ODU Professor Edits Newly Published Book

August 17, 2004

COLUMBUS, OH - A new book edited by Ohio Dominican University Philosophy (and Theology) professor Quentin Colgan, Ph.D., chronicles the life of Virginia Cyr, an inspiring woman who spent her brief life spreading God's love, despite her disability. God's Little Hobo is a compilation of Cyr's faith-filled journal entries.

Virginia Cyr, God's Little Hobo, published by Our Sunday Visitor Press, is a collection of the journal entries of Virginia Cyr, who has been affectionately dubbed "God's Little Hobo" for her willingness to spend time with all who invited her into their homes and into their lives. Afflicted with cerebral palsy and abandoned at age four, Cyr was placed in an orphanage, in several foster homes, and by age 19, was living in a nursing home.

Throughout her life, Cyr longed to become a sister but could find no Catholic community that would accept her in light of her disability. Instead, her good friend and spiritual director, Father Keith Hosey, encouraged her to "take private vows to live the life of commitment wherever God took her." She took these vows on August 15, 1962, pledging to be Father Hosey's co-missionary. Tragically, Cyr died of cerebral palsy on February 3, 1967 at age 24. Through the writings contained in this book, Cyr chronicles her will to live solely for God; her quest for holiness; and her unique relationship with the Blessed Mother.

Dr. Colgan first met Cyr when he was a Frater (junior monk) at the St. Meinrad Archabbey in southern Indiana. While the senior monks were on retreat, he was put in charge of the guests. Knowing that there was a visitor who had cerebral palsy, he dutifully decided to look in on her to see if there was anything he could do for her. When he entered her room, instead of the helpless disabled woman he had expected, he found Virginia to be an enthusiastic, intelligent and highly motivated young woman; someone whose joy was absolutely infectious.

Dr. Colgan spent countless hours with Cyr, learning about her passions and sharing in her faith. He discovered that she lovingly and painstakingly typed page after page of affectionate letters to Mary. The letters, compiled in several loose-leaf notebooks, were written over a four-year period and spanned almost 1,000 pages. Cyr had known Dr. Colgan only ten days when she decided he was the person who was supposed to have her journals after she died. The journals will eventually be donated to the St. Meinrad Archabbey Library in St. Meinrad, Indiana, and made available to others for continued research.

Dr. Colgan explains the inspiration behind the book: "Over the years, I have pondered as to the best manner in which to allow Virginia's life and message to touch the lives of others. I felt the best way to share Virginia's spirituality was to publish her journals in this book. These journal entries radiate her unbounded faith and deep love of Mary and God," he said.

Cyr began writing the journals in February of 1962 when she was 19 and continued writing until November 1966, when she became too weak to write or dictate. Each journal entry is abundant with faith in God, love for Mary, and appreciation for every aspect of her own life.

"It never occurred to me to pray for the repose of her soul," said Dr. Colgan. "Upon hearing of her death, I began praying to her, for I knew that the best friend I had yet had in my life was now a saint in heaven."

In a review for the Daily Sun Times (The Villages, Florida), writer Theresa Campbell said "reading this book is humbling. And for those who knew her, the words are even more profound." For Dr. Colgan, the book is more than just a young girl's journal; it is the embodiment of her spirituality. He believes that many readers will pick up this book in much the same way that he knocked on the door to Cyr's guest room for the first time . . . completely oblivious of the depth of grace within.

Dr. Colgan has taught in ODU's Division of Philosophy and Theology for nearly 20 years and was recently appointed Chair of the Division. He has delivered papers at the annual meeting of the American Catholic Philosophical Association, and the Twentieth World Congress of Philosophy. Several of his articles have appeared in PERSPECTIVES, the journal of the Association for General and Liberal Studies. Dr. Colgan holds a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from St. Meinrad College and a master's degree in Divinity from its School of Theology; master's degrees in Art from the University of Notre Dame and in Philosophy from St. Louis University; and a doctoral degree in Philosophy from Duquesne University.