Father Frederick M. Enman, SJ, who served for decades at Boston College Law School as special assistant to the dean of students and chaplain, is retiring. His many contributions to the community were celebrated on October 15 with a Mass and reception.
A man of scholarly, spiritual, and judicial interests—he’s a legal aid lawyer by training and director of a housing nonprofit—Father Enman graduated from Wesleyan University and earned a JD from BC Law in 1978, a master of arts degree in philosophy from BC, a master of divinity and a master of theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now the School of Theology and Ministry), and a diploma of legal studies from Oxford University.
“Fred Enman has been a Gentle Giant at the Law School for many years,” observed Professor Emerita Judith McMorrow. “Both in his earlier role as special assistant to the dean of students and his work as chaplain, he has guided an untold number of students, staff, and faculty during important transitions.”
Father Enman’s influence extends well beyond campus. In 1988, he founded—and still directs—Matthew 25, which has renovated and constructed affordable homes and apartments for some twenty low-income families in Worcester. The nonprofit was built with strategic partnerships and the support of donors and local volunteers, some of them BC Law students. For several years, he also gave a jambalaya party to recruit students to travel with him to New Orleans to provide legal assistance to victims of Hurricane Katrina. As the headline of a 2015 BC News article about Father Enman so aptly put it, his is “a faith that shelters.”
A fellow alum and emeritus professor, Father Frank Herrmann ’77, praised his longtime colleague as “an accomplished preacher whose interpretations of sacred scripture were always inclusive, illuminating the Judeo-Christian call to all to render justice, especially to the poor and vulnerable.”
For such accomplishments, Father Enman has earned a number of awards, including the Isaac Hecker Award for Social Justice and the John W. Spillane Award for Distinguished Christian Leadership.
At the conclusion of the Mass at Trinity Chapel, during which Father Enman spoke of “biblical justice” and expressed joy for having been able to live out BC’s Jesuit mission of doing good for others, his listeners offered “amens”—and applause.
They then retired to a reception in Barat House, where Professor Filippa Marullo Anzalone was among those who stepped up to pay him tribute. “We will never forget how you made us feel and we [will] sorely miss you here at BC Law,” she said. “No one gives such beautifully powerful sermons at Mass, that are so complete, and yet succinct, direct, and eloquent. No one.”
In her remarks, BC Law Dean Odettte Lienau expressed gratitude for his service. “We have been so fortunate to have him here at the Law School,” she told the gathering. “We pride ourselves on the strength of our community, and our support of students and each other. And Father Fred embodies both of these ideals.”
THE ANECDOTES AND MEMORIES THAT FOLLOW SAY MUCH THE SAME THING.
Father Fred Enman was the longtime advisor of the St. Thomas More Society but he did far more than simply put on a weekly mass. Father Fred, in many ways, was a pillar of the organization and its backbone. He would share his insights, stories, and advice over a slice of pizza in the Yellow Room. He remains an excellent role model to not only young Catholics, but all law students. His retirement leaves large shoes to fill within the St. Thomas More Society, but after years of service, there is simply no one more deserving of a long, peaceful retirement. We love you, Father Fred! — Student Ryan Miller ’25
Father Fred, as you retire, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the impact you’ve had on my time at BC Law. Our conversations about soul music brought so much joy and depth to our days as officemates, and hearing about your work with Matthew 25 was truly inspiring. Thank you for your kindness and guidance.” — Staff member Shermaine Estwick
Father Fred, I remember that I first met you when I interviewed here at BC Law—I think it was in April of 2002. I had stopped into the Trinity Chapel to say a prayer and look around before my interview. A man was in the choir loft and called a greeting down to me while I walked around the empty chapel. You said, hello. I responded and introduced myself. You invited me to stay for the noon Mass. I thanked you and said that I had an interview and asked you to pray for me. You laughingly responded that you would, and I left. You made such an impression on me, Fred. I fell in love with BC Law that day partly because of your open and guileless friendliness. — Filippa Marullo Anzalone
We have been blessed to have Father Fred’s presence and efforts at the Law School for so many years. He supported and encouraged students, staff, and faculty members in more ways than one can count. I will miss his wise counsel and willingness to listen to those needing guidance on issues from the mundane to spiritual. — Professor David Olson
Fred Enman has been one of my joys at BCLS. He is a dear friend, colleague, and totally committed to the mission of the Law School and University to shape students who will “do good” in their professional lives. His annual service trips to New Orleans were the perfect start.
[Beloved staff member] Helen Drinan and I attended an open house for a Matthew 25 home the project built for a family in Dorchester. The event was joyous (and not just because Father Fred cooked up some of his legendary jambalaya). The family was ecstatic, and the love between them and Father Fred was palpable.
We will all miss Fred Enman’s presence. My only consolation is that he’ll still join us at the Chinese buffet in Brighton that Fred discovered years ago. — Professor Mark Brodin
Father Fred and I worked together for many years to support spring break service opportunities for our students. I distinctly remember using my grandmother’s special chili recipe one year when he had organized a chili-making contest as part of fundraising efforts for his New Orleans trips. Also, I think we once sang together (or at least sang some songs around the same time and around the same tunes) in another fundraiser for our immigration trip to Miami and the New Orleans trip. It was always an inspirational joy to work with him and our students in these ways—among the best BCLS traditions. — Professor Daniel Kanstroom
Father Enman has been the soul of Boston College, and not just the Law School. His wise counseling and friendship has helped students and staff of all faiths and backgrounds. But he does not just “talk the talk!” Father Enman “walks the walk!” His Matthew 25 project has inspired countless of students and staff with what it means “to do something,” not just sit around.
My daughter was a BC undergraduate who became involved with Matthew 25, and it changed her life. Rather than fret about homelessness, Matthew 25 builds low-income housing with volunteer labor, including carpentry apprentices and high school students. Julia has gone on as a devoted grade teacher, helping some of the poorest students in her state learn English and get enough to eat. Father Enman’s influence on her, like so many, has been life-changing. When I think of what makes Boston College’s Jesuit Catholic tradition special for all of us privileged to be in this community, I think of Father Enman. — Professor Emeritus Daniel Coquillette
Father Enman was always the first to comfort community members in the event of an illness or death. He was always a beacon of hope and empathy. — Professor James Repetti
Father [Robert] Drinan, our former dean, talked about training architects of society. Father Fred, our former student, heard that hope. After law school he joined the Society of Jesus. In addition to celebrating daily masses, he provided a willing ear to many in our community. In his spare time, he founded Matthew 25 which provides housing to the homeless. — Professor Robert Bloom ’71
Father Fred celebrated a noon Mass every day but Friday. His masses were always joyful. He was always sensitive to everyone’s time, and always gave the best five-minute homilies I ever heard. They were thoughtful, learned and always left me with something to think about.
Father Fred founded Matthew 25. He would collect and sell stamps to help raise funds for it—heaven only knows what else he did! The Jesuits are supposed to be, as one of their mottos has it, “men for others.” In everything he did, Fred has always been a man for others. He has lived his priestly vocation to the full. — Professor Thomas Kohler
Such a sweet man. Whenever I was around him, I felt the presence of the Sermon on the Mount. — Professor Emeritus Charles “Buzzy” Baron