Magyar News, 2004. szeptember-2005. augusztus (15. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-09-01 / 1. szám
a Franciscan Friar and a Priest. His high school studies and junior college were taken at the former St. Joseph Seminary (Callicoon, NY -1932-1938). He began his Franciscan Formation at the St Bonaventure Novitiate (Paterson, NJ). where on August 14, 1939 he made his First Profession .of the Evangelical Counsels - without property, chastity and obedience. It was now that he became known as Friar Emeric. His collegiate studies were completed at St Bonaventure University (St Bonaventure, NY -1939 - 1941 ). On September 17, 1942 he made his Final Profession as a Franciscan Friar (Washington, D.C.). After three years of Theologicai Studies, at Holy Name College (Washington, D.C.) he was Ordained to the Priesthood on June 11, 1944 by Archbishop Amleto Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to the USA at Mount St. Sepulcher in Washington D.C. During these war years and due to the shortage of priests, Fr. Emeric and his classmates provided pastoral assistance to local parishes on weekends. Due to his ability to speak Hungarian, he traveled twice a month to St Stephen of Hungary Parish (New York City). In January, 1944, he was assigned to St Stephen of Hungary Parish as Associate Pastor/Parochial/Vicar where he ministered lovingly, faithfully and diligently for the next forty-one years until a time for Father Szlezák with Bishop Lori and members of the Knights of Columbus Honor Guards Father Szlezák with his extended family sabbatical came in June, 1985 that brought him to Holy Name College (Silver Springs, MD) During his many years of ministry in New York City, under nine superiors, he performed a ministry of welcome and outreach to several waves of Hungarian emigration -1948 -displaced persons and 1956 -the refugees - assisting them in assimilation into American society thus finding them lodging and employment It was during these years,from 1953, that Fr. Emeric established and sustained a weekly Hungarian Radio Program. In 1986 through the invitation and hospitality of then Pastor, Fr. Robert D. Németh, O.F.M., he was asked to minister to our Above.Holy Communion. Father Szlezák(x) Left:Monsignor Varsányi with Father Hungarian speaking parishioners here at St. Emery's. It is here that he presently serves as Senior Friar in Residence. Father's love and respect of people, his appreciation and communion with nature and flowers/plants and his understanding and mercy as dispensed in the Sacrament of Penance makes him one whom we have come to love, appreciate and respect. ISTEN VELED!” Among the many participating priests I would like to mention The Most Reverend William Edward Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport, also the homilist Reverend Monsignor William I. Varsányi, J.C.D., Vicar General who spoke in both languages. After the Mass, people filled the Liedle Restaurant to continue the celebration. Joseph Kata, in a humorous way introduced the family members seated at many tables. Then Imre Ihász figured out that Father celebrated 22,000 Masses. Rev. Dr. Alexander Havadtőy, who’s church was right across St.Emery’s, represented the Protestant clergy. It was a well deserved anniversary. Joseph F. Balogh Photos By Mary Kocsis, Erika Papp Faber, and Joseph F. Balogh Page 3
