Please excuse me for this very personal moment, but April 13, 2010, marks the 100th birthday of my late father, Frank Joseph Stika. Although my father died on Oct. 3, 1986, he is still with me in all that I do as a priest and now as a bishop. My father was not an emotional person, and the only time I can remember seeing him cry was at my Mass of Thanksgiving as a new priest. I was ordained on Dec. 14, 1985, and celebrated my first Mass the following day. It was during the Institution Narrative, as I raised the chalice, that I witnessed this remarkable event—tears flowing down his cheek.
My parents were very simple people. I am sure they would be mystified by their son blogging as a bishop of the Church!
Happy 100th, Dad! Thanks for everything!
Reception following Mass of Thanksgiving, Dec. 15, 1985
Dear Bishop Stika,
April 13th is a special date for me too. This year, April 13, 2010 was the 6th anniversary of my husband's death. We were married 24 wonderful years, and I still miss him as much today as then. I was on pilgrimage in Lisbon that day, and then on to Fatima, with Fr. Patrick Resen, who remembered Ed in Mass that morning. Just wanted to share.
God Bless you.