Alerts Sign-up
In Mexico, the community of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) gathered to honor and bid farewell to Father Philip C. Cleary, known affectionately as Father Phil or Father Felipe. He passed away on November 3 in Cuernavaca, Mexico, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many children and young people across Latin America.
Father Cleary served as the national director of NPH Mexico and later as executive director of NPH International. A funeral Mass was held on November 4 at the main headquarters of NPH in Cuernavaca, attended by hundreds of children, youth, and volunteers.
The ceremony began with a biographical review highlighting Father Cleary's life. Born on September 5, he had been a priest for over 45 years. He was ordained on May 9, 1979, in the Archdiocese of Chicago after graduating from Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary with degrees in psychology and theology.
His commitment to serving young people defined his ministry. Early in his vocation, he worked as an advisor at an orphanage in Chicago and directed a home for young offenders. His journey with NPH began almost accidentally when he volunteered at an orphanage during a summer in the early '80s after learning about it from a fellow priest.
During the Mass, it was noted that his initial three-month volunteer period evolved into "a lifelong commitment to the children, youth, poor, orphans, and abandoned" at NPH. Both Cardinal Joseph L. Bernardin and Cardinal Francis E. George recognized his work when they were archbishops of Chicago.
Father Phil also founded Project Milpillas for families living near Miacatlán's landfill site close to NPH's main house in Mexico. The project provided free education, school supplies, transportation, uniforms, meals, and medical care for children.
In 2004, Father Cleary became national director of NPH Mexico before becoming international director and president in 2008. He expanded NPH's reach by co-founding Ciudad de los Niños de Matamoros with John Shinsky to help needy children near this border city.
By 2013 he was named president emeritus of NPH International; a year later he chaired NPH Mexico's board until stepping down in December 2018 to continue serving as chaplain.
After his passing on November 3rd at age 71 years old – which followed decades dedicated selflessly towards improving lives within marginalized communities throughout Latin America – numerous mourners gathered around him one last time during what became an emotional farewell moment filled with tears shed amongst those present who knew him best over these past forty-plus years spent together united under shared goals inspired through mutual dedication toward common cause advocacy efforts aimed squarely upon promoting justice equity opportunities everywhere possible regardless socioeconomic status background origin etcetera all while tirelessly working alongside countless others equally committed striving achieve same overarching objectives likewise wholeheartedly devoted making positive difference world around them always remembering legacy left behind long gone yet never forgotten truly unforgettable remarkable man whose spirit continues live forevermore within hearts minds souls everyone touched along way including those reading today paying tribute beloved friend mentor guide confidant visionary leader extraordinaire!
Funeral services will also be held by NPH USA on November 21 at St. Zachary Parish in Des Plaines Illinois where Monsignor Ronald Hicks Bishop Diocese Joliet friend officiate mass scheduled begin promptly eleven o'clock morning sharp followed virtual celebration life event planned December fifth starting two pm central standard time registration details available online via https://nphusa.org/news/father-phil/
