A lecture on the life and legacy of Cardinal Timothy Manning, presented by his former priest-secretary, will be offered June 23 at Holy Family Church, South Pasadena.

The event --- commemorating the 20th anniversary of the death, and sponsored by St. John's Seminary in Camarillo --- will feature Msgr. Clement Connolly, pastor of Holy Family, where Cardinal Manning lived in retirement.

"As a young man growing up in Ireland, Timothy Manning discerned a call to the priesthood and to be a missionary," said Msgr. Craig Cox, St. John's rector and president. "Rather than seeking to serve in his homeland, young Timothy chose to commit himself to the Diocese of Los Angeles. His journey brought untold blessings to the Southland and to us here at St. John's Seminary."

Ordained by Bishop John J. Cantwell on June 16, 1934, he served in California for 55 years, including 43 as a bishop --- auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles (1946-67), founding bishop of Fresno (1967-70) and archbishop of Los Angeles (1970-85).

As a bishop, Cardinal Manning ordained 349 priests and confirmed approximately 650,000 people. As archbishop of Los Angeles, he dedicated 30 churches, established the House of Prayer for Priests, and established the permanent diaconate in the archdiocese. Created cardinal in 1973, he voted in the papal conclaves of 1978 that selected Popes John Paul I and John Paul II.

In his doctoral dissertation, Father Manning focused on educating seminarians. "It's no wonder consequently that Cardinal Manning had a special love for St. John's Seminary and visited the campus often," said Msgr. Cox, noting that this November 14 will be the 100th anniversary of Cardinal Manning's birth.

In gratitude for his service and his example of priestly holiness, St. John's Seminary is inviting all the people of the Archdiocese to help establish a Chair in Priestly Spirituality as a tribute to Cardinal Manning.

"We encourage donors to pledge over the next six months, between the June anniversary of Cardinal Manning's death and the November anniversary of his birth or to make a one-time gift," said Msgr. Cox.

Phillip Hawley, chairman of PM Hawley, Inc., and co-chair of St. John's Honorary Committee for the Cardinal Manning Chair, said all are beneficiaries of "Cardinal Manning's remarkable service to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Our lives have been enriched as a result of this good shepherd. Establishing a Chair in Priestly Spirituality in Cardinal Manning's name will be a most fitting memorial and a continuing reminder of all that this good priest has done to support and advance the education of seminarians."

The June 23 lecture, free and open to the public, begins at 7:15 p.m. followed by a reception. Holy Family is located at 1527 Fremont Ave., South Pasadena. For information, call (805) 389-2035 or write advancement@stjohnsem.edu.