Holy Family Heroes

Father Michael Creedon

The first recorded activity in the current Holy Family Church was recruitment for the Civil War.

On April 15, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to serve the Union in the Civil War.

Father Creedon had once spent time as a British army officer, and was also esteemed for his patriotism by William Seward.  In answer to the call, at the first Holy Family Church (the old Methodist Church), Father Michael Creedon gave a stirring Homily on April 21, 1861.  

In his homily, Father Creedon said that there were only three types of citizens in his audience: those who loved their country and were willing to defend it; those whose age and responsibilities prevented them from taking up arms; and those who were traitors or craven cowards.  He called upon the men of the first category to enlist.  

Sixty-five men arose, walked into the unfinished present church, and signed the role.  In double file and led by the flag, they marched off to the armory to enlist.   They were inducted as Company D of the 19th Regiment.

Father Creedon did not forget about them at their departure.  He later visited them in Elmira and on the field.

Monsignor Donald M. Cleary

Risking his safety, he intervened during the second Auburn prison riot on December 11, 1929.   He carried messages as a middleman between the prisoners and officials.  Once the final battle was over, he assisted the wounded and dying.

He served as a chaplain in the  9th Air Force fighter group during World War II, and received the Bronze Star Medal.   

He was also the first priest in the United States to obtain a commercial pilot's license.

He served as first principal of Holy Family School.  He was subsequently transferred to Ithaca, where he co-authored the book "Life of Jesus." He was awarded an honorary doctorate from Seton Hill College.

Bishop Patrick Byrne

He grew up on Van Anden Street and attended Holy Family School.   He served as an altar boy for Holy Family Church, which first inspired him to consider joining the priesthood.

As a priest, he joined the Maryknoll Catholic missionaries.   Pope Pius XII subsequently named him the first apolostic minister to the country of Korea.  His first official act was to denounce the Communists of North Korea for their recent seizure of the clergy.  Twelve months later, the Korean war commenced.   He ordered all missionaries to go south to safety, but he stayed behind in Seoul, stating, "If the shepherd flees, the sheep will easily be scattered."  

Soon afterward, the Communists invaded Seoul, and announced publicly that he was their "Number 1 enemy." The Bishop and his secretary were taken into internment.  Along with other captives, Bishop Byrne was forced to march 100 miles in frigid conditions in a death march.  He was known for his bravery among his fellow prisoners.  Shortly before dying of pneumonia, he told his companions, "After the privilege of my priesthood, I regard the privilege of having suffered for Christ with you as the greatest of my life."

He has been nominated for sainthood, and is currently a Servant of God.  Please join us in praying for his beatification.