Celebrating a Jubilarian: Msgr. John Pilkauskas' Journey
BY: MSGR. JOHN PILKAUSKAS, C.H.H.
It was September 1960 at St. Augustine's Seminary; I first donned a soutane and, with surplice and biretta in hand, prepared to begin a seven-year journey to ordination day - June 3, 1967. The veteran theologians helped us, mostly anxious newcomers, to feel at home over those first days and weeks.
The priests on staff proved to be friendly and "down the earth." The Sisters of St. Martha were such an encouraging presence in prayer and hospitality.
The Seminary building was filled to capacity. I shared a room for three and one-half years! The washrooms were at the end of the hall, with the showers located deep down in the basement. In the winter time, the clanging, banging heat pipes before 5 a.m. were signals that it was nigh time to rise.
It was during my years that St. Augustine's College was constructed to be the seminary for the students of Philosophy. Sadly, it didn't work out.
The Seminary Rule provided precise times for prayer, study and recreation.
These exercises took place daily within the walls and property of the Seminary, except for Christmas and Summer holidays.
In a word, seminary life was stable and conducive to a life of prayer and study in the community.
One day, probably in the very early 60s, our revered Rector, Monsignor Richard Dobell, declared that "the cracks in the wall were beginning to appear." He was referring to the beginning of Church renewal initiated by the historic Second Vatican Council. Thus began times of exuberance and joy, along with not so good, unrest and disturbance.
Now, here I am, 56 years later, reflecting on the role St. Augustine's played in preparing me for 45 years of active ministry and 11 years of retirement.
In a very real way, St. Augustine's was like the R.C.I.A. process leading me to deeper faith, prayer and knowledge. How life-giving the practice of prayer and study was for me in seven parishes and even now in retirement ministry! St. Augustine's, by the grace of the Lord, planted these gifts in my heart, for which I am truly grateful.
Another gift passed on to me was the experience of the Christian community. No doubt, my work in the parishes and retirement has been inspired by the Seminary experience and vision of a family of God together in communion with Christ Jesus, working to proclaim and to effect the Gospel in the world today.
Finally, the memory, the "Precious Memories" of the band of priest professors who taught and guided me, continues to inspire and evoke a deep gratitude for their fidelity. They were a wonderful collection of the Lord's disciples, talented, humble and sincere. Their word and example illustrated a lifelong and faithful commitment to the Holy Priesthood. They were for real, for sure!
Today, thanks to the generous support of the people of our Archdiocese and the Shepherds' Trust, I am able to reside at St. Bernard's Residence in North York. This time has been a time of prayer, lots of reading, recreational walking, and Christian living with fellow residents, including seven priests. By the grace of God, I continue to assist the pastors when called upon.
Words fail to express the recurring feelings I experience when reflecting upon the seven most special years close to my Alma Mater, St. Augustine's Seminary.
May our Blessed Redeemer continue to bless the family of priests, seminarians, and lay staff with every good blessing, now and in the years to come.