He has had a way of attracting tornadoes and discussion

He is: Father Lawrence “Larry” McNally, pastor of Ascension Parish, Oak Park; former pastor, Queen of the Universe in Chicago.  Ordained by Cardinal Cody May 11, 1977.

Youth: “I grew up in St. Kilian’s at 87th and May. A South Side Irish boy. Our house was hit by two tornadoes in 1961 and the Oak Lawn one in ’67. Our neighbors were surprised to see us walk out, they thought it was over. I was home, a sophomore in high school. The house was so badly damaged we never spent another night there. We moved out to Blue Island and St. Donatus Parish. My dad was buried from there, my sister was married there and I had my first Mass there.

“My dad worked for the Rock Island Railroad in the freight office downtown. Mom was home until dad died and then went to work at the American National Bank. Mother was the disciplinarian. Dad just gave ‘the look.’ As a kid I stood up to the playground bully and got pummeled, but I stood up to him. I loved sports — everything, organized or pick-up. I wasn’t a troublemaker in school, but I ‘lacked self-control’ as the sisters liked to say.”

The call: He went to Quigley South, Niles College and Mundelein. “My religious vocation was mainly fostered by my mother’s oldest brother, Father Larry Schmuhl, former superior of the Marists. He’d take me everywhere when he got into town. He was from a different era. Our theologies were a little different, but he was open to my passion. He saw my desire and enthusiasm to be a priest. He preached at my first Mass; I preached at his funeral two years ago. He was the major influence, and then Father Bernard Toomey. Father Larry Gorman, Bishop John Gorman’s brother, was the No. 1 influence. He was teaching at Quigley and lived at our parish.”

The era: “I first started speaking up about issues as a student at Quigley. It was our generation; Vatican II was our voice. There were 31 of us in our ordination class. We’re down to 18 or 19 now. It was nine and a half years before anyone quit.

“They called us the ‘Suitcase Class of ’77’ because guys were moving every six months. We either were not getting along with our pastors, or vice versa.”

He still speaks his mind. “I think I have a good relationship with Cardinal George. He’s called me in a few times. We talked about women priests, and I had to apologize in the bulletin for promoting that, but we had a good discussion. He’s very gracious and always has a beverage there for me. We may not agree on a lot, but we can talk about it. When my mom died, the cardinal invited me to his residence to talk about it. That was so kind of him.”

Parish life: “I was excited to come here to Ascension I ‘walked’ my application in to the pastoral center in 2003. I didn’t chance it to the mail. I loved the really big school here, and the liturgy was so good. It was calling me. I love being a priest. There’s nothing I’d rather do. I’ve never doubted it one day of my life. I thank God every day for calling me to be his priest. I feel for my buddies who are torn with what they should do.”

Prayer time: “I’ve gotten sloppy. I used to make a yearly retreat. The recent readings of Martha and Mary haunt me to get back to being ‘a Mary’ and do that yearly retreat again. I get up early and pray the Divine Office. On Saturday mornings I devote my prayers to Mary. I read a book by Bishop Sheen, and he used to do that, so I’ve done it almost since day one. Sometimes in my car I’ll turn off the music and pray the rosary.”

Pope Francis: “I like him. I think he’s a real breath of fresh air. I’m excited about him. I plan on going to Rome; I’ve never been there. It’s on my bucket list. I’m not a world traveler. I’ve been to Ireland once.”

Downtime: “I have a lot of priest friends and lay friends. I’m a huge White Sox fan. Often if the Sox are at home on a Friday night that’s where you can find me, helping Robin Ventura run the team. My favorite mystery books are by James Patterson, Stuart Woods and John Grisham — that whole group. That’s how I end my day with evening prayer, ice cream, and a book on the couch until the book hits the floor, and then I go to bed.”

Favorite Scripture and saints: “Micah’s: ‘Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.’ St. Lawrence and St. Mary Magdalene are my two patron saints.”