***Happy 100th Birthday to our Beloved Board Member Fr. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J. - November 2, 2025 ***

November 9, 2025

On November 9, 2025, a week after his actual birthday on All Souls Day, the combined communities of Chesterton Academy of St. James, Thomas Aquinas College and University of San Francisco Alums celebrated the 100th birthday of our beloved board member, Fr. Cornelius M. Buckley, S.J.. Eighty-five people attended this joyous and momentous occasion at Tesstarosa Winery in Los Gatos, California, ironically where Fr. Buckley worked as a novitiate.

The exuberant afternoon included photographs, momentos (including a “Guiness Bood of World Record” award for being the oldest serving board member of any institution in the world), videos, a stunning performance by the CASJ Choir, and rousing speeches culminating in a humorous and emotional introduction of Fr. Buckley by Ignatius Press founder and old friend, Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., and concluded with a beautiful, capstone speech by the man of the hour.

We are blessed to call Fr. Buckley, the Jesuit giant, a friend and fellow board member, and look to forward to his continued contributions to the Chesterton Academy of St. James where he continues to provide valuable insight, wisdom and his characteristic humor and wit.

Happy birthday, Fr. Buckley! May God continue to bless you in your service to His Church and to those of us in His vineyard. AMDG.