The Hound of Heaven

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-129046542011-12-17T15:33:11.205-05:00The Hound of HeavenSharing with gratitude some of what I learned from and about my friend Fr. Richard F. Wersing (1910- 2006) who introduced me to Francis Thompson's "The Hound of Heaven". Father Dick passed away August 23, 2006 at age 96. He was a Holy Ghost Father (Spiritans, Congregation of the Holy Spirit) for nearly 69 years, including 25 as a Chaplain in the US Army, and several years as an English professor at Duquesne University. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery September 19, 2006.Jim H.noreply@blogger.comBlogger681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-31651237854459887652009-12-25T16:18:00.000-05:002009-12-25T20:50:47.893-05:00Merry Christmas

Father Dick included this Francis Thompson poem in his annual "Christmas letter" for many years. It was one of his favorites. Little Jesus by Francis ThompsonEx ore infantium, Deus, et lactentium perfecisti laudem.Little Jesus, was Thou shyOnce, and just so small as I?And what did it feel like to beOut of Heaven, and just like me?Didst Thou sometimes think of there,And ask where all the angels

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-32557542627187905162009-01-28T15:17:00.005-05:002009-01-28T15:30:20.031-05:00Requiescant in pace, good friend Fr. Chips (click here & see page 11)

From The Pittsburgh Post Gazette:RASZEWSKI REV. EDWARD J., C.S.Sp.Rev. Edward J. "Chips" Raszewski, C.Sp., 90, of Bethel Park PA a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit died Monday, January 19, 2009. Father Raszewski was born June 27, 1918. He professed his vows August 15, 1941 at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield CT and was ordained to the Priesthood June 3, 1947 at St. Mary's Seminary,

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-29863889324767924122008-05-03T16:27:00.001-04:002008-05-05T19:18:21.652-04:00Novena to the Holy Ghost

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-53398804166807452542008-03-02T11:12:00.003-05:002008-12-10T01:38:57.033-05:00Center for Spiritan Studies at Duquesne University

Still from the movie The Missionary, filmed in 1955.Fr. Le Roy, Superior General, advises a young missionary.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-11761067755994852052008-03-01T20:17:00.004-05:002008-12-10T01:38:57.189-05:00The Spiritan Center

Retreat, Formation, Renewal The Spiritan CenterBethel Park, PA

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-19799775799044702602008-02-28T21:50:00.001-05:002008-12-10T01:38:57.320-05:00Endulen Maasai Diary

Follow the Spiritan Mission work in Maasailand!

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-22520693031807887402007-09-25T20:18:00.000-04:002007-09-25T20:21:51.793-04:00Rest In Peace "Father Al"

Father Albert M. SeichepineFather Albert M. Seichepine, C.S.Sp., died Sept. 3, 2007. He was 81.Born in Delaware, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit in 1951. He served in Puerto Rico until 1986, when he was appointed superior of the retirement community at Spiritan Hall, Bensalem. He lived there until the hall closed, at the same time serving as co-director

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-12309385093010918892007-09-12T17:41:00.001-04:002007-09-12T17:41:57.790-04:00Arlington National Cemetery: Fr. Wersing bio

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-52631114730160626232007-05-28T10:47:00.001-04:002008-12-10T01:38:57.477-05:00Society of Third Infantry Division

Posted on Memorial Day (Observed) in memory of Chaplain (LtCol) Richard F. Wersing

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-11565700970970736912007-05-28T07:57:00.000-04:002008-12-10T01:38:57.665-05:00Archdiocese for the Military Services USA

Posted Memorial Day (Observed) in memory of Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Richard F. Wersing. Please visit the Archdiocese website for more info.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-90256781634191751602007-05-17T16:50:00.000-04:002007-05-17T16:51:26.216-04:00Pentecost Novena

A special time for the Holy Ghost Fathers

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-19567288666967079022007-03-23T09:30:00.000-04:002007-03-23T14:18:16.782-04:00Recent Letter from Father's Jeep Driver

Hi James,I got your name out of the Watch on the Rhine (3rd Infantry Division newsletter). Fr. Wersing was a very close friend of mine from Korea. My name is George Pilkington. I live in Cuba, ILI hauled Fr. Wersing in a jeep all over Korea. He would spread his blanket on the hood of my Jeep - this served as his altar. Sometimes he would insist on going up the hill and into the trenches. A very

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-78114144221356443092007-03-23T09:23:00.000-04:002008-12-10T01:38:58.040-05:00Arlington National Cemetery

Fr. Wersing's gravesite at Arlington is 54-526 and is within easy walking distance from the Visitors Center

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1162492629779303992006-11-02T13:34:00.000-05:002006-11-02T13:39:18.130-05:00Poem for Fr. Dick

Written by niece Kate on occasion of his 92nd birthday!And delivered as a remembrance at his funeral Mass... In 1910, say it again, in 1910You, Richard Francis, were bornto Margaret and John.For 14 years then you came and you went;on Trenton Avenue these years you spent.The on to Herman and FerndaleYou traveled afar a priest to become.So you went to study and pray and discern.In 1937, a priest

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1157577498864476382006-08-30T17:13:00.000-04:002006-09-06T20:37:12.103-04:00Remembrance

Jim H. August 26, 2006I have a lot of mixed feelings and emotions this morning, including humility, gratitude, faith, joy and love. And when you think of it – aren’t those all things that Fr. Dick taught us about? And his manner of instruction was not really teaching, per se. In much the same way as Jesus told parables with lessons, Fr. Dick told stories – and when we listened closely the message

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1156540166575996642006-08-25T17:07:00.000-04:002006-08-25T17:11:50.860-04:00From today's Pittsburgh Post Gazette

ObituaryRichard Wersing Missionary priest and Duquesne U. professorFeb. 12, 1910 - Aug. 23, 2006Friday, August 25, 2006 By Kate McCaffrey, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteBy the time the Rev. Richard Wersing was assigned to Duquesne University in 1971, he had already traveled the world over after serving for 24 years as a chaplain with the U.S. Army.Father Wersing, who taught literature and poetry and

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1156367647574583872006-08-23T17:10:00.000-04:002006-09-02T08:09:06.470-04:00Rest In Peace

Fr. Richard F. Wersing, C.S.Sp.February 12, 1910 - August 23, 2006From the Pittsburgh Post-GazetteRev. Richard F. WersingOf Bethel Park, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit died Wednesday, August 23, 2006. He was 96 years old. Father Wersing was born February 12, 1910 in Wilkinsburg, PA. He professed his vows August 15, 1934 at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield CT and was ordained to

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1154268806174689862006-07-30T10:03:00.000-04:002006-07-30T10:14:51.363-04:00Tribute to a Teacher

Father taught English at Duquesne University for several years. He has passed along many books to me, several with inscriptions. One book, a gift from a former student has this:"Dear Fr. Wersing,When I first came to Duquesne I came from a world of newsprint where people were concerned with saying things in the most literal fashion possible. It was your English course that brought me back to the

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1151287297072663512006-06-25T21:51:00.000-04:002006-08-24T22:59:53.190-04:00"Bronze Star" Mass

"Father Richard F. Wersing was an Army Catholic Chaplin for many years...We met several times on the front lines of Hill 355 (Little Gibraltar Korea)...Wherever he went he always gathered as many GI's as he could to say Mass, sometime there were only a few and sometimes 50 to 100+...On one one occasion he said Mass on the reverse side of Hill 355 ...All of a sudden the Chinese started shelling

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1150770989767563922006-06-19T22:35:00.000-04:002006-06-25T21:50:42.470-04:00First Interest in Becoming a Priest?

"It was the subtle influence of pastors. Great men; respected and dignified; especially Father Lambing. Incidentally, so you will not have any illusions about my age, Father Lambing was the first priest I ever saw and knew. He came weekly to check our catechetical knowledge and our classroom deportment. As a schoolboy I attended my first funeral Mass upon his death; this was in St. James parish,

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1146532563948640312006-05-01T21:11:00.000-04:002006-05-02T13:00:15.853-04:00Typewritten Prayer from Father Richard

Within my earthly temple, there is a crowd.There's one of us that's humble; and one that's proud.There's one that's broken hearted for his sins,And one who unrepentant sits and grins.There's one who loves his neighbor as himself,And one cares not but fame and pelf.From much corroding care I should be freeIf for once I could determine which is me.-Edward S. Martin

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1144629137299650512006-04-09T20:25:00.000-04:002006-04-22T13:26:35.156-04:00Padre Paperboy

I don't know if the dictionary has a definition of the informal term "Pack Rat" but if it does perhaps Fr. Richard's picture is posted there! At age 13 he had a paper route in the Wilkinsburg section of Pittsburgh. A few weeks ago we came across his 1923 paperboy collection book - completed in his handwriting, with every penny and every paper accounted for, of course! And last week we came across

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1142953325181496132006-03-21T10:00:00.000-05:002006-03-30T10:24:09.533-05:00Rest In Peace, Fr. Robert Roach

ROACH, REV. ROBERT N. , C.S.Sp., 83 of Bethel Park, a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit died March 19, 2006. Fr. Roach was born December 25, 1922 in Fordham, NY. He professed his vows at Holy Ghost Novitiate, Ridgefield, CT and was ordained to the Priesthood March 20, 1948 at St. Mary's Seminary, Ferndale, Norwalk, CT. He was first assigned to Cornwells Apostolic College, Bensalem

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1142640633989138432006-03-17T19:06:00.000-05:002006-05-07T07:41:36.773-04:00Springtime in the Chapel

"These days the sunshine is brilliant, beautiful.Especially for morning prayer in the Chapel - just fantastic! Then some joker always stands up and blocks it!"

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1140821952220067572006-02-24T17:52:00.000-05:002006-02-26T20:35:50.293-05:00Tribute to a Priest, a Man, and a Religious Order

Written in 1964"I am a convert with an extremely sketchy early religious education; as a matter of fact, the first Catholic to reappear in the family since the reformation!At Pentecost, Father Wersing opened new doors to me. His sermon on the Holy Ghost, and the subsequent days of worship and instruction, illuminated new corridors of grace, and has ever since been a source of daily prayer, and a

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1139690349842480662006-02-11T15:35:00.000-05:002006-02-16T18:24:16.460-05:00Happy 96th Birthday!

Happy 96th Birthday Fr. Wersing!Born 101 Years after Abraham Lincoln!February 12, 1910 at Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1136495226786461032006-01-05T16:05:00.000-05:002006-01-05T16:08:41.096-05:00"Anyone who chases me will find me in the arms of my patron saint."

"Anyone who chases me will find me in the arms of my patron saint."Fr. Richard Francis Wersing

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1135118601701536432005-12-20T17:42:00.000-05:002005-12-20T17:43:23.846-05:00Why St. Anthony is Always Shown Holding the Child Jesus

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1133562277131189322005-12-02T17:18:00.000-05:002005-12-02T17:27:31.046-05:00The Axe of the Apostles

A Joke courtesy of Father Richard...So the Cathechism teacher was telling her kids about St. Pauls Armor of God...Teacher: "The breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation...and there is something else. Can anyone tell me?" (she was thinking of the Sword of the Spirit)When no one answered...Teacher: "Well, here's a hint...it is sharp!"One bright-eyed child: "Is

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1133561870877053582005-12-02T17:15:00.000-05:002005-12-18T16:43:21.213-05:00St. Francis Prayer Before the Crucifix

Thanks! to Father Kevin Queally, T.O.R. ...and for his translation from the ItalianMost High, glorious God,enlighten the darkness of my heart.Give me right faithcertain hope and perfect charity,wisdom and insight,and profound humility, Lord,that I may know and carry outYour holy and true will.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1133444968848323262005-12-01T08:48:00.000-05:002005-12-26T18:10:30.640-05:00Christmas Letter

Father W. included this Francis Thompson poem in his annual "Christmas letter" for many years. It is one of his favorites which he still recites from memory. Little Jesus by Francis ThompsonEx ore infantium, Deus, et lactentium perfecisti laudem.Little Jesus, was Thou shyOnce, and just so small as I?And what did it feel like to beOut of Heaven, and just like me?Didst Thou sometimes think of there

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1133048730784017172005-11-26T18:39:00.000-05:002005-11-30T22:43:10.896-05:00Our Current Reading - Perfect to Appreciate Thanksgiving

Christ in Dachau by Rev. John M. LenzForgotten Priests in a Nazi HellholeDachau concentration camp held the largest number of Catholic priests—more than 2400—in the Nazi camp system. They came from two dozen countries, from every background—parish priests and prelates, monks and friars, teachers and missionaries. Over one-third were killed. Among the survivors was Fr. Johannes Lenz, who was asked

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1132365951875012532005-11-18T21:05:00.000-05:002005-11-18T21:09:22.616-05:00Litany of Loreto Crossword Puzzle - Click Here

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1132266318529584132005-11-17T17:23:00.000-05:002005-11-17T17:29:03.536-05:00Jemez Springs, NM

Home of Servants of the ParacleteThis is where Father says he always wanted to go to die.Looks like a great place to be "going Home to meet my Boss" as he says.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1131144577639228912005-11-04T17:47:00.000-05:002007-08-13T20:45:33.847-04:00"Footprints"...Fr. Wersing Version

"It is unfortunate that the footprints left in the sands of time by some will be only the print of a heel".- Fr. Richard Wersing

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1130452195195581922005-10-27T18:25:00.000-04:002005-10-27T18:29:55.213-04:00Battle of Gettysburg and the Sisters of Charity

This book is one of Father's favorites. The book credits the Sisters of Charity in great detail for their care of the wounded - both Yankee and Confederate after the Battle of Gettysburg.Father was educated by the Sisters of Charity at St. James School in Wilkinsburg, PA. Class of 1923!

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1127594442257882712005-09-24T16:34:00.000-04:002005-09-27T22:29:00.803-04:00Father's GRADE SCHOOL Reunion!

Fr. Richard F. Wersing, Class of 1923! Father presided at her Wedding Mass in 1949!70 Attend All-Years Reunion St. James School - Wilkinsburg, PASat., Sept. 24, 2005

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1126906905315396052005-09-16T17:19:00.000-04:002005-09-16T17:52:40.013-04:00Road Trip to Duquesne University

Father Wersing & Two Angels Thanks! Jeanne and Bonnie...

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1126232909373223982005-09-08T22:22:00.000-04:002005-09-08T22:29:58.550-04:00Happy 68th Jubilee to Fr. Wersing!

Father Richard F. Wersing, C.S.Sp.Ordained September 8, 1937Photos from 1997 and 1937

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1125485881753673842005-08-29T06:52:00.000-04:002005-08-31T15:15:12.150-04:00Fr. W. is the King of Repartee

Last week I had some dental work done....here is the conversation:Me: "Father, I will see you Friday...but I won't be able to talk much; I am having some ORAL SURGERY Thursday."Fr. W: "It's interesting...most of my life I've been involved in MORAL SURGERY!"

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1124632568453265072005-08-21T09:45:00.000-04:002005-08-22T07:18:02.233-04:00Arusha, Tanzania

Father Wersing is approaching his 68th Jubilee! ... ordained a Holy Ghost Father September 8, 1937.Father spent his 50th Jubilee (1987) in Arusha - A place he likes to remember and a place he likes to talk and hear about.The Holy Ghost Congregation have been missionaries in Tanzania for more than 138 years.Click the heading above to read about the seminary in Arusha. To learn more, also seehttp:/

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1123419469586322642005-08-07T08:54:00.000-04:002005-08-12T13:09:18.793-04:00The Great K&A Train Robbery

...is what we are now reading. Fr. rec'd. the book as gift in 1920, according to his inscription inside. It was made into a silent movie starring Tom Mix in 1926. A young John Wayne appeared as an extra! Fun reading.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1122939941554186152005-08-01T19:44:00.000-04:002005-08-21T14:09:58.366-04:00BENEDICTION of the Blessed Sacrament

Every Monday at 5:15 PM at The Spiritan CenterFather says, "We can't sing, but our intentions are good!"

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1122075576740013312005-07-22T19:29:00.000-04:002005-07-22T19:40:08.026-04:00High School Reading List-Circa 1927

Ever wonder what a high school boy would have read circa 1927? Probably not...But here a few selections of Father's list entitled "Books I Read at St. Fidelis". 67 in all! How many high-schoolers today read 67 books?1. Stoddards Lectures6. Mirror of Shalott7. The Mill Town Pastor10. Treasure Island12. Kidnapped17. Journey to the Center of the Earth19. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea25. Sherlock

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1121467365058578922005-07-15T18:27:00.000-04:002005-07-18T07:55:34.370-04:00Poetry by Fr. Richard (Circa 1928)

Note: Written at age 18, while at St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, PAA DittyI've visited many a townAnd many more I hope to see -But none, I think, will e'er becomeWhat charming little Herman is to me.To R.S.A thing of beauty is a joy forever,Unlike tears that quickly dry away.May our friendship be severed-neverBut be bonded stronger day-by-day.To J.R.When life's golden sunset lies before youWith

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1119213599258234232005-07-10T16:39:00.000-04:002005-08-31T15:20:55.983-04:00Fathers Day visit with Father

June 19, 2005

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1119213550371325092005-07-10T16:37:00.000-04:002005-08-31T15:20:37.560-04:00

June 19, 2005

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1119529313551140142005-06-23T08:13:00.000-04:002005-07-15T19:46:37.966-04:00Classic Fr. Wersing, Courtesy of Jennifer

Jennifer recently found this blog and shared this Fr. Wersing quote from when he presided over her wedding 13 years ago.... "Jennifer, of all of the marriages I have performed - I believe you were the first Queen, and may you always have your Prince, a concert at your side, God love you Dear." That is Classic Father! As is this: When you tell him when you are coming to see him next, you are

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1118371363875634852005-06-09T22:33:00.000-04:002005-06-19T08:50:46.746-04:00Celibacy and Cigarettes

When Fr. Dick began an apostolate to black Catholics in Muskogee, Oklahoma circa 1940, the local Baptist minister may have developed a resentment. The Baptist minister and his wife seemed to avoid Fr. Dick at all costs and even cross to the other side of the street when they saw him coming.Fr. Dick, a cigarette smoker, was enjoying a smoke on the platform while waiting for a train. The Baptist

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117835041500197452005-06-03T17:36:00.000-04:002005-06-03T21:53:55.230-04:00Homework Assignment

With a lack of reference resources (no computer! no Google!) at Fr. Dick's place, he sometimes has questions that he wants me to look up - and report back to him. Sometimes (always!) I am suspicious that he knows the answers but wants me to do some homework! For instance:Q. "Hey, what was that deal about Augustine's mother following him around and praying for his conversion?"A. http://

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117750209202707892005-06-02T18:10:00.000-04:002005-06-03T17:23:44.590-04:00Good Stuff from Fr. Louis, OCSO...

"Clean, unselfish love does not live on what it gets but on what it gives. It increases by pouring itself out for others, grows by self-sacrifice and becomes mighty by throwing itself away." -Fr. Louis, OCSO, a.k.a. Thomas

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117308587676992312005-05-28T15:15:00.000-04:002005-05-29T12:22:31.173-04:00Corpus Christi in Korea

G.I.'s Make a Censerby Fr. Richard Wersing, circa 1952It was glorious weather for a glorious day, so, after a rough day of training, we had Mass yesterday for Corpus Christi at 6PM in the outdoor hillside chapel at 3rd Bn.At 6:30 we had Benediction for our first time here. Our charcoal was burnt wood from a Korean home; the incense was real and it was placed in a Japanese brass ashtray and ladled

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117246562780006112005-05-27T22:15:00.000-04:002005-05-27T22:16:02.780-04:00Litany of Loreto

Father's Favoritehttp://www.intermirifica.org/Mary/marylitany.htm

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117234671041362572005-05-27T18:41:00.000-04:002005-05-27T18:57:51.046-04:00Fr. Wersing's Vitae

Chaplain, Lt. Col., U.S. Army, Retired1910 - Born Feb. 12th, Wilkinsburg, PA1916-1924 -St. James Grade School1924-Duquesne Prep School1925-1929 -St. Fidelis College1929-1933 -BA, Duquesne University,1934-1938 -B. Theology, St. Marys, Ferndale, CT1937 -September 8, Ordained, Holy Ghost Fathers1938-1940 -Missionary, Opelousas, LA1940-1944 -Founder and first Pastor, St. Augustine, Muskogee, OK1944-

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117235202324865472005-05-27T18:40:00.000-04:002005-05-31T19:16:01.086-04:00"My Wish...

...To My Friend" May the blessing of God wait on you and the sun of glory shine around your head. May the gates of plenty, honor and happiness be always open to you and yours. May no strife disturb your day, nor sorrow distress your night; and may the pillow of peace kiss your cheek, and pleasures of imagination attend your dreams, and when length of years make you tired of earthly joys and the

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116808174533326832005-05-22T20:29:00.000-04:002005-06-01T21:51:49.086-04:00Holy Ghost Fathers, Brothers and Associates

http://www.spiritans.org/index_flash.html

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116536712616391352005-05-19T16:58:00.000-04:002005-05-26T06:44:30.433-04:00Therese Neumann

In 1947, Fr. Dick, then Chaplain w/the Second Armored Division, paid a visit to Konnersreuth where he met Therese Neumann:"I remember she was fascinated with the (Army) jeep. In fact we gave her a ride around the block. Later, I walked her home from the church. It was really quite an experience, a very fortunate one for me, to just be walking along with a stigmatic; just walking her home. She was

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116470945491196372005-05-18T22:48:00.000-04:002005-05-20T06:35:33.350-04:00Finest Prose Ever Written?

"How can you beat it?" - Fr. DickSHELLEY: AN ESSAY by Francis ThompsonThe Church, which was once the mother of poets no less than of saints, during the last two centuries has relinquished to aliens the chief glories of poetry, if the chief glories of holiness she has preserved for her own. The palm and the laurel, Dominic and Dante, sanctity and song, grew together in her soil: she has retained

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116270861502332322005-05-16T15:12:00.000-04:002005-05-16T15:14:21.510-04:00Fr. Wersing's Sister 1914-2005

Helen A. (Wersing) KaufmanKAUFMAN HELEN A. (WERSING) Of Munhall; on May 14, 2005; born May 24, 1914 in Pittsburgh, age 90; beloved wife of the late Howard J.; mother of Patricia A. (Paul) Chorba of North Hills, Kathleen M. Hall of Munhall and Timothy J. (Patricia) Kaufman of Fairfax, VA; sister of Rev. Richard F. Wersing, CSSp of Bethel Park, Marian LaPlace of North Huntingdon, Margart G. Wersing

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117065322823457742005-05-10T19:55:00.000-04:002005-05-27T12:44:20.576-04:00Frankie Sapienza

Fr. Wersing's good friend and another of our "Road Trips" to visit Frankie.Thanks Alice for going out to dinner with us all! Get to know Frankie at:http://hometown.aol.com/fsapie8465/index.htmlFrankie Sapienza

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117161408705696932005-05-10T19:50:00.000-04:002005-05-27T12:44:40.106-04:00

October 2004Alice, Father & FrankieHey, let's go out to dinner!

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116338597181758982005-05-09T10:00:00.000-04:002005-05-27T12:45:33.613-04:00Sisters of Charity

Fr. Dick's FriendsOver 350 years ago St. Vincent de Paul, with St. Louise de Marillac, established the first active religious congregation, the Company of the Daughters of Christian Charity. This community was different from the cloistered nuns of the period."They shall practice the same virtues as those who take solemn vows in a Regular Order, though with greater difficulty as they are more

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116124968536332542005-04-29T22:33:00.000-04:002005-05-19T06:46:24.560-04:00Four Things

"Four things a man must learn to doIf he would make his record true:To think without confusion clearly;To love his fellow man sincerely;To act from honest motives purely;To trust in God and Heaven securely."----Learned from Father Richard F. Wersing, C.S.Sp.

Jim H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117072922286351442005-04-25T22:02:00.000-04:002005-05-27T12:43:37.373-04:00

September 2004 Road TripAges 94 and 92Fr. Dick and his sister Marian

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116161970242160282005-04-20T08:27:00.000-04:002005-05-25T09:28:11.713-04:00"Prepared For Everything" by Father J. Kelly

From the December 2003 Spiritan East NewsletterAn unexpected event happened one night here at Bethel's Libermann Hall - the fire alarm rang out during the night. The police arrived, the Bethel fire truck was being prepared for action and the confreres had come out of their rooms to see what was happening, but there was no sign of Fr. Dick Wersing, who is now 93, frail and with very poor

Jim H.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116267517835182802005-04-01T14:17:00.000-05:002005-05-31T13:28:43.436-04:00St. Joseph's House of Hospitality

One of Father's Favorite Charities (and one of our "Road Trips")St. Joseph's House of Hospitality was founded in 1937 in Pittsburgh's Hill District. A pioneer in delivering services to the poor and homeless, St. Joseph's offers supportive housing in the form of single room occupancies and congregate living.St. Joseph's House of Hospitality's professional staff of religious and lay persons serve

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1117909714422283832005-03-31T14:28:00.000-05:002005-09-15T07:39:25.023-04:00

Circa 195520+ Years as a US Army Chaplain, Including WWII/Europe, and Korea

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12904654.post-1116171225497865912005-03-31T09:15:00.001-05:002010-02-03T09:03:06.357-05:00"My Chaplain"

Jim H.noreply@blogger.com0