Jennings celebrates March anniversary with Founder’s Day

The month of March is special at Jennings, not just because of St. Patrick’s Day. March 17 is celebrated as Founder’s Day in honor of Monsignor Gilbert Patrick Jennings, whose vision began the original Jennings Hall. According to diocesan historian Father Nelson Callahan, Monsignor Jennings was very insightful for his time. “He was always thinking bigger. He understood a lot.”

Monsignor Jennings set aside a sizable portion of his estate to “establish a self-sustaining but non-profit institution, which by providing dwelling facilities at operating cost, shall enable deserving aged persons with inadequate income to live in a religious and comfortable atmosphere that they deserve but otherwise could not enjoy.”

March 17 has been established as Founder’s Day at Jennings to commemorate the start of our mission, which began with the dedication of the first Jennings Hall building on March 17, 1942. Jennings today is a shining example of Monsignor Jennings’ foresight and vision. As we carry out our mission as stated in his last will and testament, we remember the life and times of Monsignor Jennings and remain true to his values.

Take a brief photo tour of our history at

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