Personal

Date of Birth: January 21, 1943

Date of Ordination: May 14, 1969

Appointed Vicar General: February 21, 2006

Appointed Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI: August 27, 2010

Education

D. Min. (Doctor of Ministry), University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein - 1977

Master’s in Applied Spirituality, University of San Francisco, 1976

S.T.L. (Licentiate in Theology), University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, 1968

B.A., Niles College of Loyola University

Graduate of Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary

Pastoral Assignments
Other Positions

1969-1972 – Associate Pastor, St. Irenaeus Parish, Park Forest

1972-1975 – Faculty, Niles College of Loyola University

1975-1988 – Dean of Formation, Mundelein Seminary

University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein

1984-1992 – Vice Rector, Mundelein Seminary

University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein

1992-1995 – Co-Vicar for Priests, Archdiocese of Chicago

1995-2006 – Rector/President, Mundelein Seminary

University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein

2006-Present – Vicar General, Archdiocese of Chicago

Biographical Information

Fr. Canary was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, and is the third of four children.  He attended Christ the King Parish grammar school and was one of eleven graduates to go to Quigley Seminary for high school. In his youth he enjoyed playing basketball, skiing and playing tennis. With the wisdom that comes with age, he now focuses his leisurely pursuits mainly on golf. 

Fr. Canary completed graduate work at the University of San Francisco where he studied the writings of St. John of the Cross.  He believes St. John offers much wisdom for us today as we live our lives in faith.

Publications

September, 1998 – The Cardinal Suenens Program in Theology and Church Life, International Consultation for Seminary Rectors, “The Seminary as a Context for Modeling an Integrated Life”.

October, 2002 – North Park Theological Seminary Symposium on the Theological Interpretation of Scripture, Response to Professor John Weborg’s paper entitled, “Living with God”, published in Ex Auditu, Spring, 2004.