Magyar News, 1991. szeptember-1992. augusztus (2. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1992-05-01 / 9. szám

OH! WHAT A KNIGHT! ©Mi WHAT A ©AYS

t and friends that created a milieu of activity for the entire day. After the homily, Frank was called into the sanctuary of the church, and Fr. Robert Nemeth, OFM, placed the insignia on his lapel; Frank and Goldie presented the gifts of the Mass, selected the hymns, and after the final blessing, placed a bouquet upon the altar of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Following the Mass, everyone made their way to Holy Trinity Byzantine Hall - to join 400 persons at a banquet fit for a Knight and His Lady. The hall reflected the identical surge of emotion experienced on February 29th in Trumbull.

Now the dinner blessed by Fr. Andor Rakaczki, relished and consumed, thechairman of the event Mike Delray introduced the toastmaster Mr. John Sullivan, former First Selectman for the Town of Fairfield. For most of us it was a total surprise when the four hundred and first guest arrived - Bishop Edward Egan. Though pressed for time, he mentioned he would partake in the festivities of watching Frank knighted “Franciscan Style!” Mike Csontos was the M.C. for this humorous skit that would highlight Frank’s “many good times” with each of us throughout the years.

When all was ready, Mike Csontos carried into the great hall the large book that contained the “Rite of Knighthood (found in the basement of the Vatican Library)”. Blowing the dust of the ages from the tome, Mike appealed for the royal gong bearer Andy Kokorda - who then was commanded to summon the honor guards (Bill Burger, Don Hunter and Joe Lorenti); the gongbearer announced the entry of the royal chest (carried by Sal Astengo and Rudy Mastronardi); then Mike called for the Chaplain of the Royal Court to bear the coat-ofarms and escort the Knight and His Lady to the stage. With the aid of Mike Csontos, the Chaplain opened the coffer and dressed Frank with breast-plate, helmet, sword and shield - now attired in knighthood, Mike summoned the Royal mount! The horse (front end Bill Tomeziewski of N.J.; and Joe Bengivango hind-end) was pulled into the hall by John Laczko with a loooong

rope; and behind the spirited steed were the “trail blazers” Frank Dausilio and Joseph Cimmino dragging the bucket and broom behind the lively mount! At this time all 401 guests were on their feet waving white table napkins and singing “Bring in the Horsie” to the tune of “Roll Out the Barrel!”

All in place, knighted Frank invites the Bishop on the stage, and the prelate reminded the guests “why there are no Franciscans in the Vatican Library!” Frank then honors the Bishop and Diocese with a generous check befitting such a Knight, with a sum of $6,000 - to be used for the various charities of the Diocese. In turn Frank and Goldie were given a gift of a Certificate of Travel, which cannot be redeemed for cash.

The event was now reaching its finale - with Victory Snake Dance through the hall with Frank and Goldie leading; and with waving of the napkins again, the wonderful crowd sang “God Bless America.”

To all of this we did not forget to welcome Fr. Edwin Burke, pastor of St. Ladislaus, S. Norwalk; and Fr. Joseph Pekar, pastor of Sl Cyril and Methodius, Bridgeport; and the good Sisters of St. Emery’s Convent Sisters Lucille, Genevieve and Marlene.

With happy spirits and hearts, hugs, handshakes and kisses - we put the cat and the lights out- and the words of Psalm 118:24 impressed in our being - “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it and be glad.”