[Klekotka Picture 3]

Klekotka, Rev. Peter J., J.C.D.
Clergyman. Born Jan. 12, 1895 in Philadelphia, Pa. Studied at St. Joseph's College, Philadelphia, Pa.; St. Charles Seminary, Overbrook, Pa.; Catholic University, Washington, D. C.; ordained Feb. 9, 1919. In 1919 asst. at St. Stanislaus Church, Philadelphia, Pa. From 1920 to 1924 asst. at St. Adalbert's, Philadelphia, Pa. From 1924 to 1925 pastor at St. Peter's Pottstown, Pa. From 1925 to 1938 pastor at St. Cunegunda's, McAdoo, Pa. Since 1938 pastor of St. Hedwig's, Chester, Pa. Address: 312 Hayes St., Chester, Pa.
[Ed. Died: July 16, 1974]

From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943

.... [Klekotka Picture 2]

From: Program (1969)

Testimonial Dinner Commemorating the Golden Jubilee in the Priesthood (1919-1969)
of the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Peter J. Klekotka, pastor of St., Hedwig's Church of Chester, PA

Sunday February 16, 1969, St. Stanislaus B. and M. Parish Hall, 3rd and Fitzwater Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Much has been written about Monsignor Klekotka in the past days. weeks and months. It is very true, very accurate and very deserved. It ill behooves us to be repetitious. But, as a "doting mother" we do wish to present "our side" of the story. We want every one to know how the "Mother Parish" feels about her illustrious son. And this is how we tell it.

The honored Jubilarian was born January 12, 1895 of Peter and Josephine (Jekot) Klekotka in Grays Ferry (St. Stanislaus Parish), the oldest of eleven children. In Volume I of the baptismal records of St. Stanislaus Parish (on page 87) is noted the fact of his baptism on January 13, 1895 -- the very next day after his birth. Four other children were baptised that day -- three girls and another boy. His name is the fourth of the five listed for that day.

Monsignor attended St. Stanislaus Parish School riding a trolley for three miles. We at St. Stanislaus flatter ourselves by thinking that it was at St. Stanislaus that Monsignor sprouted the wings of his many sided talents. And it was while riding to St. Stanislaus School that he developed his taste for travelling -- even three miles. By his own admission, it was at St. Stanislaus that the seed of his vocation was nurtured by one saintly nun, Mother Rose.

From St. Stanislaus School. Monsignor enrolled at St. Joseph's Prep, then at St. Joseph's College and finally at the Seminary at Overbrook. After completing his studies at the Seminary,the Jubilarian was sent to Catholic U. Some say he was too young to be ordained. We say that he was too brilliant not to be given the privilege of advanced studies.

Monsignor Klekotka was ordained on Sunday. February 9, 1919 and on February 16, 1919 said his First Solemn Mass in St. Stanislaus Church.

In the very first years of his priesthood, Monsignor took an active interest in Polish affairs as such. His first official position was as secretary of the organization of Polish priests known as the Piotr Skarga Society. In later years he became national chaplain of the Union of Polish Women . . . a "Founding Father" of the Polish American Congress and teacher of the Polish Language at the Seminary.

Even his appointments in the priesthood were full of movement. He was a curate in one parish only - St. Adalbert's -and that for three and one half years. In 1924. he became the Founding Pastor of St. Peter's Parish in Pottstown. In 1925, he was on the move again. this time to St. Kunegunda's Parish in McAdoo. In 1938, the Jubilarian became Pastor of St. Hedwig's in Chester. By the will of the diocesan authorities. Monsignor was "grounded" in Chester. But he. in typical fashion, "took off" to capture the minds and the hearts of all Chester so that, today, he can by truly called: "The Father of All Chester."

Recognition was not slow in coming, either. In November of 1952 the late Cardinal O'Hara, elevated the Jubilarian to the rank of Rt. Rev. Monsignor, and in November of 1965, the present Cardinal Krol, elevated him to the dignity of Prothonotary Apostolic.

Now the circle is complete. Fifty years ago, Monsignor left St. Stanislaus to work for Christ in the boundaries of this arch-diocese. While the Church and people of Polish descent applauded, admired and rewarded, we here at St. Stanislaus silently stood by with pride and love. Others can lay many claims to the Jubilarian; but we have a claim no other can match. He is Our Boy . . . and Our Boy made good!

On this glorious jubilee day, we welcome our son hack home. With joy and pride we say to him on this day: "Welcome home, Son. Welcome noble Priest, sacrificing Patriot, distinguished Churchman. Welcome Home."