This year would also mark the 25th anniversary of Father Zwisler’s ordination. In May, hundreds would turn out to offer their congratulations to the dynamic and driven priest. A scrapbook presented to Father, leather bound with beautifully illuminated pages, contained extensive newspaper clipping of the event, hundreds of signatures of congratulations and even some telegrams. One Western Union telegram proclaimed:
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR MANY SUCCESSFUL YEARS TO COME. WILL SEE YOU SUNDAY IN CINCINNATI AT ANTHONYS= GEORGE A. PARKER.
After a listing of his many accomplishments and a description of the celebrations to come, one newspaper wrote, “St. Sebastian’s parish property . . . is a showplace among diocesan buildings. Father Zwisler on June 6th will celebrate the 10th year of the launching of the parish. Plans are now under way to erect a rectory on the parish grounds. Priests of the parish now make their home at 100 Elmdale Avenue.”
A letter from the Knights of Columbus says in part:
“The Knights of Columbus joins with your many friends in congratulating you on the twenty-fifth anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood. Your extensive education, both in this country and abroad, your fine character and your devotion to God, equipped you well to be selected as a leader in the Church.
“We were pleased when you consented to act as the Chaplain of our Council. Your words of helpful advice to us have always been attentively received, and we appreciated the sacrifice of your time for our benefit.
“May your future years in the service of God and humanity be as fruitful as those for which we now celebrate your jubilee. Sincerely yours, C. C. Lippa, Grand Knight.”
There was much to celebrate during what must have been an otherwise difficult year for Fr. Zwisler. In a post script of a letter written to Auxiliary Bishop McFadden dated July 15th, 1938, Father wrote, “My aged mother is dying of cancer. The doctors do not give her a month. An occasional prayer for a speedy delivery from her suffering will be much appreciated. H. A. Z.”
3 comments:
Poor Father Valencheck,
I am an eternal optimist. I will bet, against all odds,
that some day, someone will write or say something nice about you.
Stranger things have happened.
Sincerely,
Your Scolos
Thank you Steven.
Ha! What wonderful letters!
After my grandfather died we found a number of letters from his employers and organizations just teeming with praise. They were fun to read and we quizzed the kids on some of the less common adjectives.
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