Father Billy O’Riordan embodies ‘priestly zeal’

By Macie Capote
Clarion Herald

Father Billy O’Riordan, pastor of St. Ann Church and Shrine in Metairie and chaplain of Msgr. Charles Duke Council 3465, was awarded the Blessed Michael McGivney Award at the 119th annual state convention of the Knights of Columbus on May 4. 

According to Knights of Columbus, the award honors a Knights of Columbus chaplain who embodies priestly zeal and exemplary service in alignment with the values of their founder, Father Michael J. McGivney.

“The ideal recipient will be recognized as a teacher of the faith, an apostle of Christian family life, a dedicated parish priest, a model of charity, a promoter of Catholic fraternity, and a role model within your parish community,” the Michigan Knights of Columbus website reads.  

Les Madere, the grand knight of the Msgr. Charles Duke Council 3465 at St. Ann, joked that he believes a majority of their 144 council members show up just to see Father O’Riordan, who has been the council’s chaplain for seven years. 

“They are inspired when they see him actively participating in our meetings; he doesn’t just sit on the side,” he said. 

Madere said Father O'Riordan is one of the most involved members of their council and that you can usually find him at every meeting, as well as at their many events, such as fish fries, spiritual hours, fundraisers and even some of their social activities.

Inspiring council

Council 3465 takes part in being an inspiration to its community, Father O’Riordan said. At every monthly meeting, the council members will gather and pray the rosary.

“It’s almost like a Pentecost experience, the Holy Spirit fills the room,” he said. “It’s very powerful.” 

Upon learning he would receive the award, Father O’Riordan quoted another Irish priest from California who said, “You get the chaplain, you get the council.”

Father O’Riordan said councils and fraternities like St. Ann’s can be a driving force to do almost anything within the parish community. Every member of the council is involved in many other ministries, like singing in the choir, readers at Sunday Mass, altar servers for weekday Mass, extraordinary ministers of holy Communion and much more. 

“I think that is why we have so many people joining,” he said. “When we are seen doing active ministry, it shows that it’s not all talk, because actions speak louder than words.”

Reaching communities

Father O’Riordan’s dedication extends far past just his council. His parish school has continued to be one of the largest and most successful in the archdiocese, Madere said. 

In St. Ann parish and the greater New Orleans community, Father O'Riordan continuously advocates for charitable causes. As one example, Madere said Father O’Riordan is a strong proponent of his parish’s St. Anthony Ministry, which operates a food bank and works to meet the needs of the poor in the parish.

“He is a strong supporter of life,” Madere said. “He promotes frequent efforts to support and sustain organizations such as the Woman’s New Life Center.”

Having been a priest for 39 years, Father O’Riordan has plenty of experience to go around. For each year that he has been at St. Ann, Father O’Riordan has hosted a transitional deacon for six months as part of the archdiocese’s internship program. During this period, he mentors them and prepares them for ordination as a priest. 

“I drag them everywhere,” Father O’Riordan joked. “Sick calls, funerals, weddings and I usually ask them to preach once or twice a week at a daily Mass.”

Father O’Riordan said participating in the internship program has taught him to be observant to ensure the deacons he mentors will become the best priests they can be. 

With a passion for the young church, Father O’Riordan also served as the director of seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary for nine years, until last July. He worked closely with numerous KC councils to provide meals for the seminarians. He also often worked with his own council members as they prepared and served the meals.

Knights on Bikes

On top of all of his other duties, Father O’Riordan is also the chaplain of Knights on Bikes, which is a Knights of Columbus organization of motorcycle enthusiasts. 

“It’s an interesting facet,” Father O’Riordan said. “I guess you don’t have many priests riding motorcycles.” 

Father O’Riordan said that the Knights on Bikes meets about once a month to ride together, pray the rosary, visit other churches and enjoy fellowship with one another. They also serve their community where possible, such as helping put flags on the graves of veterans during Veteran’s Day weekend. 

While Father O’Riordan said he hopes he is an inspiration to his parishioners, the seminarians and his council, Madere knows he is. 

“Father Billy receiving this award brings great recognition to St. Ann Parish and our council,” Madere said. “Any success we have as a council is directly related to Father Billy’s involvement.”

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