On April 23, 1938, Grady was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago by Cardinal George Mundelein.[4] Grady studied in Rome for a year before returning to Chicago. He earned a Master of Arts degree in English from Loyola University in 1944.[3] Grady then taught at Archbishop Quigley and later joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Lake, serving as procurator.[1]
Following the transfer of Bishop William Borders to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Grady was appointed the second bishop of the Diocese of Orlando by Paul VI on November 11, 1974.[4] He was installed on December 16 of that year.[4]
During his 15-year tenure in Orlando, Grady guided the diocese through a period of significant growth.[6] He oversaw the establishment 18 new parishes, a tourism ministry, the San Pedro Spiritual Development Center on the shores of Lake Howell, and a Mission Office to forge a relationship with a sister diocese. This Sister Diocese is the Diocese of San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic.[6] He expanded ministries to migrants and minorities, founded a scholarship program for African American students, and helped develop apartment buildings for the elderly.[2] He also wrote a weekly column called "The Bishop's Corner" for the Florida Catholic weekly newspaper.[2]
Retirement and death
After reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, Grady resigned on December 12, 1989.[4] He later died from a kidney ailment at his home in Altamonte Springs, Florida, at age 87 on April 21, 2002.[3]
Awards and honors
In his capacity as director of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Grady was directly involved in all aspects surrounding the purchase, installation, consecration, and dedication of its 56-bell carillon. As a result, The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America awarded him permanent, honorary membership in 1964.[5]