A Beautiful Day to Remember a Neighbor: Fred Rogers and Me

By Rev. Fr. Matthew H. Phelan, O. de M.

Spiritual Moderator, Saint Raymond Nonnatus Foundation for Freedom, Family, & Faith

I remember spending my early years in Racine, Wisconsin, watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" at 12:30pm on WMVS, Channel 10 (Milwaukee).

Now, I do not have a photographic memory. As a man who is pushing 50, there are only a few vague images and snippets that still remained in my head: the regular cast of neighbors and puppets, Purple Panda (the only character that kind of creeped me out), and my first introduction to opera singing. I also remember my mother telling me that Mr. Rogers helped me to realize that I would never go down the drain [in the bathtub].

Last Saturday, Divine Providence brought me to a local cinema that was showing Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, directed by Morgan Neville. The film examines the life and legacy of the late Fred Rogers. As I watched this wonderful documentary unfold, however, I found myself deeply moved. It was as if I was being reunited with an old friend that I had not seen since my childhood.

Fred Rogers was truly a gift from God. He was a person who found a way to bring out the best in us. As I watched this film, I came to the realization that his compassion and his ability to see the image of God in each and every human person had a permanent effect on me.

My parents, of happy memory, were wonderful people. Mr. Rogers in his distinctive way helped to reinforce that which my parents taught me, and helped them to bring out the best in me. When I was alone , he helped me to not feel lonely and he inspired me to use my imagination; however, I did not fully appreciate his contribution at the time. As time passed, not only had I forgotten the impact he had on me, I was unaware of it. Therefore, I was not ready for the emotion that welled up inside me as I watched Won’t You Be My Neighbor?.

In our day of entertainment saturation, social media obsession, disrespect, objectification, bullying, and the new norm of narcissism that leads to the dehumanizing of anyone with whom we disagree—even to the point of violence and mass murder—how we need someone like Fred Rogers.

We need someone to remind us at a very early age that each and every one of us is special—not because of anything we have done, nor because of anything that anyone else has done [or not done] to us or for us. Every human person is special because God made us and loves us.

Some cynics once blamed the entitlement mentality on Fred Rogers, i.e. people think they deserve something for nothing because “everybody is special.” In their mind, the laziness and apathy of a generation were somehow his fault. Frankly, I think that this opinion misses the mark.

I would argue that many people want something for nothing because they do NOT realize the wonderful things that they CAN do because they ARE unique. Unfortunately, we often let culture decide what and who matters or doesn’t matter, who and what is important and unimportant, and who and what is valuable and not valuable. Thus, people lose hope, become bitter, and often despair. We have lost sight of the “little things” that really matter—such as treating others with kindness, dignity, and respect.

Fred Rogers had the capacity to convey the love of God to others, without pretentious preaching. He had the gift of helping each person to recognize that they possessed something in their being that was completely and utterly irreplaceable. His compassion and genuine interest moved us to never give up until we discovered and fostered that uniqueness, and recognized it in others.

God placed Mr. Rogers in this world for a time to help me to be a better person, and I am thankful for that. I pray that each day, with the help of God’s grace, I may be a better priest and help others to discover their God-given potential.

Mr. Rogers, I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you! I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you, so… Since your time in this world ended 15 years ago, I pray that I will choose to be the type of neighbor that others would want. I pray that I will be the neighbor that God wants me to be. Finally, Mr. Rogers, as you hoped and prayed when your end on earth neared, I too pray that I may be counted among the sheep.

[To comment on this post or other posts on this blog, please use the "Log In/Sign Up" button at the top right hand of the page. You may sign up using your email address, FACEBOOK, or GOOGLE+. Once approved, you will be able to comment at will.]