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

1992-07-01 / 11-12. szám

THE DAY SILVER SHINED AND THE SOULS WERE GOLD

After the rain, everything looked cleanly washed. The early morning fog slowly lifted. With the sun breaking through the mystical shapes in the fog became more of a reality, and the focus was on a church, St. Emery’s Roman Catholic Church. It was a special day. The people, gathering on the broad steps leading up to the church entrance, mixed Hungarian words into their conversations. It wasn’t just Hungarian parishioners coming to celebrate Father Robert Nemeth’s Silver Jubilee, but many people of other denominations and nationalities were there. The whole community - near and far- came in full force to show that they are reciprocating the love they received from Father Nemeth.

Then the celebration took off.

Bishop Walter W. Curtis, S.T.D. and Bishop Muldoon from Honduras headed the very impressive procession of dignitaries. They were leading the honored guests

for the Mass of Father Robert D. Nemeth, O.F.M. for his twenty-fifth anniversary in priesthood. It was a crowded church with standing room only. The readings were handled by Father’s nieces. Soloists were Betty Ondy, who sang at Father’s first Mass, and Frances George whom Father has known since he was 13 years old. In addition to the other soloists, Kathy McMahon, organist and Thomas Phillip adorned the event.

Father remarked that since this has been a milestone in his life, and it was his day, he should be the guest speaker which met with a generous round of applause. He said, ”It is not the time and quantity of life but the quality of life that matters. It is important what you do with the time God has given you. Some of the present fellow Friars have been with me since Day One. It is a wonderful gift to be a priest - a wonderful experience which draws out the best of people. My greatest gift as a priest is knowing YOU. We all have laughed together, shared together, cried together, and it is great to know you and to be part of your family. The little things in life that matter are so special. We are brothers and sisters. The priest enters the family group - sharing happiness, joys and sorrows. We have each other, and we are not alone. When I was sent here I was told not to pack too much since I would not be staying. Here I am twenty-two years later.

garian garb, placed bouquets of flowers on the altar of the Blessed Mother.

Father thanked the choir for assisting at the Confirmation Mass in the morning and at the special Mass at 2:00 P.M. He also thanked Margie Gaydosh for her special hand-embroidered Hungarian vestment that was given to him for the occasion, also his nephew and his great-nephews who helped serve Mass, and to all of his friends for being present. Bishop Curtis, representing Bishop Egan, stated that it was a pleasure to be present at this anniversary Mass and to know FatherNemeth. After the Mass ended people left the church and headed to Milford.

At Sante’s Manor in Milford, the only catering place large enough to accommodate this size crowd (and there was a waiting list, also), Frank Polke introduced the head table as they proceeded into the hall and all 852 people were awaiting Father Robert. Maureen Laska, president of the Ladies Guild, welcomed the audience.

John Lesko and Scott Scovin were the emcees. They introduced the attending priests; Very Rev. Crispo delivered the

“I think of that day twenty-five years ago and of all the people who should be here, but who are now with God. We celebrate the goodness of God and the beauty of God. I thank all of you who took the time to come, and I bless all of you.”

Father Nemeth’s father, brothers, Donald and Russell, and sister, Donna, brought up the gifts at the Mass. The crossbearer, Michael Csontos and Father’s nephews led the procession to the choir’s rendition of “I Have Loved You, and You Are Mine.” The altars were decorated in white and red carnations and roses in honor of Pentecost. Red is also for happiness. Father’s small grand-nephews and niece, dressed in Hun-Father Nemeth's nephews, great-nephews and niece.

REVEREND ROBERT D. NEMETH, O.F.M.

Father Robert D. Nemeth, O.F.M., pastor of the Hungarian St. Emery Roman Catholic Church in Fairfield for the past 15 years, is celebrating his 25th Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the Priesthood. We honor him at this dinner for the dedication and care he shows to his parishioners.

Father Nemeth entered the Franciscan Novitiate in 1958 in Troy, New York and completed his solemn vows in 1962. He was ordained June 10,1967 in Wappingers Falls, New York at the Mount Alvema Friary, Youngstown, Ohio. Following that assignment, he was appointed assistant pastor of St. Emery Parish where he served from 1970 to 1976. In 1977 he became church pastor.

A native Fairfielder, and the son of Andrew Nemeth and the late Marion Nemeth, he is state and local chaplain for the Order of the Alhambra: Past Supreme Chaplain for the state and local chapter of the Anchor Club of America and chaplain for the Fairfield Police. He was appointed custos (provincial) for the Franciscan custody in 1985.

At the head table Maureen Laska, Bishop and John Lesko.

Muldoon, Father Nemeth, Bishop Curtis, Photos: llavery