By Bill Reynolds

La Conner Community News

In 1985, Jesuit Father Pat Twohy arrived at Swinomish to begin a two-decade ministry whose impact is still felt today.

“When he got here, he started praying for this community,” former longtime Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (SITC) Senate Chair Brian Cladoosby recalled during a June 23 ceremony honoring Twohy for his tireless commitment on behalf of Native Americans across the Northwest.

Cladoosby alluded to the large number of Swinomish students, including his granddaughter Isabella Long — a National Honor Society member — who recently graduated from La Conner High School.

“We had those Swinomish graduates this year, coming from drug and alcohol-free homes, because of Father Pat’s prayers.” Cladoosby said. “His prayers here were answered.”

There was a robust turnout at the Swinomish Boys & Girls Club gymnasium for a luncheon and program celebrating Twohy, now 86 and residing at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, California, for his half-century of serving Native people.

While engaged in campus ministry at Gonzaga University, Twohy was moved in the early 1970s to visit the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in northeastern Washington. He remained there 11 years, the first stop on a spiritual journey that ultimately led him to Swinomish, where he immediately connected with tribal members of all ages.

“The teachings and values you’ve shared with our community have laid the foundation for life,” reflected Swinomish Senator Fred Cayou, among the event’s main speakers.

Though he returned to Colville in 2005 as Director of its Rocky Mountain Mission, Twohy always feels at home when at Swinomish.

His latest visit, during which current SITC Chair Steve Edwards presented him with a resolution henceforth designating June 23 as Fr. Pat Twohy Day on the Swinomish Reservation, was a prime example.

Twohy was greeted before and after the ceremony by long lines of admirers sharing hugs, handshakes and joyful tears.

Swinomish Senator and Director of Cultural Events Aurelia Bailey spoke for the community.

“We can’t thank you enough for the love and compassion, and most of all, the comfort you bring all of us,” said Bailey, who recounted how as a teenager she joined the youth group that Twohy had launched at Swinomish.

“We were very blessed as teenagers to have had such an impression made on our lives,” Bailey said. “Thank you for coming here. This is your home. You’re one of us. You’re Swinomish.”

Senator Brian Porter noted how Twohy is a bright shining light for Swinomish.

“We visited him in California and all the way down there it was raining,” said Porter. “But when we got there, it was sunny. Then it rained again when we left. Fr. Twohy brightens the place and he brings light to our community.”

Growing up in Yakima, Twohy attended a Jesuit high school. At 18, he entered the Jesuit novitiate in Sheridan, Oregon, about 50 miles southwest of Portland. Later, he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in English Literature at Gonzaga. He received his Master of Divinity degree from the University of Toronto’s Regis College.

Next came his time at Colville, followed by the consequential move to Swinomish. On Sundays, he celebrated Mass here at historic St. Paul’s Catholic Church and then drove 40 miles south to Tulalip for another worship service.

Throughout his Swinomish ministry, Twohy connected with people in their times of happiness and sorrow and as they went about their daily lives. Now the author of three books, he began learning the Native Lushootseed language and studied indigenous spiritual traditions, melding them with the Catholic faith.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, especially by Swinomish elders he fondly referred to as “the grandmas.”

“Thank God,” Twohy said when he was called upon to speak, “that the grandmas liked me and took me under their wing.”

He emphasized the beauty and goodness he found while living and pastoring at Swinomish.

“Each one of you,” he continued, “is a good teacher. You’ve taught me the most important things — love and friendship.”

Chairman Edwards said the feeling is mutual.

“We’re thankful for the many, many lives that Father Pat has touched,” Edwards said. “We thank you, Father Pat, for always being there for our community. We thank you for all the words, smiles and hugs. You’ve brought so much joy to this community.”

Among those praising Twohy was state lawmaker and former Swinomish staff member Debra Lekanoff, who noted his widespread reputation for helping people and offering guidance when sought.

Cladoosby confirmed Lekanoff’s assessment.

“All of you love this man dearly,” he said. “We are children of Father Pat. He has seen us grow as people. I am standing here because of this man’s prayers.”

With Twohy’s prayers answered, Cladoosby suggested that tribal members return the favor in hopes that he might reside again on the local reservation.

“We have to pray for him now,” Cladoosby said, flashing a smile. “We have to pray for him to come home. He’s been in exile long enough.”

Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.