57th National Convention Slovak Catholic Federation

The beautiful Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania provided an appropriate setting for the 57th National Convention of the Slovak Catholic Federation which was held April 26-28, 2009.   The Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the Slovak Catholic Federation was the host for the National Convention.  Margaret Ferri currently serves as President of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter. 

            His Eminence, Jozef Cardinal Tomko, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples was the principal celebrant and homilist at the Eucharistic Liturgy which officially opened the 57th National Convention on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in Saint John the Baptist Church, Allentown.  Concelebrating with Cardinal Tomko were the Most Reverend Edward P. Cullen, Bishop of Allentown; the Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec, Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown and Episcopal Moderator of the Slovak Catholic Federation; the Right Reverend Christopher R. Schwartz, O.S.B., Abbot, Saint Andrew Svorad Benedictine Abbey, Cleveland; the Reverend Philip A. Altavilla, V.E., National President of the Slovak Catholic Federation; the Reverend Monsignor Robert F. Kozel, Pastor, Saint John the Baptist Church, Allentown and Chaplain, Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the Slovak Catholic Federation along with nearly 20 priest-concelebrants and Deacon Cyril Kowalchik from the Diocese of Scranton.

            At the opening of the Liturgy, Cardinal Tomko was welcomed by the traditional Slavic greeting of bread and salt by Joseph and Anna Biros.  A warm welcome was then extended by Reverend Monsignor Robert F. Kozel, host pastor.  Serving as Lectors were Dolores M. Evanko, National Secretary-Treasurer of the Slovak Catholic Federation and Anne Marie Motko, Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the S.C.F.

            Cardinal Tomko offered an inspiring homily on the scripture readings for the Third Sunday of Easter and in which he highlighted his over 60 year association with the Slovak Catholic Federation.  In his homily, he commended the Slovak Catholic Federation for providing faithful and generous assistance to the Church in Slovakia.  Click here for the complete text of Cardinal Tomko’s homily.

            Gift bearers at the Liturgy included Margaret Ferri, President of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the S.C.F.; Justine Wesnak, 2nd National Vice President of the Slovak Catholic Federation and Frances Omick, Secretary of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter.  At the close of the Liturgy, remarks were given by the Reverend Philip A. Altavilla, National President.  In his remarks, Father Altavilla invited all present to remember Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Beeda in their prayers.  Monsignor Beeda, well known and much beloved by many was unable to attend the Liturgy and Convention as he is still recovering from a stroke he suffered while celebrating the Liturgy on December 27, 2009 in the Church of Saint Joseph, Hazleton.  Monsignor Beeda’s presence, humor and keen insight will be greatly missed as the National Convention.

            The beauty of the Liturgy was greatly enhanced by the congregational singing led by the combined choirs of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, Bethlehem; St. Andrew Parish, Catasauqua; and Saint John the Baptist Parish, Allentown, under the direction of organist, Edward Lahovski.

            Following the Liturgy, over 250 guests gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center, Bethlehem, for the banquet honoring Cardinal Tomko. 

            Margaret Ferri, President, Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the Slovak Catholic Federation and Chairperson of the local convention committee extended a warm welcome to everyone present.  Mrs. Ferri introduced the toastmaster for the evening, Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor of The Slovak Catholic Falcon.

            The toastmaster introduced Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Derzack, Chaplain of the Slovak Catholic Federation, who offered the Prayer of Invocation.  The national anthems of the United States and the Republic of Slovakia were led by Mrs. Justine Wesnak, 2nd National Vice President of the Slovak Catholic Federation.  A welcome was extended by the Honorable John B. Callahan, Mayor of Bethlehem.  Greetings were also given by Senator Michael O’ Pake and Senator Lisa M. Boscola who represent the 11th and 18th senatorial districts, respectively, in the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Both are of Slovak ancestry and presented a Proclamation on behalf of the Pennsylvania Senate.

            A toast to Cardinal Tomko, who recently celebrated his 85th birthday and 60th jubilee of Ordination to the priesthood, was then offered by Justine Wesnak, founding President of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the S.C.F. and a well-known Slovak fraternalist.

            After a delicious dinner, Dolores M. Evanko, National Secretary-Treasurer of the Slovak Catholic Federation introduced the members of the head table and various guests, which included the representatives of all four Slovak Catholic fraternal benefits societies as well as officers of local lodges and districts and other dignitaries.

            The main address was given by Cardinal Joseph Tomko who again spoke of his long association with American Slovak community and of his admiration for the many sacrifices made on behalf of the Church, especially the Church in Slovakia.  He recalled his first visit to the United States in 1958 as he appealed for assistance for helping to build a spiritual center in Rome which would assist the persecuted Church in Slovakia.  With the support of the four Slovak Catholic fraternals, along with the generosity of many American Slovaks united under the banner of the Slovak Catholic Federation and led by Bishop Andrew Grutka, those efforts resulted in the construction of the Slovak Institute of Saints Cyril and Methodius (the Ústav) which was dedicated in 1963.  He commended Slovak Catholics for their steadfast love and support of their faith as well as their willingness to assist the Church in the land of their ancestors.  In conclusion, Cardinal Tomko announced that Pope Benedict XVI had named him as one of seven Cardinals who would serve as Papal Envoys and participate in activities to close the Year of Saint Paul on June 29, 2009.  Cardinal Tomko was assigned to travel to Greece.  While there, he will visit Thessalonica, the birthplace of Saints Cyril and Methodius.  He will celebrate Liturgy in the Church dedicated to the Apostles to the Slavs.  The brother saints, who were named co-patrons of all of Europe, traveled from Greece to begin their evangelization of the Slovaks in 863 A.D.

            Remarks were also given by Bishop Edward Cullen, Bishop of Allentown and Bishop Joseph Adamec, Episcopal Moderator of the Slovak Catholic Federation.  Bishop Cullen extended a warm welcome to the Diocese of Allentown which enjoys the support of a large and vibrant community of Slovak ancestry.  He noted that their loyalty and support of the Church are an inspiration to all and beautifully mirror their Cyrilo-Methodian heritage of faith.  Bishop Cullen also recalled his association with Cardinal Tomko over the years and commended him for his great love for the universal Church.  Bishop Adamec also thanked everyone for their support of the work and mission of the Slovak Catholic Federation.  He also offered reflections on what it means to be an ambassador of our faith and our Slovak heritage.  Inspired by the efforts of our founder, Father Joseph Murgaš, the Slovak Catholic Federation continues to promote the works of charity and benevolence on the road to our centennial in 2011.

            Following these remarks, the Reverend Philip Altavilla, V.E., National President of the Slovak Catholic Federation was introduced to make a special presentation.  Father Altavilla announced that with the consent and approval of Bishop Cullen, John and Margaret Ferri of Bethlehem, were honored with the papal award, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pontiff) in recognition for their service to the Church as well as their tireless efforts within the Catholic American Slovak community.  Margaret and John are well known fraternalists and are very active members of Incarnation of Our Lord Parish, Bethlehem.  Margaret is a member of the National Board of Directors of the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU), serving as the National Editor of Zornička (Morning Star), the official publication of the LPSCU.  The honorees were formally introduced by Justine Wesnak.  Cardinal Tomko and Bishop Cullen presented Margaret and John with their medals and the parchment, announcing the bestowal of this prestigious ecclesiastical award.  In her response, Margaret, in her name as well as that of her husband, expressed thanks and gratitude for the special recognition and pledged to continue their efforts in the works of charity which they consider a “labor of love.”  The assemblage then gave the couple a standing ovation.

            In his response, Father Altavilla expressed thanks and gratitude to all for their efforts in promoting the purposes and work of the Slovak Catholic Federation which serves to unite all American Catholics of Slovak ancestry.  He offered special thanks to the members of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the S.C.F. in the Lehigh Valley for their hard work and efforts in insuring the success of the 57th National Convention.  He asked for continued cooperation as we anticipate the centennial of the Federation which will be observed in May 2011 in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

            The formal banquet program concluded with a Prayer of Thanksgiving offered by Reverend Monsignor Robert F. Kozel, Chaplain of the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the Slovak Catholic Federation, followed by the singing of Hej Slovaci!and God Bless America!  Entertainment continued with a sing-along with John Stofanak, noted accordionist.

            Convention sessions were held on Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center.  A variety of issues were discussed.  In the near future, more information from the National Convention will be posted on the Slovak Catholic Federation website.

            The following are the National Officers of the Slovak Catholic Federation:

Executive members of the Board:

            National President                                           Reverend Philip A. Altavilla, V.E.
            National Secretary-Treasurer                           Dolores M. Evanko
            Episcopal Moderator                                       Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec, D.D., S.T.L.            
            Abbot Protector                                              Right Reverend Christopher Schwartz, O.S.B.
            Immediate Past President                                 Reverend Monsignor Peter M. Polando, J.C.L.
            1st National Vice President                              Reverend Andrew S. Hvozdovic
            2nd National Vice President                             Marie Golias
            National Spiritual Advisor/Chaplain                  Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Derzack

Executive Members-At-Large:

            Member-At-Large                                                       Reverend Albert Marflak, O.S.B.
            Member-At-Large                                                       Reverend Monsignor Francis J. Beeda, S.T.L.
            Member-At-Large                                                       Reverend Anthony Pleho
            Member-At-Large                                                       Sister Linda Marie Bolinski, SS.C.M.
            Member-At-Large                                                       Sister M. Catherine Labouré Bresnock, SS.C.M.
            Member-At-Large                                                       Jayne Klenner-Moore, Ph.D.
            Member-At-Large                                                       Daniel F. Tanzone
            Member-At-Large                                                       Robert Tapak Magruder
            Member-At-Large (alternate)                                       Reverend Francis Straka

            Other members of the National Board, representing specific groups which have membership in the Slovak Catholic Federation are:

National Officers of Slovak Catholic Fraternal Benefit societies:

National / Supreme Presidents

            First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association                              Mary Ann Johanek, Esq., National President
            First Catholic Slovak Union of the USA & Canada              Andrew Rajec, Esq., National President
            Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union                          Theresa M. Kluchinski, National President
            Slovak Catholic Sokol                                                          Larry Glugosh, Supreme President

National / Supreme Secretaries and/or Secretary-Treasurers

            First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association                              Irene Drotleff
            First Catholic Slovak Union of the USA & Canada              Kenneth Arendt
            Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union                          Mary Jo Savidge
            Slovak Catholic Sokol                                                         Steven M. Pogorelec, F.I.C.

National / Supreme Chaplains and Spiritual Advisors

            First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association                               Reverend Msgr. Peter M. Polando, Chaplain
            First Catholic Slovak Union of the USA & Canada               Reverend Thomas Nasta, Chaplain
            Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union                           Reverend Philip A. Altavilla, V.E., Chaplain
            Slovak Catholic Sokol                                                          Reverend Andrew S. Hvozdovic, Chaplain

Representatives of the Conference of Slovak Religious:

            President                                                                     Sister Aurelia Cerny, O.S.F.
            Secretary –Treasurer                                                   Sister Rosann Velas, O.S.F.
            Representative                                                             Brother Gabriel Balazovic, O.S.B.

Representatives of the Conference of Slovak Clergy:

            President                                                                     Most Reverend Joseph V. Adamec, D.D., S.T.L.
            Vice President                                                             Reverend Monsignor Michael J. Chaback
            Secretary                                                                    Reverend Lubomir Strečok

            Information in this article is also found in an article contained in the May 6, 2009 edition of The Slovak Catholic Falcon written by Daniel F. Tanzone, Editor.   

          Fo a look at the convention in pictures click the Photo Album link above.

© 2007 Dr. Jayne Klenner-Moorefor the Slovak Catholic Federation