Christmas Giving ... A Gift

     At this Christmastime I would like to extend my best wishes and assure you of my heartfelt prayers in thanksgiving for the year past and expected blessings for the year to come.

     Christmas brings many memories, much emotion and a deepening of faith.  I will be celebrating at my sister, Jane's, at our family home.  We are of the age when material gifts are of lesser importance (although there will be a few of them).  Sharing faith ... being family ... giving love are the important things.  I recently saw the thought shown below and was inspired to share these thoughts with you as a part of my gift ... along with love and respect and great hope that these words will be taken to heart.

     Have a very joyous and peace-filled Christmas celebration and share the gift of yourself with the world.

A remarkable story

     Today, Tuesday, December 17th the Diocese of Greensburg will celebrate the passing of one of our oldest priests, Father Henry S. Preneta.  He died on the 12th of December at Saint Anne Home in Greensburg where he resided.  He served as a priest for 52 years.

     Father Preneta was born in Poland in 1926, and in his teenage years was forced to labor camp in Germany to work on German farms to free up German youth for military service.  When the war ended he came to the U.S.  Here he served in the United States Army for four years before beginning his seminary training that led to his ordination as a priest in 1967 at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral.  Father Henry served in a number of parishes, spent a year in India ministering to the poor, and served as a chaplain in two Veterans Administration Medical Centers for 30 years.  He retired in 1999.
Please pray for the repose of his soul and express your thanks for his years of priestly service.

     A few weeks ago, on November 27th, we buried Father Ronald J. Rutkowski who died at the age of 82 having served as a priest for 50 years.

     These latest funerals got me thinking of the remarkable story of service that has touched the Diocese of Greensburg in our 68 years as a diocese.

    We have what we call a Necrology - a listing of those priests who have died since the beginning of the diocese, along with their dates of death.  Unfortunately this list does not give us the number of years of priestly service, so we will have to imagine.

     From May of 1951 until the present we have been served by 215 priests who have died.  162 of them have died since I was ordained in 1973.  Last year one of our Filipino priests who was assisting our diocese also died in the parish.  This 216 does not include the Religious priests who have served in diocesan parishes who have died.

     Including our Filipino and Religious priests in the parishes today, there are presently 68 active priests, with 28 men in retirement, many of whom are still ministering even in their retirement years.

     Now try to imagine the number of years of faithful service this adds up to!  It staggers the mind.  Their stories are varied and their personalities unique, but their service and sacrifice in the name of Christ and his Church is uplifting.  I know that looking back on my 46 plus years I am overwhelmed by the grace and blessings of God, to me and through me to others.  How blessed is the Diocese of Greensburg for the 310 priests who have served or are serving the spiritual needs of God's people over these 68 years.  Even though about 25 of these men have been accused (but not all convicted) of misconduct, and this causes us to pause and to prayerfully seek forgiveness and reconciliation, we can and must give thanks for the remarkable story of these countless years of faithful priestly service.  With Christmas around the corner we can reflect on the gift given by these men.

     The future may seem challenging, but looking at the past we are assured that the Lord is near ... in our midst ... and will provide for his Church.

Rejoice in the Lord always

     Years ago when I was active in the Charismatic Renewal we often sang a lively song that went like this and was sung in the round:

 "Rejoice in the Lord always,

again I say rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always,

again I say rejoice!

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Again I say rejoice!

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Again I say rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always,

… "

     These are the words of the Entrance Antiphon for this Gaudete Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent.  They set the mood as we await the feast of the Lord's Nativity.  The reason given for rejoicing in the Lord always is simply that "Indeed, the Lord is near."

     Advent is moving fast.  This year has gone by very quickly.  Another decade is almost completed, and I for one could not have imagined welcoming in the year 2020 when I was a child.

     Rejoicing in what is and what could or will be is easier when you are young and full of anticipation and optimism and hope.  It may be easier in older age when our hope and expectation are focused on another dimension of life lived in the eternal glory of God.  However, there are more challenging aspects to rejoicing as we live our day to day existence in this world.  

     To be reminded on this Advent Sunday to rejoice is to be reminded that the coming of Jesus has already graced the world with the messianic promises made through the prophets and is echoed in the Church. The Lord has done great things for us.  We are blessed indeed.  And in that blessing we find it within ourselves to rejoice ... and to share our joy and hope with others.     

Seeking the Truth

     Continuing my reflection on the clergy sexual abuse scandal, I would like to share these thoughts on seeking the truth and justice for all.  Please note: these are my personal thoughts only.

     The well publicized Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report of August of 2018 made it clear that there were over 300 accusations made against priests in six of the eight dioceses in the Commonwealth (the two others had their own Grand Jury Reports previously) over the last 70 years.  With persistent requests by civil and Church authorities for victims to step forward, and with the relentless solicitation by a number of lawyers and firms, the numbers grew.  In our diocese there were, I believe, twenty-one men accused in the report, with about four additionally accused since then.  These accusations go back many years, with very few if any current in our day.  Looking at the list of priests who served in the Diocese of Greensburg since 1951 when the Diocese was formed, there have been 213 priests who served here who have died.  With the number serving or retired at this time, the number reaches just over 300.  Add the men who have left active ministry for a host of reasons over these years, and the number grows greatly.   These have been and continue to be good men of faith, dedicated to the service of the Lord and committed to living out the Gospel life.  Like all of us journeying toward our perfect union with the Lord of Life, we are sinners striving to be saints.  

      When we fall, the entire community suffers.  As sinners we are called to repentance.  We must face the consequences of our actions and make amends.  And when justice is brought about, it must be adequate and fair.  As Christians, justice must be tempered by mercy.  Only then can it lead to healing and not revenge.  And isn't this what we need ... healing and reconciliation as well as justice and peace.

     As an article from the August edition of Psychology Today by Thomas Plante which I mentioned in a previous post observes ... though most are, not every report of clerical sexual abuse is true.  There are a host of reasons for this observation.  We live in a very accusatory world.  However, every acusation must be looked at and its truthfulness determined before we pass judgement.   This must be done in civil law as well as in Church law.  The difficulty lies in the fact that so many accusations come from years ago when proof is elusive because of death or sketchy memory or lack of evidence.  That is, in my understanding, one of the reasons for statutes of limitations.  The vast majority of those accused in this diocese have accusations made long after their deaths.  The process needs to provide the one accused the ability to defend themselves and their reputations, and an unbiased court of law (Church and civil alike) to determine the truthfulness ... not the court of public opinion and the press.

     This is one of my personal problems with the Grand Jury Report (and the Grand Jury system).  It is in practice one sided.  The prosecutor seeks out whatever testimony and information they need to bring an individual to trial.  Then both sides present their cases before a judgement is rendered.  Last August the world was told that all three hundred plus men who were accused Catholic priests were guilty of terrible actions and not entitled to defend themselves against these accusations.  The news media painted them with one brush stroke, and hinted that the Church and the majority of her priests were included in that broad stroke of the brush of accusation and guilt.

     And if you will excuse a personal judgemental feeling, there were a number of lawyers and law firms that saw big bucks in attacking the institution of the Church rather than only the individual and have become a new form of abulance chasers.

     I personally have become aware of three friends who suffered at the hands of one of the accused priests from the report.  I have no doubts regarding their experience, even though I was totally unaware of these things happening.  In fact, I even served in a parish with this priest many years later without any indication that something like this had ever taken place.  I was shocked and disappointed with this priest and deeply saddened for my classmates and friends.  I heard from one yesterday who spoke powerfully of his journey from hurt and pain to the merciful and healing embrace of the Lord through the Church.  He assured me that he prays for his abuser and the bishop at the time … and that he names me and other priests in his prayers.  I am deeply moved by his generous response to the Lord's love and compassion.

    The journey ahead is only beginning and there will be challenging days ahead for the Church - the faithful and those who serve them in the name of the Lord.  But this is the Lord's Church, and he has promised to always be faithful to his covenant.  He has promised that the "gates of hell" shall not prevail against her.  He has promised us healing and love.   Rely on that promise.   

The Darkness of our times

     I am a person who delights in the daylight.  The longer the opportunity to be out in the sun the better.  Thus the beginning of the return to "regular time" which began this past weekend with the end of Daylight Saving Time does not make me happy.

     However, it is not only the lessening of daylight in our lives, but the pervasive darkness of evil in our society and our world as the years go on that concerns me even more.  There is a new program on one of the networks that is entitled "Evil".  I have not and will not watch the program for the simple reason that there is enough evil in the world today for me to deal with.  With evil comes darkness, and with darkness comes fear and from fear comes confusion and even more darkness.

     Our world is set on a path that does not reflect gospel values and therefore is often devoid of God's love and mercy.  We are self-centered and self-possesed.  We are often filled with hurt and anger and seek our "pound of flesh".  We accuse, we sue, we hate, we harden our hearts, and we are found wanting in so many ways.

     As I mentioned in my last post, the scandal that has publically rocked our Church since the terrible revelation of pedophilia and sexual abuse of minors by priests in the Boston area in 2002 and the subsequent revelations over the years has brought us to our knees.  The efforts of the Church to deal with these sinful acts of some of her ministers and the Church's failures to respond adequately continue to be ongoing as we find better ways to deal with this darkness.  The Pennsylvania Grand Jury report of last August and the growing inquiries across the nation and the world reveal a need to be vigilant in living the gospel ... the need to address those who have been hurt and devastated by these sinful acts ... the desire for justice for the accusing victims as well as for the accused victims (I include those accused because not all have been found guilty or have had their ability to defend their good names before being condemned and labeled) ... and the need to repent, to forgive, to heal and to restore dignity to all caught up in this mess.

     In my reading I have heard time and time again that the vast majority of sexual pedophiles (young children) or of adolescent teens are found in families: parents or siblings or grandparents or aunts and uncles, etc.  In an article in Psychology Today this past August it was pointed out that 4% of Catholic clerics had credible or substantiated accusations of child sexual abuse of minors in the last fifty years.  This same article mentions a U.S. Department of Education study that found that about 6% of public school teachers had credible or substantiated claims of abuse during the same time period.  It also pointed out that 3 to 5 % of all men meet the criteria for pedophilia.  It concludes that "there is simply no evidence that Catholic priests sexually abuse children or teens at rates higher than other groups of men."  This is not presented as an excuse but rather to place the crisis in a more proper framework.

     Sexual abuse is rampant in society.  The abuse of children is particularly abhorant.  The fact that men of God who minister a gospel of dignity and love are found guilty of such acts is scandalous beyond imagining.  But that the Church and her priests are part of an organized criminal activity to be singled out and made examples of is unfair and unjust.  Serious mistakes have been made in some cases by the Church in her handling of these cases, but to go after the Church, attempting to bring her down or to get big settlements is a "lawyer thing" that fuels the anti-Catholic attitude still found in our society.  When was the last time you saw a school district or other organization being accused or sued or dragged over the coals?  We have much to be ashamed of ... much to make amends for ... tremendous work to bring healing and forgiveness to devastating memories.  But we have Christ Jesus to place our faith in, to be our hope for a better and more enlightened world, and whose love is beyond any hurt or limitation or darkess that we face.

     

Greetings!

     This was the word that I used to begin this journey of sharing my thoughts on priesthood by using this blog: "Journey Thoughts".  That was on March 11, 2011 - almost eight years and eight months ago.  Since that time I have posted 1,139 times and as of the last count have witnessed 152,183 pageviews during that time period. My postings of late have been few and far between, and I believe that there are two reasons for this gap.  I'll share those in a moment.

     I have contemplated bringing "Journey Thoughts" to its completion, not because I have lost interest, but because of the remorse I feel at not being faithful to publishing my thoughts and feelings.  But every time I "make up my mind", I suffer regrets and am not ready to let go.  So, I begin today's post with the same word … GREETINGS!

     I mentioned that two things occurred in my life that have created a block to my creative spirit.  The first of these was retirement from active ministry as a pastor which occurred in July of 2017.  A priests' life in retirement, while not boring, is very different than it was in active ministry.  Your experiences are greatly lessened even though your doctors' appointments seem to increase as the years go on.

     The second factor that has affected my posts is the child sexual abuse scandal by priests that has rocked the Church.  Being a priest, albeit a retired priest, in this day and age is a challenge that covers a wide range of emotions.  There have been many days when I wanted to sit at the computer and type out my thoughts, but those thoughts were so scattered and caught up in varying emotions that it was hard to make sense of them.  Add to that putting my thoughts to written form may not be the most prudent in this crazy world in which we live.

     I hope to endeavor to do so and to make sense of my roller coaster of emotions and spiritual anguish.

     For now, as we begin this month of November, we began with the Feast of All Saints.  I shared with the men at Neumann House (our retirement residence) at Mass that morning that the day was not only a celebration of our spiritual heros and heroines who the Church has recognized as saints.  Celebrating their lived expression of holiness would be enough to inspire us and lift our spirits.

     But the Feast of All Saints is also about us ... about the universal Call to Holiness that we received in the waters of Baptism and have fleshed out over the years with the power and grace of the Holy Spirit.  It is less about setting our vision on achieving the goal of holiness by the end of our lives and more about acknowledging Jesus and walking with him on this life's journey.  Holiness is not about the end of our life ... it is about this moment in our lives.  And all of us, who begin our journey with nothing, as sinners on our knees before a just and merciful God, are, like Zacchaeus of last Sunday's Gospel, invited by Jesus to come down and open our homes ... to open our lives to him, for he desires to dine with us.  He chooses us ... he blesses us ... he embraces us with his love.  And that brings us holiness, the sanctity of the Divine transforming the human and helping us realize that we are made "in the image and likeness" of God.

A Memorable Retreat Remembrance

     Before I begin this post, I would like to acknowledge with gratitude the milestone of reaching 150,000 pageviews of this blog, Journey Thoughts since 2011.  A "pageview" represents the number of times that the blog was looked at and read.  150,000 is small when compared to the tremendous responses on social media these days, but for me it is a significant and humbling response to this priest's attempt to share his journey.   Thank you!

    As I mentioned previously, I am on retreat at the Christ Our Shepherd Center in Greensburg with a number of my brother priests.  The September Retreat is a good time to gather, and there have been many significant moments over the years.

     One memorable remembrance occurred eighteen years ago this morning, on the morning of September 11, 2001.  We had breakfast and morning prayer when word came of a plane hitting the World Trade Center.  The director of our place found us a television and set it up in the plaza outside the chapel.  Like so much of the world, we watched with sadness and then unbelief as the second plane hit the other tower and then a third hit the Pentegon.  I believe the morning conference was cancelled as we watched and prayed.
     In those years our facility also housed an office of the Attorney General of the State, and we saw them close up shop and leave the grounds.  A little later the PA State Police which used this site as a regional training facility, suddenly and quickly ran to their cars and swiftly took off.   We soon learned of the crash in Shanksville, PA, which is not that far from our location and demanded the police attention.  These were frightening times.
     We were scheduled for Mass at 11:00 that morning and we were joined by the administration and staff of our Center here as we prayed for the uncertainty of what was happening and the loss of life.
     I think that we all remember where we were and what we were doing.  It is one of those dates that live in our memories.  For those of our generation we remember Pearl Harbor ... Kennedy's Assassination ... the Challenger disaster ... and 9/11.

     Eighteen years later we are once again on retreat.  The world is different and so are we.  But the one thing that remains constant and secure is the truth of God's love and compassion, his mercy and grace, which allows us to take the challenges and blessings that have come our way over the years and move forward with hope and with renewed commitment to the message of the Gospel.   The Kingdom that we share and that we build is much greater than any earthly kingdom that we find ourselves a part of and whose values we profess, good as they are.  

     Always remember ... and pray!

A Time to Reflect

     The Diocese of Greensburg recommends that the priests make at least one week long retreat within a year.  This is a good practice for the spiritual journey.  In years gone by the Diocese scheduled three weekly retreats to choose from - one in April, June and September.  Today we have only the September retreat ... which began this evening.  The reason for the reduction in the scheduled retreats came from a reduction in the number of clergy and also from the availability of private retreats elsewhere.  One year I made a retreat at a Jesuit Retreat House - "Manressa" - in Annapolis, Maryland ... and for a few years I went to the Trappist Retreat House in Berryville, Virginia.

     Our retreats throughout the years have varied greatly.  A few have been outstanding with wonderful spiritual guides leading us.  Most were good, solid moments of "retreating" - stepping aside from the normal routine and schedule of life to relax and renew that spiritual dimenion of our ministry.  There have been a few which I have found to be "duds" ... but chances are that it was because I was not of the right frame of mind and heart to enter that journey.

     Today we began our diocesan priests' retreat for 2019.  We are being shepherded by Father John A. Pavlik, OFM, Cap.  He is a member of the Saint Augustine Province of the Capuchin Franciscan Order based out of Pittsburgh.  Father John is a native of the diocese, born and raised in New Kensington ... and is presently serving as weekend ministry at the Partner Parishes of Saint John the Baptist in Scottdale and Saint Joseph in Everson.
Those of us who entered into this retreat tonight look forward to the Lord's blessings and renewal in our ministry.  Please pray for us. Please pray for all priests.

The Intersecting of Good and evil

     These few days in August provide us with a glimpse of the mystery of life.  It entails an intersecting of tales of evil that are touched by the goodness of Faith.

     On August 6, 1945, a bomb fell on Hiroshima, Japan unlike any ever used before.  In an instant, 80,000 people died, and by the end of that year the number reached 140,000.  That atomic bomb, with another on today's date, August 9th, 1945 on the city of Nagasaki (killing 40,000 immediately and 74,000 by the end of that year) effectively brought about the end of the war with the Empire of Japan that the United States and others had been fighting.  You may argue the morality and the justification of our actions at that time, but you cannot ignore the tremendous loss of life and the fear that we have lived with ever since - in the Cold War and beyond.

     It is interesting that August 6th in the Church is the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.  In that instance Jesus took his closest friends, Peter, James and John, to the mountaintop and was transfigured before their eyes.  They saw Jesus in all of his glory as the Son of God ... in a blinding light and with a power that had never been seen before.  This awesome experience was life-changing, and from it came hope and deep faith in the goodness of God and a glimpse of the glory that we are all called to share.  It was life-giving.  I have always found it ironic that on this day when the power and glory of God brought life and hope and peace to humanity, we saw a demonstration of the power of man unleashed that brought with it death and fear and continued warfare.

     Today, August 9th, was the bombing of Nagasaki, Japan.  There was a substantial Catholic presence in that city.  In fact, a few years earlier, in 1930, Father Maximillian Kolbe, a Fransican priest from Poland, lived and worked there before returning to his native Poland.  At a time of terrible persecution of Jews, intellectuals, priests and others considered undesirable by the Nazi's, he was arrested briefly in 1939, and then again in 1941, and was sent to the camp at Auschwitz.  He died on August 14th, 1941, by lethal injection after surviving an attempt to starve him.  He had stepped forward and offered his life in order to save another prisoner who had a family.  He has been declared a saint, a martyr and a faithful witness to the glory of God.

     Auschwitz was also the place of death of another saint of the Church whose feast is today - Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross - who was put to death on August 9th, 1942, a year after Saint Maximillian Kolbe.  Sister Teresa Benedicta was put to death because she was born in Germany of the Jewish faith.  Her given name was Edith Stein. She was a learned woman, a philosopher and professor, who after the devastation of World War I converted to Catholicism and entered the Discalced Carmelite Community as a Religious Sister.

     The last written words of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross before being sent to the gas chamber are these: 

"The Savior hangs before you with a pierced heart.  He has spilled His heart's blood to win your heart.  If you want to follow him in holy purity, your heart must be free of every earthly desire.  Jesus, the Crucified, is to be the only object of your longings, your wishes, your thoughts … He wants your life in order to give you his." 

     The evil of hatred and bigotry, of war and genocide, of all things contrary to the revelation of God are overshadowed by the knowledge of our faith in an awesome, loving and life-giving God and the champions and friends that he places before us as models of sacrifice and of holiness.  It may seem like a stretch .. it may seem impossible ... but Good does overcome evil ... life triumphs over death ... and true power and glory comes from the Lord alone.  Hold on to that reality.

An Encouraging Word

     When I was growing up in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, there was a Franciscan Friary in the town.  The priests there assisted the local parishes, and shared the charism of Saint Francis of Assisi with the local community.  They hosted a Third Order Secular community at the Friary.  In my high school years I had already entered the seminary on my journey to priesthood.  I remember during the summer months joining with the Friars and being invested as a Third Order Secular Franciscan.  You had to choose a "religious" name, and I chose Jean Marie, after the Cure of Ars, Saint Jean Marie Vianney.

     Last Sunday, August 4th, was the feast of Saint John Mary Vianney.  He died on that date one hundred and sixty years ago this year, in his parish in the village of Ars in France.  His story is an interesting one, one that I could relate to as I studied for priesthood and then ministered as a priest in the life of the Church.

     Pope Francis on Sunday issued a "Letter to Priests" in the Universal Church to commemorate this anniversary, for the Cure of Ars was proposed by Pope Pius XI as "patron of parish priests throughout the world".  In the introduction, Pope Francis states: "Like the Cure of Ars, you serve 'in the trenches', bearing the burden of the day and the heat (cf. Mt 20:12), confronting an endless variety of situations in your effort to care for and accompany God's people."  He goes on to give an encouraging word: "I want to say a word to each of you who, often without fanfare and at personal cost, amid weariness, infirmity and sorrow, carry out your mission of service to God and to your people.  Despite the hardships of the journey, you are writing the finest pages of the priestly life."

     It is refreshing to hear a word of encouragement from the Holy Father.  We are fortunate to hear such words often from Bishop Edward Malesic of our diocese.  So many of the faithful have also shone their support of priests through their prayers and friendships and encouraging words.  These are difficult days in the priesthood for many reasons, not the least of which are the allegations of sexual abuse of minors by some priests.  Next week marks the one year anniversary of the Grand Jury report in Pennsylvania that labelled the Church and her priests as "predators".  The desire for justice for the victims of abuse cannot negate the rights and reputations of the Church and of those accused.  Justice is required for all, but so is truth and the rule of law rather than the rule of the news cycle and prejudice.

    The Cure of Ars gave his life and his heart in quiet, faithful service to his flock.  So do our priests!  Like him we struggle and fall at times ... like him we know our shortcomings and sinfulness ... and like him we strive toward that goal of holiness and eternal life that is a gift of mercy from the Father.   I mentioned this a while back, but my greatest concern is that our response to the crisis does not seem to come from the gospel message of Repentance ... Reconciliation ... Renewal and Restoration.

 The Relic of the Heart of Saint John Mary Vianney

An icon of the Saint.

     The relic of Saint John Mary Vianney's incorruptible heart was brought to our diocese on the Wednesday of Holy Week this year, through the efforts of the Knights of Columbus.  It was a blessing and joy to be able to pray with the people of God at Our Lady of Grace Church, so close to this pastor whose heart was poured out for the service of God's People of one hundred and sixty years ago.

     Please pray for your priests and pray for the Church.  Saint Jean Marie Vianny, pray for the Lord's priests and his people.  

Martha's gift

    Summer is a time when things often slow down.  Summer for this retired priest is a time when very few noteworthy things happen.  But I've had a few special moments recently.

     Today is the feast of Saint Martha.  She was the sister of Mary and their brother Lazarus whose family were close friends of Jesus. We met them the Sunday before last in the gospel passage from chapter 10 of Luke, when Jesus stopped by their house for a visit.  It was Martha who was busy with the things of hospitality.  In fact, that is one of her noteworthy traits, for the Church recognizes her as a model of hospitality and a faithful disciple of Jesus.  She is also the patron of housewives, waiters and waitresses.

     Yesterday my sister Janie came to Greensburg for a visit.  We get together often, but she hadn't been here for a few weeks.  She came early in the morning and we drove over to my former parish of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church for the 11:30 Mass.  It was good to be back home, and to be welcomed so warmly by many parish family members and friends, including my cousin, Deacon Jeff Cieslewicz and his wife Rose Ann, as we celebrated with the parish.  Even Father John Moineaux extended a word of welcome at the end of the liturgy.  It has been two years since I retired, and although the inevitable changes that have taken place since I left made me nostalgic for the old days, the warmth and faith of these good people has never changed.  It was good to be home.

     Last Tuesday the Benedictine Community of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe hosted their yearly "Priests' Day" at the Archabbey.  This annual event held each summer gathers alumni of the Seminary as well as priests from the local dioceses.

     The day began with a Mass celebrated at the Basilica Church, this year with our own bishop, Bishop Edward Malesic as presider along with Auxiliary Bishop Winters of Pittsburgh and our host, Archabbot Douglas Nowicki.  Monsignor Larry Kulick preached the homily.  Following Mass is a reception and then an excellent  sit-down dinner.  The afternoon is free and the concluding event is a wonderful cook-out in the Monastery Gardens.  The crowds this year were not what they once were ... but neither are the number of priests today compared to the days of old.  Martha and Mary's gift of hospitality, along with that of the Rule of Saint Benedict, is very evident in the life of our local monastic community.  Our thanks to Archabbot Douglas, Father Earl, the Prior, and the entire Benedictine Community.

     And for me, a few weeks ago two very special and long time friends invited my to join them for dinner at a local restaurant, Rizzo's.  With Mary Ann and Deacon Bill Newhouse I enjoyed good food, a relaxing evening and continued lasting friendship.  It occurs to me that I may not have thanked them properly for the evening, and I resolve to do so ASAP.

     God's goodness is beyond measure, and my blessings are too numerous to be counted.

Gettysburg

     July 3rd in 1863 marked the end of a three day battle of the American Civil War that took place in the small town of Gettysburg.  Located in south central Pennsylvania (about a three hour drive from my home) Gettysburg was transformed from a sleepy country town to the scene of one of the bloodiest battles to take place in the United States.  The army of the South came to this crossroads town from the Northwest while the Northern army came from Maryland in the South (one of the little ironies of the battle).

     July 1, 2 & 3 marked the encounters, with the unsuccessful Picket's Charge on the afternoon of the 3rd turning the tide in favor of the North.  One hundred and fifty-six years ago at this time Lee's army was retreating to the South, and even though there would be two more years of bloodshed before the war's end, this battle marked a turning point.

     Growing up in grade school we read about the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, and I remember learning the Gettysburg Address by heart [I can still recite the Address].  But it was in 1992 that I was reintroduced to this peaceful place of carnage through a good friend, Mike Ripple, who knew the place well.  He had a relative [I believe it was his great grandfather] who stood in reserve outside of Gettysburg during those three days.  My interest was aroused and I have visited often, read much, and collected some powerful battle artwork over the years.

     My interest was less in battle tactics and more in terms of the human costs of this struggle of brother against brother.  There is much to remember and to honor in this struggle, on both sides, but there is also much to learn.  We cannot learn the lessons of life taught in this terrible civil war if we desire to change history or deny the struggle that touched the hearts of those from the South and from the North.  It pains me that we are changing names and tearing down statues and finding offense at what were things of the past.  We still do it in our day, judging the past by the standards and sensitivities of our day.  If we have not grown or moved on, then that judging may be valid.  But if we have learned from the mistakes of the past, then we must focus on looking ahead to celebrating our accomplishments and re-establishing our goals.

     On this anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg we must remember that while it was brother against brother [sometimes literally] it was a struggle of a family for her freedom.   That freedom is not yet perfect in our experience, but it is the best that we have and worth the ongoing struggle to make it more perfect.

Tempus Fugit

     "Tempus fugit" is an old Latin saying that translated means "Time flies".  There is another old adage that hints that as you get older, time moves by more quickly than you would want.  I find truth in both of these sayings.

     Yesterday, July 1st, we entered into the second half of 2019!
Unbelievable!  And yet it is clear that this year is flying by with great speed.  I thought that in retirement things would slow down, but no such luck.

     The month of June saw many things happen.  It saw our diocese bidding farewell to one of our priests.  Father Tom Lukac, a priest of the Greensburg Diocese for fifty-six years, was laid to rest with a funeral Mass on Tuesday, June 18th, at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Latrobe, his last assignment as pastor.  He had retired from active ministry in 2008 and in these last years had suffered from the loss of memory and recognition of others.

     Father Tom was a quiet and gentle man who was born and raised in Uniontown, my home town.  (There have been many vocations to the priesthood from the four parishes of this Fayette County town).  He served in three parishes as a Parochial Vicar and then as pastor in six parishes during his active ministry.

     He was a true gift to the faithful of this diocese and his memory will live long in the hearts of many of his family and friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     But as we said good-bye to Father Tom on Tuesday, on the following Saturday we welcomed into the clergy of this Diocese Deacon Mark Dunmire, who was ordained at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral to the transitional Diaconate.  Mark will be ordained to the priesthood next year, God willing.  

     Mark's home parish is Saint Margaret Mary Parish in Lower Burrell.  He has been participating in a Pastoral Year at Mother of Sorrows Parish in Murrysville, under the guidance of Msgr. James Gaston.  Mark is completing his studies at Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore.

     The ordination ceremony was wonderful.  Our Shepherd, Bishop Ed Malesic, once again led the celebration with ease and prayerfulness and joy.  I watched Mark uncomfortable at the center of attention and saw how the bishop put him at ease.  I also saw the pride and joy of his family, especially his Mom and Dad, as they saw their son embrace this call to service.  We continue to pray for Mark and look forward to his joining the presbyterate of our diocese.

Honoring ... with gratitude

     Last Tuesday we celebrated locally ... with gratitude ... 730 years of priestly service by 15 of our priests on Jubilee Day in the Diocese of Greensburg.

     On Thursday of last week we as a nation and indeed most of Europe and a great many in the world family honored ... with deep gratitude ... the deep and awesome sacrifice of so many on the 75th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy and a turning point in World war II.

     In the news and on TV we saw images of this devastating yet inspiring force that fought for freedom and for the freedom that we now share.  The images of the battle and of the honoring of those who remain were moving, and the pictures of the graves in France and the remembrance of the growing number of this "greatest generation" that have died in these last 75 years brought a great sadness to many hearts.

     My Dad was one of those that stormed the beaches of Normandy that day.  He was wounded but thankfully survived.  He spoke little of those days until a number of years ago when Tom Brokow began to reveal the sacrifice of who he called "the greatest generation."  Dad took great pride in his service during the war, but never boasted.  Rather he viewed those days with respect and humility.

     A short time following his death I made a trip to the National D-Day Memorial near Staunton in Virginia.  It is not as well known as some memorials, but it is inspiring as it honors those who fought and died on those beaches 75 years ago.  Janie and I also were able to be present a number of years ago for the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.  Another place to visit and honor ... with gratitude ... the veterans of the D-Day invasion.

... with gratitude

     There are three events last week that had me looking back and giving thanks for the people who have touched my life.

Celebrating … with gratitude

     On Tuesday, June 4th, our bishops and priests gathered for our annual celebration of significant Jubilee years of our priests.  Traditionally we recognized 25 and 50 years, and those 60 and over in five year increments.  As the years have gone by and we have become an older priesthood, we this year include one 25th, six 40th, one 50th, three 55th, two 60th and two 65th.  

     The Jubilarians this year include one of our newest Filipino priests, Father Elmer Alforque, who celebrates his 25th. 

He has only been with us for a few months (on a five year loan from his home diocese) and is assisting Father Mike Crookston at the parishes of Epiphany in Monessen and Saint Sebastian in Belle Vernon.

     Celebrating their 40th year of ordination we have Father Dennis Bogusz who was serving as Chaplain at Saint Anne Home in Greensburg, but whose retirement was just announced this past weekend … Benedictine Fathers Ronald Gatman, Chad Ficorilli and Damian Warnock, all of Saint Vincent Archabbey.  Father Chad has served as pastor in our diocese … Monsignor Raymond Riffle, rector (pastor) of Blessed Sacrament Cathedral as well as Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Greensburg … and Father Stephen West, former pastor of Saint Joseph in Derry and presently retired.

Father Dennis Bogusz

Father Stephen West

 Msgr Ray Riffle with myself and our friends Rich and Joanne Stillwagon.

Rich and I are High School classmates.

[ no picture available for Fathers Chad, Damian & Ronald ]

     Celebrating 50 years of ordination is our bishop emeritus (our retired bishop) Bishop Lawrence E Brandt.  Originally a priest of Erie, he served in the Vatican Diplomatic Corps for a number of years and served as our fourth bishop.

Bishop Brandt

     Celebrating 55 years were Father Donald Conroy who is still active in parish work in northern Indiana County.  Joining him at our gathering were Father Earl Henry, Prior of Saint Vincent and  Father Jerry O'Shea, a retired priest of Pittsburgh who lives in Greensburg and helps out in many parishes.  Both are great friends of all of us. [I have no picture for Fathers Earl or Jerry]

     Father Don Conroy

     Celebrating 60 years are Benedictine Campion Gavaler and our own Father Anthony Wozniak.  Father Anthony is in Saint Anne Home recovering from an illness.  He was our Assistant Pastor when I graduated from 8th grade at Saint Joseph school in Uniontown and is a god friend.

     Father Anthony Wozniak

     And celebrating 65 years of priesthood are Benedictine Fathers Noel Rothrauff and Daniel Wolfel.

     There were about 70 of our priests who gathered for Mass and dinner last Tuesday.  We celebrated … with gratitude -

the 730 years of dedicated service as a priest of these 15 men.

Outstanding!  What a blessing!

"Decoration Day"

     Yesterday this nation celebrated the first holiday of the summer months as we celebrated Memorial Day.  As is done in more recent times, the remembrance was celebrated on the last Monday in May ... although, those of us of a certain age remember it celebrated on May 30th.  I remember that date specifically, because I always thought that they displayed the flag and had a parade on my birthday.  But then they moved the holiday to the nearest Monday.

      

     Decoration Day was created at the end of the Civil War to honor those who gave "the last full measure of devotion" - their lives - in that terrible conflict.  On May 5, 1868, General John A Logan of the Union declared the following:

     "The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land."

     The Southern States held similar observances at different dates for their fallen heroes, until the observance expanded to include all of those who died in the various conflicts of the world.

     There are many cities that claim to have begun the tradition, but Waterloo, N.Y. has been designated as the founding observance.

     There are two key sayings that speak of our respect for those who gave their all.  From the Scriptures we read in John 15:13:

     "Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."

    The other words that speak of why we celebrate this holiday are found in words that I remember learning in elementary school - the Gettysburg Address of President Abraham Lincoln.

Do you remember these words?

     "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

     Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.  We are met on a great battlefield of that war.  We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live.  It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

     But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow - this ground.  The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.  The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.  It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.  It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."  (November 19, 1863, Gettysburg National Cemetery Dedication)

     The tradition of decorating the graves of those who died in conflict has been expanded to included all veterans who have died, and in many of our traditions, all of our loved ones.  We were discussing this at table the other day and noted that our cemeteries are not as flower and flag strewn as they once were.  But for those who uphold the tradition - including my sister, Jane - we are most grateful.

Transitions and moving on

      This is the time of the year for the celebration of transitions.  The end of May, early June sees a series of graduations with the inevitable farewells and the anticipation of new things ahead.  In my years of priesthood and in the many years of my life these moments were usually accompanied by great joy and celebration.  In my brief years of retirement so far, these moments are cherished as I see them touching the lives of those important to me.  In almost every case I rejoice with those who acknowledge their accomplishments and transitions, and in the circumstances that were more painful I share my prayers and support.

     Graduations in our area include those who have received degrees from Saint Vincent College and Seton Hill University in our Diocese, our two Diocesan High Schools - Geibel and Greensburg Central Catholic, our parishioners who graduate from our public High Schools, as well as those transitioning from our local parochial schools.  We wish all of our graduates well and assure them of our prayers and our pride.

The High School Graduates of 2019 from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish,

my last assignment

     One of our young priests, Father Daniel Ulishney, this past Saturday received his License in Canon Law (JCL) from the Catholic University of America in Washington.  Father Dan is serving as Parochial Vicar at the Connellsville/Dunbar area.  Receiving a degree in Canon Law while continuing in full time ministry is a challenge deserving of respect and congratulations.   I've included a few pictures of his event that I borrowed from his fb page.

 Father Dan Ulishney

 Commencement Program

Father Dan with his Mom and Dad

     Very recently there was another graduation accomplishment celebrated for a group that completed an intensive Diocesan Formation Program entitled Pathways.  There were four in this year's group that I had the honor of serving as pastor at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.  I wish them well as they use their learning to help educate our children in the Faith.

 Back row from left: Gail Henderson, Judy Gazda, Julie Henry and Rose Martin

from Sait Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

The 2019 Pathways "graduates" with

Bishop Edward Malesic

     These are but a few of the moments of transition that are taking place with the life of God's People, but these have touched my life and been a source of blessing.

The Gift of Family

     This past Holy Week was a great experience of family for me, in it's various dimensions.

     Palm Sunday morning I shared the liturgy with my priest family at our chapel at the Neumann House, the priests' retirement residence for the Diocese of Greensburg.  It was a great way to begin this week that we call Holy.

     Later that afternoon I joined with a large group of parishioners at the Church of Saint Paul in Greensburg for a parish Palm Sunday dinner.  I was graciously invited and welcomed again this year to this annual event.  I served as pastor of Saint Paul from 1992 to 2000, and in my retirement they have become my adopted parish were I often join them for liturgy.  Great people and many wonderful friends.

     On Thursday morning I missed the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral for only the third time in my priesthood.  A visit to Uniontown of eight family members from Costa Rica - a cousin, two of her children, a spouse of her son, and four grandchildren - led me home to join them for lunch along with my sister, Jane.  We had a great visit, a delicious lunch, and the joy of the youngsters.

My cousin Joy Stoviak Flores and her daughter, Jenifer

 Jenifer and her two children

Joy's son, Isra's wife and two chilren

     Thursday evening I returned for our Neumann House Evening Liturgy celebrating our priesthood, followed by a social and then a special dinner for this special day for priests.  There are fifteen of us in residence here.

     Good Friday (for the afternoon service and for the evening Tenebrae Service) and the Easter Vigil on Saturday night I spent with my Saint Paul family, with beautiful and prayerful liturgies, music and decorations.  A truly holy experience.

     And finally on Easter morning I traveled home to Saint Joseph Church in Uniontown to celebrate the 10:00 am Mass.  In addition to the standing room only crowd were my Costa Rican relatives and a host of other local cousins and their families.  We posed for a group picture (by the way, there are more cousins not pictured here: some from out of town and some who went to the 8:00 am so that they could prepare brunch).

A part of the Stoviak Clan including the Kula, Flowers and the Flores families: in this picture I believe I count five cousins, their children and grandchildren.

     Family is a great gift ... where ever that experience of family manifests itself.  As I have been saying more and more often in my "old age", I am truly blessed.

     I hope that you know the joy of family and that Easter continues to be a time of blessing for you.