This article initially appeared in the fall 2025 issue of The Vincentian, the quarterly newsletter of the Congregation of the Mission Western Province.
In his youth, Ernie Wish says he was a “Christian nomad.” But after years of a boyhood friend urging him to look into Catholicism, Ernie joined the Church.
That was back in the 1950s. Ernie and his wife Joan were a young Chicago couple working hard to make ends meet and looking forward to starting a family.
“I’d gotten out of the Army,” Ernie recalls. “We didn’t have two nickels to rub together. We both needed jobs, and I wanted to finish college with the help of tuition assistance from the GI Bill.”
Enrolling in DePaul University, Mr. Wish began what has become a 75-year relationship with the school and the Vincentians.
“I made friendships at DePaul that were everlasting and life-changing. Fr. John Richardson (C.M.) became a dear, dear friend. He was at the altar when Joan and I renewed our vows at 25 and 50 years. I was also good friends with Fr. Comerford O’Malley (C.M.).”
As their means grew, Ernie and Joan began a tradition of financially supporting the Congregation of the Mission. Ernie says it was the Vincentians’ spirit of concern for the poor and others in need that led him to adopt an attitude of giving.
“The confreres have an urge to help people,” he said. “Their being is directed to the less fortunate. The lesson I took from the Vincentians was to care for people who are in need. And it isn’t about great wealth. It’s about the little things, treating people with dignity –– from the one who sweeps up behind you at a restaurant to whoever else you meet day-to-day.”
After Joan’s passing, the widower remarried. Fr. John presided over Ernie and Mimi’s vows back in 2005. The couple, now 94 and 93 years old, continue providing for the community of priests and brothers dear to their heart.
“If I had a single word to capture the Vincentians’ attitude that rubbed off on me, it is RESPECT,” he said. “Respect others and show it in kindness in every way you can. To me, the Vincentians embody that. Charitable giving can and should be a joy. People who do not know the joy of giving miss one of the great experiences of life.”
Ernie Wish is a 1957 and 1991 graduate of DePaul University. His dedication of time, talent, and treasure to Vincentian education and ministries confirms his commitment to emulating the life of St. Vincent de Paul.
Photo captions:
- (top left) Ernie Wish and wife Mimi
- (bottom right) Wish Field at DePaul University is named for the Wish family. Ernie Wish is a longtime supporter of the Vincentians and DePaul University.