Rev. James Riehle, C.S.C, chaplain to University of Notre Dame athletics teams for nearly three decades, died at the age of 83. Here’s a story shared by fightingamish (others linked)
Fr. Riehle was the rector of Pangborn for my first two years there. He could be a little gruff at times, but had a sly grin (usually accented by a cigar) that could bring a smile to your face. Some saw him as a hard-ass due to his Dean of Students days, but he was a true gift to ND. He told us more than once that D of S was the worst job in the universtiy and that he did not enjoy his time in that postion. He was like a second father to many of us from Pangborn.
Freshman year they locate all the freshman near the rector. We called it “Rector’s Row.” We had heard all the stories about Fr. Riehles (Reels) as we called him, but we thought he was pretty cool. Usually after freshman year, rectors row empties out for the next batch of freshman. Instead, we stayed there. That had never been done and Father seemed to appreciate it. He still called us the “the old rector’s row gang” when I saw him the week of the Purdue game.
Fr. Riehle was definitely old school. He let you have your fun, but let you know when you crossed the line too. His mantra was “everything in moderation men.” He generally kept any issues in house. He really made it feel like a family. He had a great sense of humor. Father even did a “Karnac the Magnificent” skit at our annual hall Christmas dinners. He was real easy to talk to, a real straight shooter.
Junior year, Fr. Riehle steeped down as rector but remained in residence until we graduated in ’87. When we moved to another section of the dorm, he moved with us. It was not out of the ordinary to go hang out in his room like that of any other sectionmate. We occasionally took him out to dinner on Sunday nights during senior year.
One particular Sunday, we went to Shakey’s for pizza. As college students are wont to do, sometimes a piece of glassware from a local establishment would make its way back to the dorm. Fr. Riehle had a schooner of beer with dinner. We all had our eye on that glass. Father had his characteristic trench coat with him and we joked that it would be nice if he would sneak it out for us. He quickly dismissed the idea. However, at the end of the meal he put the glass in the middle of the table and said, “It’s all yours. I don’t know a thing about it.”
Pangborn’s mass was known campus-wide as “The Pangborn Express.” It was 20 minutes tops, but Father Riehle always gave a nice homily. I lived 10 hours away, so I never went home for Thanksgiving or Easter. One Easter, a group of us decided to go to the basilica for mass. It was nice, but about an hour and a half long. When we returned to the dorm, we saw Father and told him where we were. His response was “I’m glad you went, but that’s too damn long for me.” Classic Riehles.
On graduation night, as I rounded the corner of the rock and headed for Pangborn for the last time as a resident, a profound sadness came over me. Four memorable years were coming to an end. It was late and I doubted he’d be around, but I headed toward Father’s room. His door was open and the light on. It was like he expected us to be dropping in. I told him how I was feeling and he said, “Don’t worry, this place never leaves you. That Lady on top of the dome will make sure of it.”
I always stopped in to see Fr. Riehle during my annual treks to ND and sent pictures and Christmas cards annuallly. Eventhough he must have received hundreds of cards every year, he always sent a reply. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
Great man. Great ND Man. I’m glad I was able to introduce my wife and 3 sons to him. He will be sorely missed.
Some of you may know him best from the movie Rudy where he delivers the team prayer as himself or from this commercial where he upstages Joe Montana:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dPt5LHg6Dw]