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Slovak Catholic Federation Centennial Liturgy of Thanksgiving and Banquet
Sunday, May 15, 2011 at 2:30 pm
the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, celebrant
Cathedral Church of Saint Peter
315 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA
As a celebration of the Universal Church, it was decided to mark the centennial with a Mass in the Cathedral Church of the Diocese in which the Federation was founded. Bishop Bambera was joined by the Most Rev. Joseph V. Adamec, D.D., S.T.L., Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown and the Episcopal Moderator of the Slovak Catholic Federation. Rev. Philip A. Altavilla, V.E., National President of Slovak Catholic Federation was the homilist for the Mass.
The Federation was founded in February 1911 by Father Jozef Murgaš. Being a man of the Church, no doubt that Father Murgaš would be pleased to know that the Federation is being recognized and acknowledged in the Mother Church of the Dioceses which accepted him and his priestly ministry and which supported the formation of the Slovak Catholic Federation. As the then Bishop of Scranton, Bishop Michael Hoban (1911) was one of the two bishop-supporters of the Federation.
The Liturgy was glorious. The Cathedral Choir was joined by thirteen members of the Slovak Heritage Society of NEPA and several choir members from former Slovak Parishes that has since been closed. With one rehearsal the choir members did a marvelous job on the Slovak language. Father Philip said he had MANY, MANY, compliments from folks in the Church and who watched it on TV about how good the music was, and, indeed it was! The Mass can be seen on the Dioceses of Scranton web-page under CTV programs.
Pán Ježiš Kristus Vstal Z Mrtvých; Teba Boha Chvalíme; Radujte Sa, O Kresťania! were the three Slovak Hymns sung by the choir and congregation. What wonderful sounds praising God!
Following the Liturgy, a Centennial Banquet was held at the Clarion Hotel in Scranton, PA.
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Father Murgaš Exhibit at the Susquehanna Preparatory School (The Apple Tree School)
The Slovak Heritage Society of NEPA presented their Father Jozef Murgaš exhibit to classes in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades on Thursday, February 18, 2011 at 11:30 am. Michael Stretanski, retired elementary teacher, explained the life, talents, and interests of Father Murgaš. He also explained the Society's exhibit. Mr. Stretanski was engaging and kept the students attention. The students asked interesting and insightful questions. Magdalen Benish and Bernadette Yencha assisted. The Society members were impressed with the students.
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