It’s funny what impresses a sixth-grade kid wondering what to do with his life. For the Rev. Gerald Prusakowski, a friar’s visit to his sixth-grade class served as the inspiration he needed to join the Franciscan Order.
First, the friar put a portrait of Jesus on display for the length of his talk — an inspiring image for Prusakowski. Second, the friar had a lot of hair, which unfortunately didn’t automatically come with the vocation.
“Baldy!” Prusakowski said to the audience at his golden jubilee, pointing to his thinning hair and laughing. Prusakowski said he was glad he joined the Franciscans — he later learned his parents planned to send him to military school.
Such were the nuggets shared as the local priest celebrated 50 years of ordination. The June 14 celebration began with a Mass of thanksgiving, followed by a dinner and program at Assumption B.V.M. in Pulaski. Sandwiched between the solemn prayers of invocation and benediction, speakers spoke about the highlights of Prusakowski’s ministry, adding a few friendly jabs.
In his remarks, the Rev. Brendan Wroblewski, O.F.M., compared his friend and colleague to a French roll, hard and crusty on the outside but tender on the inside. That tenderness was evident as Prusakowski, 77, told about attending daily Mass with his grandmother and living in a home where the doors were always open to any number of priests who came to visit, including his two uncles.
His many assignments included positions at a youth camp and a roller rink. He spoke about his years of coaching eighth-grade and high school basketball and softball, recalling how he not only coached but also drove the bus to games.
At the Mass of thanksgiving, a combined choir from St. Benedict and St. Maximilian parishes led the singing.
During the presentation of the gifts at Mass, Prusakowski’s friend since the second grade and parish members presented a variety of items representing Prusakowski’s ministry: a cord and stole, to represent the priesthood; an oil painting, in remembrance of the pillow used at his first Solemn Mass; a photo album, including photos of his ordination and first Mass; plus the customary bread and wine.
In his homily, the Rev. John Puodziunas, O.F.M., used the word “courage” and the phrase “We walk by faith, not by sight” from the scripture readings to describe Prusakowski’s 50 years of ministry. He marveled about the number of times Prusakowski had celebrated baptisms and funerals, visited the sick or distributed Communion over the half-century.
Prusakowski said he lost count.
Puodziunas also spoke about Pope Francis’ message to newly ordained priests in which he said they were called to pastor like the Good Shepherd, as Prusakowski has done for 50 years.
