In each issue as we countdown toward the new millennium, we are bringing you the countdown of the TOP 100 CATHOLICS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY as voted upon by the readers. We will spotlight each of the 100 Top Catholics chosen by readers over a three month period of time earlier this year. We received a total of 23,455 votes nominating 728 candidates for "Top 100 Catholics of the 20th Century" consideration. The top five vote-getters garnered 9,477 with the top ten registering a total 13,470. The Top 100 chosen received 21,603 votes or 92% of the total with those 628 candidates not making the list receiving 8% of the vote.
Caliber-wise in the final tally, DAILY CATHOLIC readers made excellent choices and there is a good balance throughout the century list. Eight of the nine Roman Pontiffs of this century made the list except for Pope John Paul I whose pontificate lasted only one month. There are five Saints and six Blesseds as well as seven whose cause for Beatification has been introduced to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. The voters selected fifteen cardinals, seven bishops, nineteen priests, seven nuns and two lay brothers. The laity is well represented with four entertainers, four politicians, six renowned secular authors, and numerous dynamic Marian luminaries that have proved their worth through the fruits they have produced by their efforts. Education checks in with several who made the list in all aspects of scholastics including two university presidents and the pro-life movement also has several organizers who made the list as well as well-known leaders of various Catholic non-profit organizations dedicated to upholding the truths of the Church.
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96. Dolores Hope
They say behind every great man is a greater woman and we would like to think that is true in respect to the person the voters chose as the 96th selection of the TOP 100 CATHOLICS OF THE CENTURY. She is Dolores Hope, the long-time devoted, faithful wife to superstar Bob Hope. She was chosen by the voters because of her philanthropy to Catholic causes both through contributions and her hands-on service in striving to make a better world while always keeping Christ's teachings paramount in living her faith. What voters didn't realize is that being chosen 96th is significant for Bob just celebrated his 96th birthday on May 29th. He can no longer be considered just American's favorite comedian, but rather an American institution and one of this country's priceless treasures. He truly knows that he has long been enriched by another treasure - his loving wife Dolores.
She was born Dolores DeFina in the Bronx earlier in this century and from the age of five exhibited a desire to be a singer, practicing her talents in church and on stage. In 1930, her agent recommended she change her name to Dolores Reade because a Broadway singer Florence Reed was popular at that time. Three years later, while she was singing in the Vogue Club, another young singer and promising male vaudevillian came by to hear her. It was love at first sight and on February 19, 1934 Bob and Dolores Hope said "I do." Both have been loyal to their vows, respecting the institution of matrimony and the sacramental aspect of marriage. Their lasting bond has become legendary in a town where such values are not practiced. Though Bob has never converted, he has never stood in Dolores' way and stands by her proudly in all her Catholic activities. Dolores is a daily communicant, often at the St. Charles Borromeo parish closest to their residence in Toluca Lake. She gains strength everyday from the Sacraments and God has truly blessed her life.
Though she put singing on the back burner to be a devoted wife, she often joined Bob on his memorable and laudable overseas tours to entertain the troops. Periodically when she sang "Silent Night" at Christmas festivities for the troops such as Bob's 22nd and final overseas Christmas tour, macho guys were so moved that many wept like a baby. And even today...after all these years, her voice is still powerful.
What is also powerful is her resolve to balance her duties as a devoted, supporting, loving wife and mother with her own interests which have been varied and always involve helping others. She received the "Gift of Life Award" in recognition for her pioneering, relentless spirit and serving as Founding President of the Holy Family Adoption Service. She was named "Outstanding Mother of the Year" by Helping Hands Organization at Cedars-Sinai Hospital, received the "Eleanor Darnell Carroll Award" from Georgetown University for being an ideal role model as wife and mother, and was recently presented the "Living Legacy Award" by Women's International Center. Her active contributions to the Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Desert are well-documented and it is largely through her efforts that the hospital has been so successful. The Hospital Board recognizes this for they chose her as the Chairman of the Board. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Throughout the years she has received honorary doctorates from Benedictine College, St. Bonaventure University, St. Louis University and St. Michael's College, to name a few.
The Hopes are now in their 65th year of wedded bliss as they live out their autumn years together, having raised four children, Linda, Tony, Kelly and Honorah who have rewarded them with a covey of grandchildren and great-grandchildren they can be proud of. To find out more about the Hopes, you can go to their own 96 Years of Hope. Dolores Hope is an example of a lay person exemplifying what Saint Therese the Little Flower preached, "Don't worry about doing the extraordinary things; rather strive to do the ordinary things in an extraordinary way." By living this advice in all aspects of her life spiritually, mentally and physically, Dolores Hope has become an extraordinary Catholic and will be remembered for embodying what the Blessed Mother asks. To borrow a phrase long associated with Bob, "Thanks for the memories."
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