Magyar News, 1999. szeptember-2000. augusztus (10. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1999-10-01 / 2. szám

Monsignor

James G. Lengen Fondly Remembered

By Antonio Procaccini

Within the Hungarian-American community, many clergy members past and present have stood out as outstanding examples of church and community leaders. By virtue of his impact on so many in Fairfield County and elsewhere, Monsignor James G. Lengen would unquestionably be one of those in this select group. After recently celebrating the 70th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, Monsignor Lengen passed away on June 9 at the age of 97 at Saint Joseph's Manor in Trumbull. Besides serving as pastor of Saint Ladislaus Hungarian Roman Catholic Church in South Norwalk for 44 years, he held the distinction of being the longest-serving priest in the history of the Catholic Church in Connecticut. This record pales, however, when compared to the human and spiritual effect he had on his parishioners.

Monsignor Lengen was bom in Bridgeport on January 25, 1902 and spent his early years in what was a flourishing Hungarian community on Bridgeport's West Side. After being ordained in 1929 in Saint Joseph's Cathedral in Hartford, he served as Assistant Pastor of Saint Patrick's Church in New Haven until 1933.

His tenure as pastor of Saint Ladislaus Church began in January of 1933. There he instituted many changes and improvements: acquiring property for the parish, expanding the church grounds and erecting a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes. He opened a convent facility to house the Sisters of Divine Charity and directed the building of a parish Social Center. According to Monsignor John V Horgán, retired archivist of the Diocese of Bridgeport and a friend of Monsignor Lengen's for 45 years, "It can truthfully be said that he saved Saint Ladislaus Parish. (He)... was a saintly man, a quiet man, who would drop occasional humorous remarks into conversations."

Monsignor Lengen was a member of various Diocesan committees, including the Diocesan Building Commission and the Diocesan Tribunal. In December of 1959 he was named a Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend Monsignor. Monsignor Lengen hosted Hungarian Primate József Cardinal Mindszenty at Saint Ladislaus Church during his historic

American visit on May 8, 1974. After the Monsignor's retirement in 1977, the Reverend (now Monsignor) Edwin F. Burke became pastor of Saint Ladislaus Church. Burke, who is still pastor of the church, said of Lengen: "He was a very gentle man, dedicated to his church and his parishioners...a faithful, good, holy priest."

On June 14 a Mass of Christian Burial for Monsignor Lengen was celebrated at Saint Ladislaus Church. The large number of persons in attendance and the more than 40 priests who concelebrated the mass attest to the deep influence he had on those who knew him. Bishop Edward M. Egan, in his eulogy, reflected on a May 25 visit to the Monsignor where a group of priests celebrated the 70th anniversary of Lengen's ordination. "On that day Monsignor Lengen was as clear-headed as anyone else in that room. At one point he turned to me and smiled, saying, 'I was ordained a priest before you were even bom.' I was impressed!"

Reverend Paul F. Stefanko, a Norwalk native whose family was closely associated with that of the Monsignor’s going back to the 1930s in Bridgeport, recalls the Monsignor with great respect and admiration. Monsignor Lengen baptized Stefanko in 1950 and was the most important priest and mentor during Father Stefanko's formative years. According to Stefanko, "the Monsignor was very kind and compassionate, one who always looked out for the underdog and the needy." He also cited the Monsignor's pastoral care for the sick, those who lost family members, Hungarian refugees and impoverished Hungarians in the homeland following the 1956 revolution. "The Monsignor was very humble and, working quietly behind the scenes for others, did not seek recognition for his deeds. He sacrificed himself tirelessly for others, always putting their needs before his own."

Saint Ladislaus parishioners in particular recount numerous touching stories of Monsignor Lengen's kindness and warmth. Teréz and István Deák's three children grew up in the parish and were positively influenced by his gentle demeanor. "He was a wonderful man, always joking, and

Monsignor James G. Lengen

Together we now entrust Monsignor Lengen to God's loving care. I ask you to join me in thanking God for his long life, for his many years of faithful service and for the good example he provided us.

(From Rev. Paul Stefanko's homily June 14, 1999)

he knew how to handle children. All the children just loved him and my boys John and Zoltán were so happy to be altar boys in the church for many years," recalls Teréz with great affection.

Long-time parishioner Robert Essenyi recalls a poignant story recounted to him by his late parents. "The Monsignor and the Reverend Andrew Harto, pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church of South Norwalk, worked together to help Hungarian refugees arriving in the USA in 1956. They assisted them with resetding, housing and employment." Years later, Essenyi was present when the Monsignor received the following compliment from the late Bishop Walter Curtis of Bridgeport: "Monsignor Lengen is one of the best priests I have in the Diocese...I wish I had another 250 like him." A few days later, Essenyi recounted the story to Monsignor's sister, Mary, a respected and devoted member of the Saint Ladislaus parish and Lengen's closest family member until her death in 1979. He learned that the Monsignor, one who never sought recognition, had not even told his sister of the verbal accolade. Essenyi notes that the Monsignor's priest friends referred to him as "a priest's priest".

The Catholic community of Connecticut was privileged to have Monsignor Lengen as a priest and friend for so many years. We wish him eternal peace.

The author thanks the Fairfield County Catholic (July/August 1999 issue) and the Norwalk Hour (June 11, 1999 issue) for the reprinting of quotes.

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