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Dear Friends in Christ,

I never met a priest who took more seriously, or more happily than Father John Henley did, the words of our Lord,

"Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature."

An explorer from his early years, from his birthplace in Detroit, he launched an early career in the Navy and service in the Pacific during World War II. His spiritual life began with the Trappists in Gethsemani, Kentucky and then continued for five years in a Mexican monastery. From there, he decided to return to this country, and soon, he began pursuing serious study for the priesthood at St. Meinrad. Shortly before ordination, he decided to commit his priestly service to this Archdiocese in 1975, and his home was North Georgia for the next 22 years. His knowledge of language, particularly Spanish, made him a pioneer priest in the Hispanic ministries of our diocese, and He carried the word of God and the presence of Christ throughout the northern areas of our local Church: Whitfield, Murray, Gilmore and Fannin counties, and the towns of Dalton, Blue Ridge, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Monroe and Winder.

In the years of his priesthood, Father Henley served many places, and moved on - but he never abandoned his friendship, and his prayer for those he had known, for those he helped along lifeÕs spiritual journey. To his brother priests, he was always a welcome visitor and a welcoming host. His warmth, hospitality, and humor were available, without hesitation, for anyone down in spirit or down on their luck. Having seen so much of the world, and so much of the worldÕs cares, he understood very well, that the world is in us all, and that friendship is the best medicine for those who are weary or discouraged. Even as his health began to break, his desire was not to rest, not to conserve and to lengthen his life Ð his desire was to serve, to work, to spend on others whatever energy he had left. We missed him sorely, after he left Atlanta in 1997. But I believe he knew the end was coming, and that he wanted to bring the circle to a close, and return to those friends in Mexico, where he had learned so much, in the very beginning, about serving His Lord, and serving His LordÕs people.

Now he has gone on the last journey, and the days of his exploration are over. But I feel, and I know many of you join me in this sentiment, that he is still a friend showing us the way, still a friend offering comfort to our lives. It is in that spirit that we should thank God today for sharing with us the life of this remarkable man, and that we should, as well, ask God to grant his soul, peace and rest.

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