Father Kegler's Message:

Dear Friends of Dr. Dooley,

         If you have been reading the newspapers and magazines of recent weeks, you have noticed the name of Dr. Tom Dooley frequently mentioned. The news release in July of a C.I.A. connection with Dr. Tom at first seemed to be adverse publicity, but it afforded me the unique opportunity of explaining the truth regarding Tom and the C.I.A., plus an opportunity to once again place the work of the Cause before the eyes of millions of people. Through a newspaper clipping agency we were able to estimate that over 600 U.S. newspapers carried the articles which were read by 55 million people. Furthermore, many countries (Denmark, Germany, Italy, England, Canada) carried the articles in their native language. Inquiries have come from every corner of the globe. Most people were able to read through the sensationalism of the articles and come to the conclusion that Tom Dooley never was a C.I.A. Agent, but merely a staunch and loving patriot - a man who dearly loved his country and could not bear to see the additional cross of Communism placed on the shoulders of the people of Laos and Vietnam.

         Eventually, we here at the office of the Cause, would have had to face squarely this particular problem of Tom and the C.I.A. Now that it has come to the fore and aired, its impact has been greatly lessened.

         A September visit from Father Angelo Mitri, O.M.I., Postulator of Oblate Causes in Rome, gave us the opportunity to examine the whole Dooley-C.I.A. problem. Conclusions were definitely positive.

         We must go ahead, with a definitive biography. We already have been in contact with prospective authors who would be willing to undertake the task. Our greatest obstacle is money, since such a project takes much time and research. Please pray that we will find the necessary funds to finance this project. It will cost into the thousands of dollars.

         In October, I had the immense joy of once again being in New York City for the annual celebration by the Tom Dooley Heritage of a Memorial Service honoring Dr. Tom Dooley. The service took place at noon on October 27th at St. Agnes Church, a place where Tom loved to pray on his visits to New York. After the Mass, a brunch followed in the Empire Room of the Hotel Lexington. Many friends and admirers of Dr. Tom were present. The Tom Dooley Heritage sponsors an annual memorial Mass for Dr. Tom. For 17 years, this memorial service was held in January close to or on Tom's anniversary of death. January winds and cold weather often hindered many from attending. In1978 the decision was made to move the service to October 14th, the first anniversary of the opening of the Tom Dooley Memorial Hospital in Thailand. This year's service marked the 18th anniversary of Dr. Tom's death (Jan. 18, 1961) and the second anniversary of the opening of the hospital. This hospital is a tangible evidence of Tom's influence on so many people who are dedicated to carrying on the great legacy he left behind. I cannot urge you enough to support this remarkable and "miracle" hospital. Recent newspaper and magazine articles have clearly brought out the plight of the refugees in Thailand as well as the "boat people". Please open your hearts to the needs of the Tom Dooley Memorial Hospital. Send your contributions to:

                  Tom Dooley Heritage, Inc.
                  P.O. Box 1907
                  Grand Central Station
                  New York, N.Y. 10017

         May I ask your continued prayers for the many people who are seeking cures and healings through the intercession of Dr. Tom. I continue to offer a monthly Mass for you and all these intentions. A miracle through Dr. Tom's intercession would help the Cause immensely. Please do not hesitate to send me your requests and prayers.

         May the love, peace and joy which the Lord brought to us when he became a man in Bethlehem be your's throughout the New Year.

In the Lord and Dr. Tom,
Father Kegler