OSV | Year for Priests | My Favorite Priest

Fr. Raymond Bucon is not only our parish priest but is also an Army chaplain who has been away ministering to the men and women in Afghanistan and Iraq. Fr. Bucon has risked his own life many times to bring Jesus to those men and women in a war zone who cannot receive Jesus without him. He has given up time with his family, and time with his parishioners so that he can be there for our men and women who keep us safe. He is more than simply a priest, he is honest, courageous, sincere and brave. He is a wonderful example to the children, especiallly those who are being called to vocation of priest.
-Parishioner St. Sabina

Dearborn Heights, Michigan

My favorite priest is Father Martin Flum. He is now in the hermitage, doing God's will, but he has helped us in countless ways. His spiritual direction was invaluable to us. He is the type of person who does not tolerate sin, but is still very funny and lighthearted about life. He exudes peace, which was spread to me very often when I had none. He also helped and prayed for me and over me often when I was very sick and down. He also spent time in confession, and always tried to make sure that all penitents got a chance to confess even if time was up on Saturday. He also did not rush you in confession, and took the Sacrament very seriously. Father Flum truly was and is a gift to the Church!
-Dawn

Clinton, MD

Rev Conrad Osterhaut, CFR

Through the direction of Father I was able to develop, with The Sisters of Life, The Entering Canaan post abortion ministry. His guidance and unending support spiritually have been a key stone in the work I have been doing in post abortion ministry both with the Sisters and with Lumina, the post abortion ministry of Good Counsel Homes. Thank you Father for always being there and helping through the many challenges both spiritually and every other way!
-Theresa Bononpartis

Harrison, NY

Pater William "Bill" Bichsel
-Marlena Breite

Tacoma Washington

Father Curtis R. Thomas has only been in our parish for two years but he has been a large influence on all of us. With all the changes that have been made in the New Orleans, LA area in the past year, we are very fortunate that he was sent to us. He is always there whenever he is needed and he is always willing to listen. He is a joy to be around, has a great sense of humor and is very spiritual. He gets involved in different activities in our various organizations. We are very happy to have Father Curtis in our parish and hope to have him for a very long time.
-Diane Spencer

Avondale, LA

Father Jeffrey Largent, formerly of St. John's (Ft. Wayne) and presently of St. Monica's (Mishawaka, IN). His sermons were brief, too the point, and on target.
-Cathy McCabe

Ft. Wayne

Rev Fr Mathias Ki

The late reverend was our parish priest for about 15 years. I had the privilege to work with him on the New Parish Project (RPP) in the 1980s when ours was the sole parish to adopt the pilot project. Meeting him at his death bed last year, he did not complain about the cancer that was eating him up but spoke of the glorious days when we worked together for the RPP.
-Thomas Chua

Alor Star, Kedah, West Malaysia

Father Donald Hayden O.SS.T

I wrote a testimonial about Fr. Donald 3-4 months ago. I am regretfully writing to say that this wonderful Holy priest, that gave of himself to everyone that he ever encountered passed away on September 19th, 2009 of a massive heart attack. Fr. Donald was only 55 years young. Everyone has been greatly saddened over his demise, but at the same time we all have the Divine Faith to believe that he has been greatly rewarded with spiritual ecstasy in heaven.
May his soul forever rest in eternal peace. Amen.
-Joyce Kubala

Victoria,Texas

Father Bob Scott
-Heather Franklin

Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Fr. Mike Sis in the Diocese of Austin . . . good, holy, human priest
-Anonymous Catholic

Austin, TX

Father Jack Barrow
Father Jack is the most wonderful Priest my family has ever had the pleasure to know. He brings the love and compassion of our Blessed Mother to every situation he encounters. His tenderness and true devotion to God's people shows in the love he has for his Parish. The way Father Jack extends his endless help to God's people truly explains His endless love for Jesus Christ. In this year of the Priest we ask for the Blessed Mother to protect Father Jack and all the many Priests that have said "Yes "to be a Servant of Jesus Christ.

-Donna Hernandez

Port St. Lucie Florida

Fr. Brian Hurley is Pastor of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Temperance, MI. For us, we are at a time in our life where we need the spiritual leadership of one who is truly in love with Jesus and His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We need a strong witness and leader who acts as a beacon and model of Christ's love while the culture of evil tries to saturate and smother us from all sides. Fr. Hurley has been that awesome and humble leader from day one. He leads by example and is faithful to core. He demonstrated Love in action when he made time to travel 60 miles to meet with our Mother who very much needed sound guidance from a priest who understands the teachings of our faith and is willing to speak it in love. He even made the time to visit her in the hospital and administer the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick after she had a serious car accident. Fr. Hurley is personable and yet unwavering in his witness to the Truth. He is a friend, a mentor, and a true son of the Church. May the Holy Spirit continue to bless Fr. Hurley and his mission all the days of his life.
-Robert & Michelle

Adrian, MI

Father Theodore Pieper has been a wonderful priest. He cares deeply for our sick & shut-ins. He visits them every week bringing them communion and listening to them. He is a generous, caring priest who gives 100% of his self to our parish. We are so lucky to have him.
-Vicki Thurmond

Old Mines, MO

Father Michael Maranowski
Father Michael Maranowski is the Pastor of St. Malachy Parish in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA and has been a priest for 22 years 5 of those years at the present assignment.His love of God and faithfulness to the Catholic Church are evident by the way he ministers to the People of God. Nothing is too much or insignificant for Father Michael to do so the people can grow closer to their God.
Thank you Father Michael for giving us the example of what servant means and all the service you give to the parishioners at St. Malachy.

-Sister Jolenta Sredinski SHS

Pittsburgh,PA

Fr. Donald Hayden O.SS.T.

Having been a fallen away Catholic, I never understood the power of the Holy Spirit until Fr. Don came to be the chaplain at my workplace(IWBS). He is true to the grace of his vocation. He definitely lives in accordance with his faith. He is so extremely and genuinely kind to everyone. He is very humble. When he is not feeling well, you'll never hear a complaint from him, even in physical pain, he would con't to celebrate mass as scheduled. He exudes total gift of self for his flock. His homilies/reflections were like none of the bland and dry ones that I heard while growing up. Fr. Don's homilies spark your interest. He writes and speaks with ferver and zeal in our faith. The Holy Spirit placed Fr. Don in front of me to help me along my way. My heart was opened and I accepted and received sanctifying grace. After fifteen years of feeling nothingness, I went to Fr. Don for the sacrament of reconciliation and my soul is on it's way to redemption. I never knew that I could fall in love with God as I have thus far. I have received the grace to accept the beauty and splendor of God's truth. I attend mass almost daily, craving to be united with God through the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Yes, life is not perfect, I still have struggles, but the happiness I feel in giving my "self" to God makes those struggles seem easy. I will never forget the precious gift Fr. Don gave to me and I will always have special reverence for all priests and clergy. Thank you, Fr. Don...
-Joyce Kubala

Victoria, Texas

Fr. James Taggart, OMI was a priest we knew in So. Florida. He genuinely wanted friendship with families and we loved having him over. He played with the kids, had a home Mass for us and was a good friend. We missed him terribly when he was transferred.
-Mary Hennessey

Cincinnati, OH

Father Bob Scott
Through the Holy Spirit he not only coverted my husband to Catholocism, but also my father! What a wonderful and blessed man!
-Heather Franklin

Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Father Curtis R. Thomas
-Diane Spencer

Avondale, LA

Father Dan Leary

Our Parish is very blessed to have a humble, hard-working priest who leads us in the most Christlike example. Prayer, fasting, service to community, mission work, Eucharistic Adorations, retreat master, Confessions, healing masses, Pro-life walks, total consecrations to Mary and Jesus, evening reflections, Elijah Cups and Traveling Statues, spiritual advising and counseling, leading the children in formation classes and special masses, extra weekday masses upon request, sending letters home to let children and families know they are being thought of, prayed for. These only name a few things why he is our Outstanding Priest. But he is quick to remind us that it is God's Glory and Jesus our Lord's Healing and Mercy , and God our Creator's Love where we are to focus our attention, and not on him, though he (Father Dan) is a wonderful, truly amazing instrument of God. We are reminded from those who miss him from his previous church, that we should appreciate him now, but know that he will continue to be sent to other churches who need a spriritual awakening. We love Father Dan, for he has helped us see the very best parts of Catholicism, and has helped us live more authentic lives...constantly reminding us that we are all called to be holy.
-Jenny Stawinski

Huntingtown, MD

Fr.Noel Molly
-fr.alex

Inida Madhya Pradesh

Father Krzysztof Gazdowicz from Brzozow, Poland. He celebrated his 5th Anniversary of Ordination this year. I've had the privilege of working with him with the Altar Servers at my home parish where he brings such a prayerful pastoral presence. Every Mass, every sacrament, he celebrates with such love and reverence. He continually challenges us to "Put out into the deep" - to grow in our relationship with Christ, to grow in holiness. The Servers and all of our families just love him so much and will miss him ... as he was just transferred to another parish this summer. A quiet, humble, good-natured, hardworking priest who makes a difference in everything he says and does. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless him and bless others through him and his ministry!
-Claire O.

Largo, FL

Fr Paul Kozhuppankutty
He was a good pastor with a great pastoral heart. He always loved children and encouraged children to be holy. He was a walking replica of Christ
-Fr Sunil

Lozaphuhu, Nagaland, India

Our son, the Father and Pastor
-Mom and Dad

Cleveland, Ohio

Monseigneur Rene Denis .Most beautiful priest I have ever met .He was open and devoted to all things that belonged to God and His Holy Mother Mary..I went to a convention with Daughters of Isabelle and he was the Chancelor for the whole Ontario Southeast and he spoked on the Rosary .I will never forget his beautiful profound words he used to pray the rosary .He spoke with so much love and care .May he rest in the peace of the Lord. Mgr Denis you were so loved by all.

-Bernadette Walker

Fort Erie ,Ontario Canada

Fr. Donald Hayden O.SS.T.
-Joyce

Victoria, Texas

Fr. Tom Moran. Fr. Tom became a priest in his forties and has brought so many life experiences to his ministry. He is approachable, reverent, realistic, holy, kind, and generous. His homilies speak from years of living and wisdom gained. He gets what we in the pews live day in and out. Our parish was blessed to have him as our Parochial Vicar and pastor and welcome the times he comes to visit. He is truly a priest of the people!
-Joanne Ferretti

San Francisco, CA

Our son, the Father and Pastor
-Mom and Dad

Cleveland, Ohio

Father Dan Leary, Jesus the Divine Word is my favorite priest. It's obvious to anyone who knows him, he is one of God's chosen. His distinctive choice for words and actions allows him to open up our hearts and ears to teach us that the power of prayer is the foundation of our devotion and love, not only for God, but for one another.

As a young priest, Father Dan Leary has touched the lives of many sick and dying during their darkest hours but has also healed so many more through his passion and love for Christ. He is an inspiration for many Catholic generations to come. His charismatic leadership is well received in our parish as well as the surrounding communities. He is a testament that God lives within each and every one of us, and by that, we have been able to develop a deep devotion to our Catholic faith, renewing our sacraments and strengthening our relationships with God.

-Ginger Dolan

Huntingtown, Maryland

Rt.Rev. Murphy Pakiam, Fr.Francis Anthony and Fr. Francis Regis
-Michael Dass

Penang, Malaysia

Monsigneur Thomas F. Shreve, Diocese of Richmond, Virginia
As Rector of our high-school seminary in the late 60's and the 70's, Tom held us to a standard, students, administators and faculty, that insisted we put our best efforts forward in work, study, athletics and extra-curriculars, and that all be done with tolerance, patience and in love. He set the tone and tenor of a very strong faith-community. During a radically changing culture in America, Tom demanded in an inimitable, gentle way, on the values and basic truths of christianity.
The maturity of faith that he exemplified and spirit of love impressed on his adolsecent charges reverberates in our continued comraderie and throughout the priests, their parishoners, and the sons and daughters of his children, everyday.
-St. John Vianney Alumnus

Richmond, Virginia

Msgr James Tracey
All of us are faced with difficult times at some point in our lives. It can be an illness, the loss of someone close to us or financial difficulties. Getting through the day let alone the week can be a struggle. Sunday’s are different, all you need to do is go to mass and listen. Just listen to Monsignor Tracey talk to each one of us, and there are many. He brings everything back to perspective. He explains the gospel by telling a story and talking as if he is sitting at the kitchen table. Sometimes it seems like its just for you and he knows what is on your mind. He reminds us if we trust in God everything is possible. Msgr Tracey has a way of making you feel that you are truly important and not just another parishioner. He is never too busy and reaches out to everyone. I am a cancer survivor and have faced many trying times in my life and until I started going to St. Charles, I used to just go to mass. Monsignor Tracey has taught me to listen to the word of God. I look forward to being at mass and listening. I leave with an overwhelming feeling of peace and love and know our heavenly father is with me to enjoy another day. Thank you Monsignor Tracey.

-Donna D

Turnersville, NJ

Fr.Henry Angel
-Fr.Alex

India, Madhya pradesh

Fr. Dan Leary is my pastor and favorite priest. He closely resembles the spiritual side of St. John Vianney as his main purpose is to save souls.

Before Fr. Dan came to our parish, we had the normal Saturday afternoon confessions with few attending. Now, he hears confessions every day and there are lines!! Through his prayers and encouragement, many people have come back to the church and there has been an incredible amount of people who have converted to Catholicism. He has a special way of touching people’s hearts.

Fr. Dan spends many hours meeting with people in difficult situations as well as with people wanting spiritual advice. Through his example and great love of the Blessed Sacrament, many people have grown more deeply in love with Jesus.

-Sharon Stallings

Huntingtown, MD

Rev.Msgr. Robert E.Freeman (deceased)-Was always ready for any crisies and to be of help. He started St.Paul the Apostle parish and was able to continue to see it "paid off".During this time he led Catholic Charities for this diocese. A Texas boy,he was born and raised in nearby Refugio-a giant of a man for God and man. He ws called home Sept.16,2003. A Special Priest.
-Ms.W.P.Eberman

Corpus Christi,Texas

Rev. Paul C. Fontanella (Diocese of Scranton) - Father Fontanella is spiritually contagious. He is passionate about his vocation and truly follows in the footsteps of Jesus.
-A Parishoner

Williamsport, PA

Rev. Russell Maurer,
Father Maurer is a retired priest in our parish but he continues to work daily in the work of our Lord's Church. He's very kind and caring and continues to minister to all those in need. We are Blessed by this man of God because he has such respect for God and His Priesthood. His happy spirit echos the Joy of Christ in those that Love Him through all he does for mankind,
-Nancy Patterson

Coraopolis, PA 15108

fr. Barnabas Kiss, ofm. Holy Cross Hungarian Church
-Mary B

Detroit Michigan

Father Charles Kribs of Belleville, IL is a retired priest with more than 58 years of loving and devoted service to God and the Church. He was my childhood confessor during my grade school years in the 60's. He was and continues to be a good friend. His guidance and knowledge of the Church teachings will always be cherished by me and many others. May God continue to bless Fr. Kribs with a strong mind and good health.
-Tom Worthen

Potosi, MO

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