There are two important fathers in Columbia Catholics? lives: their dad and Father Richard Tillman.
Rev. Tillman?s congregation will celebrate his 30 years of service on Father?s Day Sunday after noon mass.
In 1977, Tillman became pastor of one of the first congregations to worship at the Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Community.
“He is perfect fit for the community,” Bishop W. Francis Malooly said. “He?s always been very interested in interfaith, ecumenical service and sharing with other religions, which is the hallmark of Columbia.”
Serving one parish for 30 years doesn?t happen too often, Malooly said.
“It?s a tribute to him that he?s been there so long; there?s never been a temptation to move him elsewhere,” he said.
In January, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed on Tillman with the honorary title of monsignor.
The greatest challenge in leading 2,900 people is being “available as much as possible and getting to know what people are thinking about so you can speak to their concerns,” Tillman said.
When Hispanic Columbia residents were repeatedly mugged walking on an overpass on their way to the nearest bank, Tillman walked the path with others in an effort to support the Hispanic community.
“It was a statement of solidarity,” he said.
The Towson native attended Baltimore?s Loyola College before graduating from St. Mary?s Seminary in the city.
After undergoing quintuple bypass heart surgery in 2003, Tillman added walks to his morning routine of readings and prayers, he said. The rest of his day is devoted to preparing parishioners for sacraments and attending back-to-back meetings that relate to the vitality of the parish.
“I think he?s the world?s best,” parishioner Peggy Langston said. “He?s one of the kindest and gentlest people I know; You can depend on him for just about anything.”
Parishioner Doris Malik, whose deceased husband was Muslim, especially appreciates Tillman?s concern for all individuals? needs, she said. “He works very closely with [Muslim] imams.”
“He is extremely spiritual and very well-read,” added Malik, a parishioner since 1970. “His words come from deep inside him; they?re not just words.”
HONORING THE REV. RICHARD TILLMAN
30th Anniversary Celebration
1 p.m. Sunday
Wilde Lake Interfaith Center
10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia
410-964-1436
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