The sad news came to us from St. Joseph’s Home (nursing health center) in Enfield, CT. Today, Friday, July 5 Father CHESTER MROWKA, C.M., 97, died after 7:00 AM. He moved to that place few weeks ago, after he collapsed and his health deteriorated.
He passed away two weeks after his 97th birthday, 74th year of vocation and 66th year of priesthood. He observed 65th anniversary in late June. At the time of his death he was the oldest member of New England Province.
Fr. Chester was born on June 22, 1927 in New Haven, CT. After serving his time in the US Navy he entered the Congregation of the Mision, then in the Vice-Province of Poland in the USA on June 12, 1951. After completing his studies and formation he was ordained priest on may 23, 1959 in the Vincentian Seminary in Northampton, PA.
During the years of priestly ministry he has been very well known as teacher, educator and rector of St. John Kanty College in Erie, Pa, founded, administerd and staffed by Vincentians. He stayed there from 1960 to 1966 and again from 1967 until 1976 as its Rector and Superior.
In 1987 he was elected the fourth Provincial Superior (Visitor) of New England Province and held this position until 1996. During his term the Provincial headquarters moved from its second location (1109 Prospect Avenue, West Hartford) and another temporary one at 1155 Prospect Ave and finally he managed building and opening of the current Provincial Residence in Manchester, CT. There he has spent most of his life after his term of office as Provincial ended.
The Funeral Arrangements:
The funeral mass will take place at St. Joseph Home, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT, on Tuesday, July 9, 11:00 AM. Little Sisters of the Poor who run that home will provide a repass after the Mass.
The burial will take place around 3:00 PM at All Saints Cemetary in North Haven, CT.
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