“Agape, the love of each one of us for the other, from the closest to the furthest, is in fact the only way that Jesus has given us to find the way of salvation and of the Beatitudes.”
– Pope Francis
Recently, I was sharing with a group of Catholic leaders what makes our founder, Tim Flanagan, such an incredible witness: his authenticity, his generosity, and the way he invests in the person in front of him - whether they be a new team member, a titan of industry, or a stranger. While Tim is grateful for compliments, he is always quick to point to those who deserve the real credit; those who made him and shaped him. First and foremost, he points to the Lord, and close behind, he credits his wife of six decades, Terese.
You may have come across Tim, but probably not Terese. She once described herself to me as Tim’s “silent partner.” As I turned 43 this month, it struck me that Tim was about my age when the Lord began to tug on his heart with the vision of Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI). I know how it feels for our clan of six to try and balance ministry and life. When he founded CLI, Tim and Terese were not only in the throws of raising five children, but Tim was also a leading executive in one of the country’s largest financial service firms. Terese could’ve easily said, “Not yet Tim. We’ve got enough on our plate.” The Flanagan Family singularly funded this brand-new idea for the first decade, relying on volunteers, and devoting countless nights and weekends to this mission. Terese would’ve been well within her spousal duty to remind Tim about college tuitions and vacations.
I have no doubt there were some serious conversations, and Tim has told me about more than a few sleepless nights. However, at the end of the day, wherever Tim felt called to go, Terese made it possible. When Tim needed to show up, Terese was either by his side or holding down the fort. When Tim had doubts, Terese reminded him who he was and whose he was. I was always amazed at how little affirmation or recognition Terese needed. She would say, “He’s called. He’s got to follow.”
Terese was called home to heaven last Wednesday, February 26, 2025, by the same Lord that called her husband to mission. She was supported on that journey with prayers by the same husband and family that she supported for so many years.
As my little family prayed through tears for a family that feels like our own, I couldn’t help but think of the “silent partners” in my life. Who are the Tereses in my life who support and sacrifice, care for and challenge me, with no expectation of a reward or return for themselves? They simply believed in my call, and they knew I needed to follow. When you look up the Catholic definition of love, you quickly find “agape,” defined as “a love that's freely chosen and given to others for their own good, not for one's own.” Who do I love like that? Who do I love in the way Terese loved Tim?
As we pray for Tim, his family, and the community that will prepare to say their earthly farewell to Terese, let’s make sure to say thank you to that spouse or friend, sibling or teacher, parent or child that helps us to answer the unique call God has for us, simply because they love us. More importantly, let’s honor Terese and Tim by being a silent partner in someone else’s pursuit of their mission.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
+Rest in Peace+ Terese Flanagan
Terese M. (nee Maguire) age 81 of West Chester passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Beloved wife of 60 years to Timothy C. Flanagan. Devoted mother of Donna Bearden, M.D., Timothy Jr. (Jeanine), Michael (Kimberly), Nancy Young (Wendell), Stephen (Genevieve), and Trish Young (Brendan). Loving MeMa of 18 grandchildren and dear great-grandmother of 3.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial:
Friday, March 7, 2025
Visitation: 9:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 1325 Boot Road, West Chester, PA 19380.
Interment private. FAMILY REQUESTS NO FLOWERS, but please consider making a donation in Terese's memory to the Catholic Leadership Institute, 301 Lindenwood Drive, Suite 310, Malvern, PA 19355. Stretch Funeral Home - 610-446-1075.
CLI serves Church leaders, helping them rediscover their potential and forming them to be more intentional with those they serve.
CLI helps empower and energize Catholic leaders by providing focus and courage to engage the culture with an apostolic mindset.
CLI provides vision and hope about the future of the Church with a humble, yet strategic approach.
