Sights & Sounds: Meet Bishop-elect Chau’s friend and helper, Hardy (Photos)
When you meet with Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau, you may also be greeted by his friend Hardy. This amiable mutt, a Staffordshire Terrier-Pitbull mix, is not just a pet; he’s a true helper in the bishop-elect’s ministry, helping to spread a message of welcome and warmth so that the love of Christ can be experienced by all.
The two first met when Father Chau was the pastor of Saint John’s Church and Saint Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral. His owner, a homeless woman, would bring Hardy to the parish soup kitchen.
“He was a puppy back then,” the Bishop-elect recalled.
When a nurse in the parish later saw that Hardy was sick and suffering from mange, she purchased him from the woman and brought him to a vet.
Fr. Chau had expressed some interest in getting a dog, so the woman approached him and told him the story. “And that’s how we came together,” the bishop-elect said. “I was really surprised when she brought him to me, because I was expecting to see a puppy, but he had really grown!”
A temporary parting
Hardy turned out to be a good partner in Fr. Chau’s ministry, especially at the Newman Center at Rutgers University, where he was a campus minister. “Hardy loved the students,” the bishop-elect said. Of course, the students all loved Hardy, too. He radiates gentleness and acceptance—and he loves to be pet.
His friendly attitude has made Hardy an important fixture in the communities where Bishop-elect Chau has served. When he became rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, however, the two had to be parted, at least temporarily.
Bishop-elect Chau tried to turn his dog over to two different owners, but both times things didn’t work out. When Cardinal Tobin heard about poor Hardy’s plight, he kindly allowed Fr. Chau to take Hardy in until a new owner could be found. But over the next two years, no one stepped up.
Clearly, Jesus intended for Fr. Chau and Hardy to stay together.
That has been good news for the parish community at the Cathedral. Just like the students at Rutgers, they have fallen in love with Hardy, who is now nine years old, and will miss him terribly.
When Bishop-elect Chau moves to his new parish residence, Hardy will be joining him to enrich their new community with his gentle, loving presence.
Click HERE to see more images of Hardy.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: Meet Hardy, friend and helper of Bishop-elect Pedro Bismarck Chau (Photo courtesy of Bishop-elect Chau)
