Magyar News, 1994. szeptember-1995. augusztus (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1994-10-01 / 2. szám

50 YEARS FILLED WITH BLESSING

A Golden Jubilee in any vocation in life is a gift of God, particularly when we consider the many who have not reached it. Of the twenty-eight priests ordained by Archbishop Amleto Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to the United States on June 11,1944, only nine survived in the United States and two in Mexico. This year, on June 11,1994, six of the jubilarians concelebrated Mass with the Minister Provincial of Holy Name Province, Rev. Anthony Carrozzo O.F.M. at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, New York City. Fr. Emeric Szlezak O.F.M., was one of the six.

The Parish of St. Emery, in Fairfield, celebrated his Golden Jubilee Mass on June 26. In the Sanctuary presiding was the Bishop of Bridgeport, Most Rev. Edward M. Egan J.C.D. The concelebrants were Msgr. Jean Tetreault, Msgr. Edward Matash, Rev. David Franklin, Rev. Aloysius Hribsek, Rev. Matthew Kish O.F.M., Rev. Pius Pier O.F.M., Rev. Stanley Koziol, Rev. Floyd Marleau S.M.M., Rev. Joseph Pekar, Rev. Robert Nemeth and Rev. Kevin Wallin, Secretary to the Bishop. Msgr. William Varsányi, who is chanceller and Vicar General of the diocese of Providence, Rhode Island, delivered the homily in English and Hungarian. Needless to say the Church was filled to capacity. Fr. Emeric’s brother Joseph and sister Elizabeth brought up the Offertory Gifts. St. Emery choir, under the direction of Mrs. Kathleen Stepanowski provided the liturgical music. Miss Betty Bodnar sang the “Ave Verum Corpus” and Fr. Emeric’s grandnephews Matthew and Timothy, and nephew Richard rendered the “Ave Maria” on the violin, cello and electric organ respectively. The celebration ended with the Hungarian National Anthem and God Bless America. Coming in and out of Church, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus acted as honor guards. Mr. Edward Laska was Thurifer, Mr. Frank Polke, Jr., was Crossbearer, Mr. Michael Csontos and Mr. Scott Scovin were acolytes. Masters of Ceremony were Msgr. Kevin Wallin and Fr. Robert Nemeth O.F.M.

The Jubilee Mass was followed by a banquetatSante’s Manorin Milford. About 600 guests attended, including the clergy of the Mass with two exceptions, and addition of Fr. Ivan Csete and Fr. Geroge Sankoorikal. Mr. Frank Polke, Sr. introduced the priests to the assembled guests, with Fr. Emeric the Jubilarian being the last. Fr. Robert Nemeth gave the Benediction before the meal. The toastmaster, Mr. Richard Parks, came all the way from Boynton Beach, Florida. Mr. Parks introduced the invited guests who came from far away as California, Nevada, Florida, Virginia, and the Eastern States. Fr. Robert Nemeth in his humoristic way was the main speaker. Various parish, fraternal and veteran societies, relatives from Fr. Emeric extended families, and parishioners from New York, where Fr. Emeric served for forty-one years, extended their congratulations.

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In closing Fr. Emeric would like to express his heartfelt gratitude to all those mentioned thus far, for making the event one that will never be forgotten. Special thanks is due to Frank and Goldie Polke who took care of the tickets to the banquet and provided the souvenir pictures, to Doris Estock for the printing of the invitations, to Steve Berecz for the mailing, to Maureen

Laska, Betty Bok, Anna Kelemen who put together a memorable souvenir book, to all the ladies of S t. Emery Guild who baked the cakes and made the centerpieces. May the Good Lord bless them all, the Daughters of Divine Charity, Reverends Bela Pozman and Alexander Havadtoy, who were also present and all those whom we may have inadvertently left out.

FRIENDS SAID GOOD-BYE

Paul Nonay was always a focal point at the Silvermine School of Art when he sat down to an easel at the sketching sessions. At the first recess the other artists gathered around his easel and were mesmerized by Nonay’s drawings. He transferred the image of the model into an expressive play of the lines and forms. Anything he put on canvas or paper was a unique expression of his and always a creation of art.

He was known as an artist, a teacher, a friend and a good neighbor. He was bom in Transylvania. Studied at the art academies of Budapest and Munich, did fellowship studies in Italy and Holland. He had many exhibits in the U.S.A. and other countries, and his works could be found in private and public collections. Nonay was honored with a long list of prizes and awards.

After a long illness he was put to rest on June 26. He was eulogized by long lasting friends, László Papp, architect from New Canaan and Gabor Peterdy, artist from Westport.

FOUNDER’S DAY

Founder’s Day almost turned into Finder’s Day. First United Church of Christ had a Sunday church service in memory of the founders of the church. It was part of their 100th anniversary program. Some decision was made to have some members of the congregation dress up into clothes of the time. Lou Babycos, chief elder, figured that he had some old attire in the closet that would be suitable for the occasion. He went

to look for his starched shirts, button shoes, spats and the church-going suit. He must have forgotten that there are other people in his household who make decisions on what fills up the closet, and let us be honest, however would Lou think of fitting into an attire of his youth.

Despite all the problems, a handful of people, including Lou Babycos, did find the proper clothing and added a nice color to the event.