“Try and understand what part you have to play in the world in which you live. There’s more to life than you know and it’s all happening out there. Discover what part you can play and then go for it.” ~ Ian Mckellen
Every week in the Pastor’s Page, I list the anniversaries of death of those who served as bishops, priests, or deacons in the Diocese of Gary. Often, it gives me pause to reflect upon my memories of those listed. This week is one of those times as we list Rev. Clarence Danforth.
Fr. Danforth graduated from Boston University in 1943. He joined the General Electric Company as a Computations Assistant. He transferred to the General Electric Plant in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1947. During his 34-year career with GE Aircraft Engines, he held the position of Supervisor of Advanced Mechanics from 1953-1960 and Manager of Advanced Mechanics from 1960-1975. He served as a Chief Consulting Engineer until his retirement in 1977.
He was an industry leader in the advancement of the aeromechanical design of aircraft engine blades and vanes. His leadership in the aeromechanical field contributed greatly to the development and excellence of General Electric aircraft engines. His achievements include the design of the First Jet Engine All-Flexible System Vibration Analysis and the invention of Founded Jet Aeromechanical Technology, Life Design of Air-cooled Turbines.
He retired in 1977 and continued as a Consultant to GE Aircraft Engines until 1995. He was named a Fellow by the Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1966 and he was elected to the GE Aircraft Engine Hall of Fame in 1984. He was listed in Who’s Who in America in 2003.
Following his retirement from General Electric, Rev. Danforth studied for the priesthood at the Angelicum in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a Catholic Priest in Gary, Indiana on July 11, 1981.
The point of this reflection? There may be more to our lives than we first thought. Just when we thought that we had done all that God has called us to do, maybe there’s something more. Fr. Danforth found that “something more” at an advanced age after retirement and he followed his heart to pursue the call from God.
Search your heart and ask yourself if God might be calling you to serve Him in some other capacity than you are already doing.
FAITH ACTION: Pray that all people may take the time to ask God for the grace to follow His call no matter where it may lead.