[Czarnecki Picture]

Rev. Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki

Rector St. Joseph Basilica, Webster, MA

By Jo Louise and Marion Winters, PCCGH

Msgr. Anthony Czarnecki initiated and organized a major celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Polish Pastoral Ministry in the United States. The Monsignor chaired a committee which organized an elaborate liturgical, devotional and cultural program, held Sept. 11, 2005 at St. Joseph Basilica, the oldest Polish American community in New England.

This sesquicentennial celebration drew wide public attention to the significant accomplishments and contributions of millions of Polish American Catholics over the past 150 years to the spiritual, cultural and economic development in our country. The celebration began with an Entrance Procession for the Mass. Adam Cardinal Maida and Bishop Robert McManus of the Diocese of Worcester served as Honorary Chairman. All the clergy of New England, church and civic organizations and Boy Scouts with their official banners and attire participated.

The main celebrant for the Mass was Adam Cardinal Maida, with Bishop Thomas Wenski of the Orlando FL Diocese serving as homilist, and concelebrating clergy from all the Polish American parishes of New England. Several Bishops of New England, including Bishop McManus of the Diocese of Worcester and Bishop McDonnel of the Diocese of Springfield also participated while local choirs and musical groups from other New England parishes sang.

Msgr. Czarnecki also initiated and conducted a national survey of Polish American Catholics dealing with their feelings and understanding of the current status of the Roman Catholic Church in the U. S. The survey results are being summarized and analyzed by a university in New York. The Monsignor is preparing a special report to the Polonia which reveals that just 15 years ago, there were about 600 Polish Catholic parishes in America -- today there are not quite 400. He notes that regrettably, the spiritual health of the Polish church which depends on traditions, customs and culture is gradually weakening.

St. Joseph Basilica, 53 Whitcomb St., Webster, MA 01570

Tel. 508-943-0467

From: Polish Culture Club of Greater Hartford, 2006