He worked as an electrical engineer for four years, before entering the seminary in 1984. By 1988, he had graduated with a degree in theology and served as an associate pastor on Chicago's northwest side. After a dozen years of working in different churches, he asked to become O'Hare's chaplain.
He'd become fascinated by the airport and the people in it after his predecessor led him and a church youth group on a tour.
"I'm thinking, this is a cool job to have: to be a part of people's lives in the place where they're working, and to be a significant presence for the travelers," Zaniolo said.
Now, he makes a walking tour of the airport every day. "If they don't come to the chapel, it's up to me to go to them," said Zaniolo, a short, gray-haired man with a quick wit and a patient attitude. O'Hare is so big it takes him a month to visit every location.
Assaulted by the scent of stale coffee, the priest skirted around the crowds preparing for their flights.
"How's life, Father Mike?" asked a janitor emptying a trash can. Security guards at the X-ray machine smiled and wished him a good morning. So did a pair of businessmen waiting to have their luggage screened.
Fear of flying rarely comes up in conversation these days. Instead, Zaniolo listens to worries about jobs, the economy and city budget cuts.
Mike McGraw, 54, an airport custodian who has attended services at the chapel for 33 years, passed by Zaniolo, slowing down long enough to shake hands and share the latest gossip about city layoffs.
McGraw said he's often more comfortable talking with Zaniolo than his local priest. "He understands what we're going through, because he's part of the community, too," he said.
McGraw's neighborhood has shifted over the years from an Irish community to one that is dominated by Polish and other Eastern European immigrants. The new priest speaks Polish; McGraw doesn't.
"See you upstairs?" Zaniolo asked.
McGraw nodded. He won't have trouble finding a seat. Though churches across the country report a surge in attendance since the economic downturn, O'Hare's chapel has emptied.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, the chapel's attendance grew thin. Now, Zaniolo said, things are worse.
There are fewer pilots stopping by, fewer shopkeepers taking a break, and a dwindling number of passengers seeking solace. The collection plate donations have thinned by at least 10%.
But it makes little difference to Father Mike that there are fewer people. He has a flock to attend to.
Zaniolo glanced at his cellphone to check the time. Overhead, the airport intercom speakers crackled.
"May I have your attention please," a woman said. "Mass will begin in 15 minutes. . . . Everyone is welcome to attend."
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p.j.huffstutter@latimes.com
