Rev. Francis P. Sokol honored; trees dedicated by Sacred Heart Parish
by Ed Dybicz for The Times HeraldAn inspiring homily by the Most Rev. Daniel E. Thomas, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the dedication of a plaque of honor of the late Rev. Francis P. Sokol, a marker and 40 parishioners' memorial trees highlighted ceremonies held April 10 at Sacred Heart Church, Swedesburg.
The program began with Mass concelebrated by Bishop Thomas and the Rev. Scott Brockson, Sacred Heart Parish administrator.
Mira and Mark Sowinski presented flowers to the bishop.
A bronze plaque, gift of the Flaminski and Maciag families of Poland and he United States, was dedicated by the Bishop, "in honor and everlasting memory of Father Franciszek Sokol, a great person, a great Pole and a great American."
Dr. Pawel Maciag, Father Sokol's nephew and consular and press attache of the Embassy of Poland in Washington, D.C., also participated.
Father Sokol served as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish from 1944 to 1970. A native of Poland, be came to the United States in 1912.
In 1970 be was honored by the Daughters of the American Revolution with the Americanism Medal and citation for his, leadership and patriotism. This is the highest honor the DAR can bestow on a naturalized citizen.
He was the first clergyman in Pennsylvania to receive this award. He passed away March 2, 1981.
Sacred Heart Parish also honored him with a statue of St. Francis placed in the front of the church.
After the Mass there was a procession led by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Notre Dame Division No. 1 of Swedesburg, color guard of the Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Co., Knights of Columbus honor guard, the Rosary and Holy Name societies, altar servers, St. Cecilia's Choir and parishioners.
Bishop Thomas, assisted by Father Brockson, blessed the parishioners' memorial trees which dot the perimeter of the church parking area. The bishop also blessed and dedicated a stone marker symbolizing those honored with the trees.
From: Times Herald, date unknown