Magyar News, 1991. szeptember-1992. augusztus (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1992-05-01 / 9. szám
Magyar News Monthly Publication in Cooperation of the local Hungarian Churches & Organization OH! WHAT A KNIGHT! ©H« WMATT A ©AYS 1992 is characterized in history as being a Leap Year. This new year would soon be adorned with the gem of Frank S. Polke being notified through the Diocese of Bridgeport that he had been selected by His Holiness Pope John Paul Ü, the Bishop of Rome, for the prestigious honor of being knighted in the Knights of St. Gregory the Great. This conferral of knighthood is presented by the Pope to men and women who have manifested a “career” of charity in the Diocese or the environs where they reside. Word of Frank’s selection brought instant approval of applause from the community he has benefited so generously. February 29th was the day chosen for the candidates of the Knighthood of St. Gregory to receive their insignia from Bishop Edward Egan, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The 29th greeted the inhabitants of our area with a blustery chilling morning that sent the hundreds of guests who would witness the conferral scurrying for the great edifice of St. Teresa Church, Trumbull, with hats and coat collars clutched-in-hand. Inside the church, there echoed amongst the mighty beams of the ceiling, the static joy and pride that swelled until the last shivering guest arrived. At the appointed time, the gilded cross marked the head of the procession above the stretched-necks trying to get a glimpse of their candidate in the “parade” of God’s “gifted-to-others.” Weseemed to relax when all had taken their position about the perimeter of the altar, and the Bishop greeted everyone with fraternal warmth and set the theme of our presence. As the names of the Knights were called, insignias placed on the candidates, the ceremony concluded with generous applause of approval by all privileged to be there. A special moment occurred when the Bishop announced that the Holy Father conferred the honor also upon a woman who was not Catholic, but who lavished her time, talents and financial aid to the cause of the Catholic Education - which drew a spontaneous standing ovation from the immense congregation. Human nature being as it is, each person in the church experienced some prejudicial pride when their special candidate was called and given the insignia of Knighthood in the Order of St. Gregory. The conclusion of the ceremony climaxed with the recessional to the front doors of the Church; with the families and friends left inside to reap upon each other an abundance of embraces, kisses and handshakes in approval of a wonderful happening. The festivities of Frank and Goldie regathered at the Rustic Grotto, Fairfield, for a brunch. Joining the family was the Supreme Grand Commander of the Alhambra Roger Reid and his lovely Sultana Carol; and Joseph Bengivango, President of the Supreme Anchor Club of America. These are two of the charitable organizations through which Frank expresses his generous affection for the mentally handicapped of the Tri-State region. All of this was just wonderful - but what about all those good people of the Tri-State area that could not be present to witness and participate in the happenings at St. Teresa Church! It was soon decided that the many would be given the opportunity to share in Frank and Goldie’s joy. A committee was quickly formed and met at Sl Emery Rectory, as well as the lucky seven pastors of St. Dimitri and St. George Orthodox Churches; First United, United, Calvin United Churches of Christ; and Holy Trinity Byzantine and St. Emery Catholic Churches... all began to “plot” a strategy that would result to be a memorable day in the life of a favorite duo - Frank and Goldie Polke. The most difficult assignment of planning the March 29th celebration was to keep Frank “Columbo” Polke off guard - we wanted much of his day to be a surprise. Sal Astengo, Mike Delray and myself initiated “working breakfasts” at Andro’s Diner to plan a time that would be shared for a long time. It was a fun place to be and our friendships began to deepen. People like Margie Gaydosh, Ann Csontos, John Lesko V, Bill Burger, Don Hunter, Frank Dausilio were contacted to form the core committee that blended into a courtship of expertise that created an instant charm of success. March 29th - the awaited day arrived. At 11:15 a.m„ St. Emery Church was the setting for the Eucharistic celebration that would gather Frank and Goldie’s family ^
