There were pranks, singing and a whole lot of love headed Fr. Ed’s way for a milestone birthday celebration on December 2. The Headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep for 53 years, Rev. Edwin D. Leahy, O.S.B. ’63 turned 80, demonstrating every bit of his trademark humor, energy and spunk. He reprimanded a student about the hair covering his eyes (“It’s a bad sign when you’re hiding your face.”), grilled a Middle Division leader on attendance (“Speak up! I can hear you on the Property eight miles away; now I can’t hear you!”) and chased student-leaders who covered him in silly string around the HAB. 

Fr. Ed also reflected on the blessing of being loved and what it means to be unloved. “No matter what happens in life, the only thing that lasts forever is that,” he said and pointed to the red heart in a triptych gifted to him by the Girls Prep Division’s Pearl Coleman Group. “The only thing that lasts is love. Because that’s what God is — God is love — accepting us the way we are. You want to make sure you appreciate it when you experience it and share it with others. Especially, those who are on the edges, those who are marginalized, who nobody cares about. Love them. It’s easy to love somebody who’s your friend. Love somebody who doesn’t like you. That’s the only thing that lasts.” 

“The only thing that lasts is love.”

It was by Divine design that Fr. Ed’s 80th birthday coincided with Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving. More than 360 alumni, faculty, staff and friends gave to St. Benedict’s in the Headmaster’s honor, exceeding the 300-gift goal. The outpouring of support helped raise a total of $273,359 and unlocked three generous $10,000 challenge gifts, one from William V. Engel, Esq. H’87 and two from an anonymous donor. Alumni and teammates wished Fr. Ed a happy birthday in person at the Headmaster’s Reception, held at the Newark Museum of Art on December 3. The event is held in appreciation of Monte Cassino Society members, donors who give $1,000 or more to St. Benedict’s Prep. 

Alumni and teammates still have time to impact The Hive this year with a gift to The Benedict’s Fund. Every contribution counts. Visit sbp.org/give.