USD Magazine Summer 2006

In the ‘80s, Mullen was well-known as the Harley- riding priest. While he keeps a lower profile these days, he still enjoys riding his bike.

and whether it’s possible to be simultaneously affluent and virtuous. “Wealth often accumulates as a means to a pleasurable life,” he muses. “Though it’s easy to equate happiness with pleasure, the two are closer to antonyms than synonyms.” He pauses and looks directly at the congregants seated before him. “Remember that pleasure is transitory. Happiness is a more enduring peace.” When the service ends, emerging from the dim light of the chapel into the sunlit day is a revelation. It seems likely that more than one blinking attendee will spend the afternoon pondering their own quests for lasting happiness. Given that his devotion to students shows in every aspect of his work, it’s only fitting that they reciprocate, in spades. Back at the lunch

table, the guys can’t say enough good things about him. “Father Mullen has had more of an influence on the students than anyone else on campus.” In between bites, senior Mark Kondrat is emphatic. “I look forward to hearing him say Mass. Some homilies are kind of long and drawn out, but Father Mullen throws in some humor.” Fellow lunchtime regular Joe Burns is eager to put in his own 2 cents. “We have never had a more dedicated adviser. He’s been a friend and mentor to all of us. If you asked anyone in the fraternity, they would all point to him as the person who made the biggest impact.” Mullen, busy bantering with the lacrosse players who just joined the table, misses the accolades. No matter. He probably already knows.

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