What’s That Thing Over Your Name?
Ok, so I figured some of you might wonder what that thing is and why I include it in my name occasionally.
What this is, is what is referred to as a “fada” in the Gaelic language. You see, Seán is an Irish name for John I’m told. And in the old language of Ireland (Gaelic) in order to make an “ah” sound you need to include the fada over the a. Without that fada I’d be a ShAne, which I am not. So this is more about me being who I am.
Great story Seán, where the heck did you come up with that info?
A long time ago when I was a younger version of me, I went to this school (St Cyrils) down in Encino, California and this priest (Monsignor Navin) told me this story. He was a native of Ireland and asked me one day, “Hey Seán, do you know how to spell your name correctly?”
Of course I did not at the time. Today I do.
Thanks Monsignor Navin, and for so many things other than just teaching me how to spell my name correctly.
Seán
PS: Sad to update this… I recently found out that Monsignor Navin passed into the next life on the 24th of June, 2011.
You will be dearly missed, and always loved.
His Obituary:
Monsignor Cyril Passed away on June 24, 2011 at Nazareth House in Los Angeles. Born on July 7, 1921 in Clarecastle, County Clare, Ireland. Ordained June 24, 1945 at All Hallows College, Dublin. Pastor Emeritus of St. Cyril of Jerusalem in Encino 1996-2011, Pastor of St. Cyril of Jerusalem 1971-1996, Pastor of St. Catherine in Avalon 1967-1971, Associate at St. Lucy in Long Beach 1963-1967, Associate at St. Patrick in North Hollywood 1949-1963, Associate at Visitation in Los Angeles 1946-1949. Survived by his brothers, Dr. William Navin of Coventry, England and Father Charles Navin of Tubber, County Galway, one niece and two nephews. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be recited Thursday, July 7 at 7:00 p.m., Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, July 8 at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Cyril of Jerusalem Catholic Church. Interment to follow at San Fernando Mission Cemetery. Donations may be made to Nazareth House, 3333 Manning Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90064. Angeleno Mortuary, Van Nuys, Directors