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Reflections on Father Szupper

Father Michael Szupper left home at the age of 12 to attend the seminary and begin studies for the priesthood. He was ordained 12 years later. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Pontifical College Josephinum and earned an M.A. and his doctorate from Catholic University.

Qualified to teach in the areas of philosophy, psychology, epistemology and anthropology, he has maintained private research on the works of psychologist Carl Jung, completing several seminars at the Jungian Institute in Zurich, Switzerland.

Numerous faculty, staff and students sent notes of respect, admiration and affection for Father Szupper, in connection with this article. They are reprinted here.

“When we have out-of-town guests over a weekend, they—regardless of their religious affiliation—invariably want to attend Mass with us at the Oratory so that they can hear one of Father Mike's homilies. His humanity and sincerity enable him to deliver a message to which everyone can relate. He enables one to address one's own struggles, as Father Mike makes clear that he struggles at times, too. His message to me is the essence of Christianity—love, compassion, forgiveness of one's own failings as well as those of others, that God is a loving, caring and forgiving God. Father Mike makes the Oratory a place of inclusion, where all are welcome. He exemplifies to me what a Catholic priest or other religious person should be—humble, caring, accessible, nonjudgmental and committed to helping others, especially in their time of need. He identifies so well with our University students, and they with him. And, his great love of our University is always so evident in him. A few years ago, there was a priest from India assigned part-time to the Oratory. When he left, he said in remarks to the congregation that Father Mike is truly a holy man. That he is.”

“Father Szupper was one of the first individuals I met when I arrived on campus in the fall of 1965. At this very first meeting, through his kind words, soft caring manner and sincerity, I came away feeling I had just met a very special person. As the years have passed and our entire family has grown up under his spiritual wing, that first impression has been reinforced over and over again. I personally have come to think of Father as a truly holy man, not because he wears religion on his sleeve but because of the sincerity of his beliefs and his total dedication to our students as well as the entire University community. We feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have Father Michael as our pastor and our friend.”

“Father Szupper was the "new, young priest" on campus when I came to UD as a freshman in the fall of 1967. The Newman Center, as the Catholic campus ministry was called then, was located somewhere on Main Street. One of my earliest memories of college was going for a get-together for Catholic students. My then-boyfriend, now-husband, Bill Stabosz, and I had come from the cornfield that is now the College Square Shopping Center, and we brought two ears of souvenir corn to the meeting. Father Szupper asked us about the corn, and about ourselves, and then after the meeting began formally, he spoke with great enthusiasm and warmth about his plans for the coming year. He is no longer the new priest, no longer the young priest, but every fall, he still speaks to UD Catholic students about the coming year. I have heard him speak at the beginning of many fall semesters since 1967, and he is still as enthusiastic and as warm toward students as ever. He is a man of great integrity and cares about the UD community, especially its students.”

“I have been a member of St. Thomas More Oratory with Father as our priest before the actual building was even built. I was just a little girl at the time (I am now almost 40, so that would be basically his whole career), and we would meet in various locations—a strange building on Main Street on the third floor, the old Central Middle School auditorium (which is now Pearson Hall) and some other places stored way back in my childhood memory. I and my now 17-year-old son went through all the religious classes there. I was married there and Father has been the family priest my whole life, so I could not imagine my life without his presence. It was my place of worship as a student, with my family and as a UD employee.”

“My husband, son and I feel very fortunate to be members of St. Thomas More Oratory. Words cannot express what we gain spiritually from Father Szupper. I remember my son when he was only 6 years old nudging me right before Father Szupper would give his homily, saying "This is my favorite part of the Mass." Father is a rare human being and a wonderful role model in our community.”

“I was a student at UD from 1997-2001, and in that time, found a role model and friend in Father Szupper. He shows care and concern for all the students and members of the UD community. He has given so much of his time and energy to building a strong presence for Catholic students who really feel something special about their faith. He has a gift of speaking with profound clarity and wisdom straight into the hearts of people. He inspired me over the years of my college growth through his pure commitment to the Catholic faith. Now as a staff member, I feel blessed to be a part of the Oratory once again.”

“Coming to Delaware in 1987 as a freshman, the Oratory was a place of comfort, a way to make a large, daunting school feel smaller and more like a family. A retreat with the Oratory helped me develop new friendships and identify new, friendly faces among the seas of the unknown. Father Szupper ran lectures and helped us understand different personalities and interaction styles, learning early to appreciate one another for our differences. He has baptized both of my children here on campus. He is a quiet, gentle leader. All who know him respect and love him.”

“I have known Father Szupper for the past 10 years and have never met anyone so generous and humble in my life. Here is a man who has dedicated his whole life to serving others and serving God. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of this award than Father Szupper.”

“I can think of no one more deserving of this honor than Father Szupper. As he enters his 40th year of ministry on this campus, I can think of no better way of recognizing his contribution to the University community. He is far too humble to realize the difference he has made in the lives of the tens of thousands of students (not to mention faculty, staff, administration and community members) who have been blessed by his presence. This entire award embarrasses him and is difficult for him to understand: ‘I can't understand why they would honor me…. I am just doing what I love.’ His love for the students is apparent in everything he does and can be heard every weekend in his homily and his prayers during Mass. His love of the students is equaled by his love of the University, which runs so deep that I think he probably has blue and gold blood running through his veins. His greatest moment was when YoUDee visited him at the end of a student Mass to deliver balloons on his 45th anniversary. I've never seen him so excited! He could not believe YoUDee was visiting him; you’d have thought the Pope had just arrived!

“I believe that everyone who has ever met him would agree that he is the most gentle, caring and warm human being they have ever met. He truly is a holy man.”

“I am writing to tell you about my friend, Father Szupper. I have been a student at UD since 1997, and Father Szupper was very instrumental in supporting my academic career and Resident Assistant life at UD. Father Szupper also helped me with my personal life at UD. Because of the events at the Oratory, I met my best friends and I was able to have a wonderful undergraduate experience. One example of Father's support was on Sept 13, 1998. My father unexpectedly passed away, and I didn't know where to go or what to do. I went to the Oratory, and Father Szupper talked with me, prayed with me and got me prepared to face the challenges ahead of me. Then, at my father’s wake in New York, Father Szupper and Kim came to support me. Seeing their faces at the wake made my coming back to UD the following week a little bit easier. I graduated in 2001, and I have kept in contact with Father during this time. I worked as a case manager for disabled adults, and Father was always there to help me out when I had a bad day. Now that I am returning to school full-time, I can't wait to spend more time at the Oratory and with Father Szupper. I am so excited that he has been chosen to receive this award because he is so deserving. He has shaped my life and the lives of so many University students. I thank God that he is in my life.”

“From the first day I walked into the Oratory all the way to yesterday when I went to Mass, Father Szupper can always put a smile on my face when I come in the door. He cares about every person who passes through, and he takes the time to let you know that. Even if you are not Catholic, he finds time for everyone's needs and concerns. He also takes part in student activities, he eats with us and goes to our games. He loves us all. I am honored to know a man like Father Szupper. I will never forget his dedication to our ministry and us.”

Father Szupper is honestly the most amazing human being I have ever met. Knowing him makes you want to learn more and do more for not only the Church and the community, but also for yourself. His simple words of wisdom and support guide students in more ways than he will probably ever know. He does what he does simply because he loves it, and his dedication touches everyone who meets him—even if only for a minute. Simply put, Father Szupper may just be an angel sent down by God to give students a touch of hope and faith, whether the times be good or bad. Thanks for recognizing such a great man!”

“Father Szupper is absolutely inspiring! He is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. His kindness, generosity and one-of-a-kind smile welcome every person who comes through that chapel door. He helps students along in their journey with God by relating the Sunday readings to our everyday lives—exams, relationships, homesickness, etc. I don't think any of us could thank him enough for the guidance and wisdom he provides us every Sunday.”

“It is a privilege to be in ministry with Father Mike. He is a man filled with grace, wisdom and compassion. His love for his God and the people entrusted to him is Father Mike's way of being. He is a sincere person striving to make this campus community a more humane place for everyone. Father Mike is one of God's sons called to a special ministry where he merges knowledge and vital spirituality. It is a joy to be a colleague with Father Mike, building bridges among all the faith traditions on campus.”

“Father Szupper is a wonderful person to have on campus. I am often amazed by his ability to relate to us as college students. He has always struck me as the quintessence of what a campus priest should be. He always has a kind word and a genuine interest in what every individual thinks and does. His homilies are often filled with wisdom, humor and inspiration that cannot be found anywhere else. He is truly a remarkable man, and I am delighted to see that the University feels the same.”

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