once we got home.

We didn’t have much, but we always had enough, and the Church was a constant. I was the eldest and had more interest in baseball than becoming an altar boy—but becoming an altar boy at St. Terrence Church was a natural step in Bob’s religious journey. I have been in the congregation watching Bob around the altar since he was eight!

Pat:

There are five of us siblings. Bob and I are the two who followed the path of a religious vocation. We grew up in a family that went to Mass every Sunday, said grace before meals, and prayed together before going to bed at night. Faith was always a part of our lives.

Rich:

Looking back on growing up, in hindsight Bob’s calling makes perfect sense. But while growing up, I honestly didn’t see any early signs. Bob and I shared a room for about 20 years of our lives. I don’t think his religious dedication was much different than the rest of the family: We said prayers before dinner and at bedtime, we went to Mass every Sunday, and we were both altar servers. Now I can see how his ability to connect with people, his genuine caring, his ability to speak and teach, his cherishing of tradition, his humility… These are all signs and characteristics that make the religious life a perfect fit and calling for Bob to make a difference in the world.

 

2. What hobbies or passions did Archbishop Casey have as a child? What motivated or fascinated him?

Mike:

Rather than one particular hobby or passion, Bob was always willing to try something new. He may not remember it this way, but he has always had the courage to take on new challenges. That courage led him to wilderness paddling trips in Quetico Provincial Park and Isle Royale National Park, backpacking and hiking trips on the Superior Hiking Trail and the Camino, completing five marathons, and taking on new roles as a priest and a bishop.

Pat:

We all loved to read, and reading was one of Bob’s passions. Like our grandfather, Gerald Carmody, Bob has always been a gifted storyteller with a great imagination. He loves to laugh, and he has that wonderful smile with those dimples.

Rich:

The one hobby that comes to mind in relation to his gifts as a priest and bishop is his interest in theater. His comfort with being “on stage” and telling a story was a start to honing his skills as a preacher.

 

3. What are some of your fondest childhood memories with him?

Mike:

Growing up, we always enjoyed long weekends on our grandparents’ farm in southeastern Michigan—tractor rides, pruning grapevines and picking weeds, hiking to the pine forest, and big family energy. We also drove north every summer for camping and fishing vacations. I have lasting memories of many card games and board games with Bob around various kitchen tables.

Pat:

Our family vacations were spent fishing. Because there wasn’t enough room in our boat for all five of us children, Bob and I fished in another boat with Mom’s youngest sister, Aunt Gerry and her husband Jim. We grew close to them, and later, when they had their first child, they asked Bob and me to be the godparents.

Rich:

My fondest memory is when Bob would make up stories to tell me at bedtime after lights out. “The raisin and the grape” was an ongoing series of adventures for those two characters I would listen to on many nights. On the other hand, I can certainly remember us putting down tape in the middle of our room to separate “my side from your side” when sharing became too much for two brothers to manage. There were also the Sunday nights when we’d have popcorn and watch “Wonderful World of Disney” movies. I can also recall Christmas mornings with Bob, waking each other up to go downstairs and see what was in our stockings.

 

4. What do you consider the greatest gift Archbishop Casey has given your family?

Mike:

To watch our brother Bob become a priest, lead a parish, speak fluent Spanish, step into leadership positions, and now become the Archbishop of Cincinnati is a reminder to our family that the Casey family story is still being written. Bob consistently reminds our family that there is a place for kindness, love, compassion, joy, humility, integrity, and civility in the world. We just need the courage to stand up for those important values that we first learned so many years ago from our parents and in St. Terrence Church.

Pat:

Saying yes to his vocation. He has also gifted us with such memorable Masses like those marking our parent’s 50th wedding anniversary and the renewal of their marriage vows.

Rich:

Two relatively recent events come to mind first. When our mother died almost nine years ago, and when our father died just last December, Bob was the one to preach at the wake, the funeral mass, and the burial. That made those difficult times a little easier for me, when it was my brother telling stories, reminding me of how they’re never truly gone, and holding my hand and theirs as he helped guide them to the Hands of God.

 

5. How have you seen your brother grow over the years? Are there particular challenges you’ve seen him face and overcome?

Mike:

Over the years, I’ve watched my brother grow in confidence through time, experience, and maturity. As his older brother, that’s been a wonderful thing to see. He has always had strong Catholic values, but now, in addition to living them, he is able to speak to those values with parishioners, priests, and community leaders.

Pat:

It is very special for me to have a sibling I can talk to about living the faith, following Christ, spiritual direction, silent retreats, scripture reflections, and prayer practices. Both of us have experienced the joy of the Gospel and the Way of the Cross.

Rich:

Bob has overcome numerous challenges throughout his life. His perseverance and resilience are remarkable.

 

6. As a priest, Archbishop Casey is called to be another Christ. How have you witnessed him living that out? In what ways have you seen Christ in him?

Mike:

Bob is always willing to discuss his beliefs and faith with anyone—fellow Catholics who share the same beliefs, Catholics with a different point of view on the Church’s direction, lapsed Catholics who have stepped away from the Church, and community members from other religions with other beliefs. Bob listens well and can have a civil, respectful, and productive dialogue with people from all walks of life.

Pat:

Bob is a man in the middle—not just Christ-centered but standing at the center and reaching out to embrace all, inviting us to meet him in the middle instead of dismissing each other through division and polarization.

 

7. What virtues and focus areas do you think your brother will bring to his new role as Archbishop of Cincinnati?

Mike:

I have no doubt Cincinnati, the surrounding region, and all of Ohio will love Bob.

1. He shows up—you will see him in the community.
2. He cares—never doubt that.
3. He’s not afraid—he’ll stand up for Catholic values.
4. And his smile—you’ll love his smile!

Pat:

He is a good listener and leader. He is honest and humble. He will walk in synodality with the people of Cincinnati.

Rich:

His ability to dialogue. Whether you agree or disagree, Bob is always open to having the conversation, not for the purpose of telling someone they’re wrong, but quite the opposite—to create a place where dialogue and sharing perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. He is always willing to engage, even with those who clearly disagree with the Church today. Replacing a “right vs. wrong” mindset with a place for dialogue and learning and hearing each other is a virtue all leaders need. Bob will bring that virtue to the archdiocese.