Father Simon celebrates 50 years in the priesthood

Fifty years ago, June 7, 1964, Father Simon Brzozowski, M.S.F, newly ordained in the St. Louis Cathedral by Cardinal Ritter, came to his hometown parish to celebrate his First Mass.

Fifty years later, Father Simon returned to St. James to celebrate a Mass of joy and thanksgiving on the golden anniversary of his priesthood. As Father Simon told the congregation, “Fifty years makes a lot of difference. As I processed down the aisle, I saw new faces, older faces and of course — many are no longer with us.”

Preparations began for this great celebration in early December of last year. Coordination among the local Catholic communities, the Order of the Missionaries of the Holy Family, and the S. P. Brzozowski family culminates, finally, on the great feast of Pentecost.

Father Simon marveled that it came to be this celebration day also. Preparation! Challenges! Excitement! Nothing stops time — the day is here!

At midnight in Donna, Tex., parishioners of St. Joseph’s Church, where Father Simon currently resides, were boarding a bus to come to “their” Father Simon’s celebration in his hometown of Gonzales.

Early arrivals were eagerly waiting. They brought with them the gold and red vestments Fr. Simon would wear. Their efforts and terrific spirit paled ours in comparison. We were hardly awake.

Our Fourth Degree Knights, always so impressive, greeted our guests. As I complimented one lady— without hesitation — she remarked, “For him, we’d do this in a minute anytime.”  Wow! Can you imagine the smile on Jesus’ face at that?

The clock was ticking. The sacred music concert of praise and thanksgiving was to start at 9 a.m.  Sound system, check. Choir in place. Soloists, accompanists. Music in order?

Pianist Le’Anne Swick very gently opened our eyes a little more with, Pierre Cansponi’s, “O Quam Servus Est.” (May I share a little story with you here? I chose this music because it “sounded” so beautiful to me, and, then I learn the title means, “What a Servant Is He.” I don’t think I was the only one “choosing” — do you?)

Next on the program, Father Simon’s great-niece, Mary Katherine Shimell of Pennsylvania, sang Cesar Franck’s, “Panis Angelicus” (Food of Angels). A sweeter voice would be hard to find.

As Le’Anne Swick sang David Foster and Carol Bayer Sager’s, “The Prayer,” someone near whispered, “Incredible! Oh yes! The “teneramente” then the surging power! You know, when a singer gets up there where you can’t go!

Our emotions are allowed to gear down, as Le’Anne then plays “Quiet Reflections” by Boesinger. Fulfilling a special request, Le’Anne sang Malottes’, “The Lord’s Prayer,” blessing all — beautifully!

Mary Katherine closes the concert with Franz Schubert’s, “Ave Maria.”  I don’t think there was an untouched heart in the house.

At this time, Agnes Darilek presented a tribute to Fr. Simon, reciting “the Hands of Holy Orders”, written by Larry and Mary Sue Ek and Bob and Rita Brooke. We are certain all present joined their hearts with Agnes to express our love for all the things Father Simon’s anointed hands have done all these years —  including those anointed into paradise. The St. James Choir sang softly, “Holy Hands.” We finished just in time … the church bells were ringing. Time for Holy Mass to begin.

The altar held seven votive candles, set above each gift of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, wonder and awe, understanding, reverence and courage. Red carnations flanked the tabernacle with a floral arrangement of exquisite red roses at the pulpit.

At each end of the altar, beautiful arrangements of red gladiola, and red carnations were seated on gold-draped pedestals. Today the flowers for this occasion were placed by the S.P. Brzozowski family.

Mr. Greg Tieken, always of such cheerful voice, welcomed all attending. The Yoakum Assembly of Fourth Degree Knights silently moved into place, lifted their swords in an arch, and the processional began, all singing, “Come Holy Ghost!

For today’s Pentecost celebration, Kathleen Demner’s “Mass of Joy” was sung. The organist-director, Jo Ann Hajovsky, was leading and the cantor for the day was Kermit Thiele.

Leading the procession were cross-bearer, Rafael Bibas; altar server, Gerado Nunez; candle bearers, Rene Bibas and P.J. DeLuna; Deacon Terry Brennan; Rev. Paul A. Raaz, pastor of the Catholic communities of Gonzales and Wealder; Very Rev. Philip Sosa, M.S.F., provincial superior of the missionaries of the Holy family, North American Province; Rev. Alberto Trevino, MSF, Director of Formation for the Missionaries of the Holy Family and the Celebrant Rev. Simon Brzozowski, M.S.F. in gold and red vestments gifted to him from Poland.

The St. James choir and congregation sang the Penitential Rite, the Kyrie of the “Mass of Joy”, followed by the resounding, “Glory to God!”

James Brzozowski, brother of Father Simon, presented the First Reading Acts 211-11, painting in words a portrait of the first Pentecost. Then, led by the choir, the responsorial Psalm 104 was sung. “Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the Earth!” Cantor, Kermit Thiele sang the verses.

The Second Reading: 1 Cor. 12: 3b,7,l2-13 was read by James Brzozowski telling us, “Brothers and sisters, no one can say, ‘Jesus Is Lord’, except by the Holy Spirit.”

Then all sang the Pentecost sequence hymn, “Come Holy Spirit, On Us Shine.”

The Gospel taken from John 20: 19-23 was given by Deacon Terry Brennan. The Gospel revealed the disciples were locked in a room from fear but Jesus, nevertheless, comes and stands in their midst and says to them endearingly, “Peace be with you.” He shows them his hands, his side. They rejoice! The risen Lord is in their midst! Jesus says to them, “As the Father has sent me, so, I send you...”

The Very Rev. Philip Sosa gave the homily expressing the greatness of the first Pentecost, the importance of the Holy Spirit helping the apostles at the birthday of the church and will do so all through history. The Mass continued with the profession of faith and the general intercessory prayers.

At the offertory, the hymn, “Sweet Sweet Spirit” was sung. Escorted by the Fourth Degree Honor Guard, Robert and Kathryn Brzozowski and Lawrence and Mary Agnes Brzozowski brought up the gifts. For the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the “Holy, Holy,” Mass of Joy was sung.

At the consecration, the Fourth Degree Knights approached the altar and presented their plumed chapeaus in a reverent slow forward salute to their Lord as the celebrant of the Mass elevated the host and chalice. Then all prayed together, the Lord’s Prayer and offered each other a sign of peace.

The “Lamb of God” petitions of mercy and peace were sung. As the people received communion, the St. James Choir sang, “Holy Spirit, Come to Me” and “Eat This Bread.”

After all had received communion and were seated in quiet meditation, Brenda, Caitlin and Rachel Pinkston, niece and great-nieces of Father Simon, reminded us in song to “Pass It On.”

The Mass concluded with the priest blessing the people, “May almighty God bless you, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The recessional was the ever-renowned, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.”

Then we proceeded to the parish hall. As guests entered they were registered by Father Simon’s niece, Anita Van Auken of Nixon. The registry table was laid with a crochet work used at Father Simon’s 25th Jubilee; a tablecloth made by his mother, Mary Brzozowski. Guests were offered a keepsake Bible marker, a memento, depicting Father Simon’s ordination. Guests were then directed to a refreshment table, serving coffee, raspberry lemonade and small cups of snacks.

Numerous dining area tables were decorated in ivory covering, each holding a floral, silk, arrangement of yellow roses, lily of the valley with compliments of gold interspersed. A 50th anniversary greeting was placed in the center.

The head table was skirted with gold covering, holding a centerpiece of a delicate crocheted heirloom, a work made by Father Simon’s mother many years ago. Thereon, a cake made by Peggy Janota, congratulating Fr. Simon on his 50th anniversary.

The cake, an ivory iced confection, was decorated with a jeweled golden chalice. Too beautiful to eat! The cake was flanked by a lit taper on each side and was served by Leona Brzozowski, Father Simon’s sister-in-law.

Another table held a family heirloom Father Simon’s mother’s family brought with them from Poland — a crucifix set upon a hard-carved pedestal, a most treasured item in their one lone trunk of belongings when the Wostal family came to America in 1906. A photo album held photos of many family treasures — Father Simon as a youth, etc.

Also on this table was a unique basket with a beautiful, soft lining created by Bea Maddox to hold cards of congratulations for Father Simon to cherish.

A video of scenes of the ordination was shown with Father Sosa explaining the ordination procedures as Cardinal Ritter ordained the 32 candidates March 14, 1964. As the scene showed the candidates lying prostrate on the floor before the Cardinal, Father Sosa commented, “They are not sleeping.” They are actually giving their lives to God. What a powerful, beautiful moment. It gives you a chill!

Soon we learn everything is ready. Father Simon blesses all and the gifts of food. Caitlin and Rachel Pinkston, great nieces of Father Simon served the head table their lunch.

Seated at the head table was the master of ceremonies, James Brzozowski, his wife Leona; Father Sosa; Father Simon, Father Paul Raaz and Sister Odelia Korenek of the Sisters of Divine Providence. Sister Odelia Korenek, sister of Leona Brzozowski, heads Blessed Sacrament Academy in San Antonio.

The menu, served by Martha Jo and Robert Guerra’s Catering consisted of tender roast beef, grilled chicken breasts and mashed potatoes, brown gravy, a vegetable medley, fruit salad, rolls and iced tea. Parish members provided wonderful desserts.

The guests aboard the chartered bus from Donna were encouraged to take plates of food with them for the return trip. Our guests were from various places: Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida.

It was a great and beautiful day! Many embraces and greetings. Faces too seldom seen. And now the goodbyes, the day was coming to an end. The lovely decorations were being removed, chairs put away, tables left bare.

As I walked to my vehicle, the parking lot was now empty. The tears began to flow.The kind of tears you like, the day was so beautiful.

Slowly, carefully, more tired than I’d ever been, blessedly tired, I drove home, the heart whispering like the wheels turning, “Thank you everyone — thank you for this beautiful day, a beautiful day of history.”