1 2 8 0 4 1 4 46 172170 YEARSYEARS WINTER-SPRINGSUMMER-FALL ISSUE ISSUE 2014 2016 JimRestoration Allen Elected of East President and West of Shrine’s Center Board Wall Statuary of Directors An analysis done last year of the condition of the irreplaceable reli- At the April Board of Directors meet- his computer knowledge, recently he has been instrumental in gious works of art inside the Shrine, revealed that two of the statuary ing, Jim Allen was elected president of the enhancing and maintaining the Shrine’s website as well as needed attention. Most of the funding needed to fully restore these two Board thereby succeeding Ralph Kannady. developing its Facebook page. marvelous pieces of religious art work were from donations received The board of directors is the governing He is the third generation in his family to volunteer at the from you, our donors, in last Spring’s fundraiser. The “St. Ann with body of the Shrine of St. Joseph’s Friends, Shrine. Before him came his grandmother, Rose Barranco, Mary” statuary on the center west wall and the “Blessed Mother at the Inc.. The board is composed of 15 elected deceased, who was a part of the original group that began the Crucifixion Scene” on the center east wall had never been restored. members and it is responsible for raising all thrift shop and then his mother, Geraldine Allen, also currently Both of these works of art are quite large, each actually containing two Religious Services the funds, directing the restoration, and a thrift shop volunteer. statues requiring scaffolding to reach the upper sections, and due to be Sunday Mass--11 a.m. maintaining the Shrine. Allen is a native of St. Louis, graduating from DeSmet Jesuit completed by mid-February. First Friday of each month-- Jim and his wife, Denise, began vol- in 1977, served in the US Navy, is a graduate of Maryville Master artisan, Michele Bowman, was chosen to perform this Mass at 12 Noon unteering at the Shrine ten years ago as University and Fontbonne University. Jim is employed by SSM Religious Services work--she is no newcomer to the Shrine. Michele worked with the Veneration of St. Peter Claver part of the wedding group. They both Jim Allen Health Care. His job offers him the benefits of telecommuting and Sunday Mass--11 a.m. original group of artisans on the interior restoration from 1988 to 1993. or St. Padre Pio Relic after continue to work with our wedding volunteer group. In 2009, he often works from the Shrine on Friday. Jim and Denise are very First Friday of each month--Mass at 12 Noon She and another excellent artisan, Diane Pappas, during those years, Mass he was elected to the Board of Directors where he took charge proud of their three adult children and three grandchildren. Veneration of St. Peter Claver or St. Padre Pio Relic after Mass restored nearly every major Shrine statue. Fr. Dale Wunderlich, rector, of the scheduling of tours and also developed a training manual Jim’s goals are to build on the legacy of the founding mem- Fr. Dale Wunderlich, rector, and recipient of an Aquinas Institute “Great Preacher” award. Michelle, along with her assistants, Erica Robertson and JT and recipient of an Aquinas for newer tour guides. He then became the lead docent after Les bers“Mary of the at theFriends Crucifixion organization, Scene” ensuringErica working that the on Shrine upper partis self- above Cacciatorie, at this printing, were just beginning by thoroughly clean- behind scaffolding on east wall St. Ann; Michele and JT below Institute “Great Preacher” Mclaughlin retired from that position. Jim now conducts nearly sufficient financially, but also to open the Shrine to more visi- ing both statuary areas before taking on the painstaking process of care- working on Mary statue Supportingaward. the Shrine Air & Steam Club all of the Sunday tours after Mass, and shares the tour duties tors and special events. Jim would like to encourage anyone fully removing loose chipped paint using razor blades. Michelle said, Members of the Air and Steam Club have, since the begin- with other trained staff members during the week. Additionally, interested in giving more of their treasure of time to the Shrine, with Your Membership “then, using a special chemical mixture, we are going to perform what Supporting the Shrine ning, helped toAir cover & utility Steam costs. We Club need your continued he was placed in charge of coordinating special events. Using to contact him directly. with YourThe restoration Membership and on-going maintenance of supportMembers for ofthe the Shrine. Air and Steam Club have, since the beginning, is called ‘controlled paint removal’ to get back to the original colors.” the Shrine is accomplished strictly through helpedYour to donations cover last utility year costs.contributed We about need 60% your toward continued the (The St. Ann with Mary statuary was carved in the year 1897 by Max Theprivate restoration contributions. and on-going Annual maintenance membership of the supportShrine’s for heating, the Shrine. air conditioning, Your donations gas, last and year water contributed bills. about 60% Schneiderhahn, whoRectory was a very Porch well-known Work religious wood sculptor, Father Dale Wunderlich Shrinedues is is only accomplished $10 ($20 for husband strictly and throughwife). towardThank the Shrine’s you! heating,Thank you!air conditioning, Please continue gas, and your water level bills. of whoSupporting also created timbers the Shrine’s holding historic up the pulpit). “I can already tell that in his 40th year of ordination private contributions. Annual membership dues is Thank you! Thank you! Please continue your level of support All donations are tax deductible. If you are support for the Shrine. If you are not currently participating, additional3-story rectory colors porch have were been in added various to this statuary,” said Michelle. On August 3rd, Fr. Wunderlich, the only $10 ($20 for husband and wife). All donations already a member, we GRATEFULLY forplease the Shrine.join now. If Youryou are help not is currentlyneeded! Drawingsparticipating, are monthly please join “Whenstages of we deterioration. find the original Workers colors, from I will meet with Ted Wofford are tax deductible. If you are already a member, we now. Your help is needed! Drawings are monthly for prizes totaling Shrine’s rector this past four years, celebrated THANK YOU and ask for your continued for prizes totaling $200. Tickets are $12 each yearly with no limit (Shrine’sRallo Co. architect) removed and these show rotted him what tim- we have. Most likely we’ll fin- GRATEFULLY THANK YOU and ask for your $200. Tickets are $12 each yearly with no limit to the number you may his 40th year of ordination as a priest. From his Sherry Chibnall support. If you are not a member, please con- bers including a main vertical post as continued support. If you are not a member, please purchase.to the number you may purchase. ish the statuary in these original colors that we discover.” thoughtful homilies to his warm and welcom- sider joining. Your financial support is needed to help in Mail the form below along with your check made out to: wellOn as thea number east side of center ceiling wall, joists the and other statuary to be restored, is a ing spirit, Father Dale has had a strong, positive Doris Kannady consider joining. Your financial support is needed Mail the form below along with your check made out to: “Shrine of preserving thisto irreplaceablehelp in preserving historic this and irreplaceable religious landmark historic forand St.“Shrine Joseph’s of St. Friends, Joseph’s Inc.”Friends, and Inc.” mail and to mail 1220 to 1220 N. 11th N. 11th Street, veryreplaced emotionally with new moving treated wood. depiction of Mary kneeling and weeping impact on us and has endeared us to him. We religiousfuture landmark generations. for future If you generations. have any If questions, you have please any questions, contact St.Street, Louis, St. MOLouis, 63105-4614. MO 63106-4614. If you If needyou need more more information, information, please belowThis Christ structure nailed hadto the not crucifix, been sub-which is dated 1892. “In this stat- are greatly appreciative of him-may God bless pleaseSherry contact Chibnall, Doris your Kannady, Membership your Committee Membership Chairperson, Committee at contactplease ccntact Donna Bernie Milligan or Dooley or Pestka Dianne at (314) Raney 231-9407. who serve as uary,”stantially said worked Michelle, on “the since large, 1981. tall Ourcrucifix has been just painted over Father Wunderlich abundantly. Father Wunderlich Chairperson,(314) 231-9407. at (314) 231-9407. co-chairpersons. Phone: (314) 231-9407. withthanks dark to brownall of you solid who color took paint. part We in will Rottingremove support that brown timbers paint the spring fund raiser, the proceeds of replaced with treated wood. Please Remember the Shrine in your Will or Trust. Visit our website: www.shrineofstjoseph.org and replace it with stain that will enhance the wood and create a more JT sanding lower areaWeddings of St. Ann Michele- 2014 meticulously removing loose Please Remember the Shrine in your Will or Trust. Visit our website: www.shrineofstjoseph.org which was used toward accomplishing this much-needed work. grainy, actual wood-like appearance.” Michelle has also found some whileWith Michele the brushing scaffolding on chemical occupying the frontpaint half with ofa razor the center gold colors that have been painted over on the Blessed Mother and to perform controlled paint removal ApplicationApplication for for Membership Membership AirAir and and Steam Steam Club Club Memorable Shrine Events ceiling just a memory, we now have a stunning and newly re- ShrineShrine of ofSt. St. Joseph's Joseph's Friends, Friends, Inc. Inc. ShrineShrine of of St. St. Joseph’s Joseph’s Friends, Friends, Inc. Inc. “we are also looking for some gold on the Mary with St. Ann statu- painted center Shrine ceiling area Weddings with refurbished - 2016 richly-decorated Dues are $10 per person per year 1220 N 11th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106-4614 ary,”On she thesaid, week adding of that July “all 14-18,of this gold the we National uncover, Association we will replace of Dues are $10 per person per year 1220 N 11th Street, St. Louis, MO 63106-4614 ornamentations--the“Guests were awestruck Shrine by is the truly wedding eye-poppingly Mass at the gorgeous. Shrine of Mr. Pastoralwith a very Musicians high-quality held gold four gilding.” Masses and two evening events. At Mr. TheSt. Joseph.” 2014 wedding This comment season was began made after in the the Ladue scaffolding News when was Mrs.______Mrs.______1st1st prize prize $100 $100 the Michelleevening events,said, “returning as the buses to the rolledShrine inreminds from downtownme of the first hotels, stat- removedthe newspaper in mid-April. featured Jo a Ann recent Geisz Shrine and wedding. Kathie Schmidt, And another our Ms. Ms. 2nd2nd prize prize $50 $50 theyue I everdelivered restored--the nearly 300 Shrine’s participants guardian to angel the Shrine statue. from So that all statue over volunteerShrine wedding wedding featured coordinators, in the areSt. reporting Louis Magazine so far therethis are month 65 3rd3rd prize prize $50 $50 theholds country. special meaningWords cannot to me”. describe Michele added,what an “I reallyuplifting learned experience my craft Street______Street______weddingsdescribed scheduled the wedding this location year with as weddings the “opulent for 2015 Shrine swiftly of St. 33 winning winning tickets tickets every every month! month! $12 $12 per per ticket ticket tohere hear from this two many talented voices men--Ted singing Wofford sometimes (Shrine in architect) 4-part harmony. and Tom City______City______State______State______Zip+4______Zip+4______comingJoseph.” in. No Please matter call what Jo wordsAnn or you Kathie use, atthe our magnificent wedding officeShrine WithSater.” this She remarkable returned several sound yearsalong agowith andthe early restored evening the nativity visual Phone______Phone______(231-0869)is well known on Tuesas the or perfect, Thurs. Catholicfor any inquiries church site you for have an aboutunfor- Name______Name______beautyChristmas of figures,our Shrine, gold-plated it was aroundheaven the on tabernacle, earth. and gold-plated CheckCheck $______$______Check Check No.______No.______Shrinegettable weddings--they traditional church can alsowedding. arrange for a visit if you wish. Street______the On organ July pipes 30, the to theirAncient beautiful Order brilliance. of Hibernians Obviously, held their Michele nation- has Date______Cash $______Street______Our wedding office reports 57 weddings are signed up for Date______Cash $______alachieved convention a great in reputation St. Louis. here The with Shrine her complete was the masterysite of theirof this open- type City______City______State______State______Zip+4______Zip+4______2016 so far.Octoberfest There are still openings- Sunday remaining Oct. especially 12 in the Make checks payable to: ingof very Mass. high-quality Over 400 restoration participants work. far She and founded wide herfilled own the company- church Make checks payable to: Phone______Fall. PleaseLet's all call celebrate the wedding this magnificently-restored office at 231-0869 Shrine.on Tuesdays or Shrine of St. Joseph's Friends, Inc. Phone______that-Restoration evening Plus, for awhere joyous she and specializes inspiring in allMass aspects with of traditionalecclesiastical reli- art Shrine of St. Joseph's Friends, Inc. ThursdaysPlease join if usyou after have 11 questions.am Mass for You food can , fellowship, schedule anda visit music. if you 12201220 N. N. 11th 11th Street, Street, St. St. Louis, Louis, MO MO 63106-4614 63106-4614 giouspreservation Irish musicwhich andinvolves Archbishop restoring Robert and giving Carlson new aslife celebrant. to statuary, bells, clocks, art glass, candelabras, and paintings. wish, and see for yourself the extraordinary beauty of the Shrine. Bernie and Dooley Pestka’s Long-time Devotion to the Shrine Gene Boll Was Passionate About Saving the Shrine Among the last of the generation that grew up here in the old neighborhood With the death of Gene Boll last Nov. was murdered, which garnered support for saving the Shrine. In The lifeblood of the Shrine are our ring the tower bells before Mass. The rope attached to the bells hung 11th, all of the original founders of our 1980, the Friends, Inc., were granted financial control. volunteers. In this issue, we feature two all the way down from the top of the west tower and I would sometimes organization are now deceased, including not Boll’s official last service was as president of the Board in 1987 long-time volunteers--Bernie and watch as he got the gigantic bells ringing.” only Boll, but also Charles Fininger, Robert after having served for 7 years as its first treasurer. Mrs. Voss, our Dooley Pestka. Faithful and reliable-- Bernie would sometimes meet up with his classmate,Ralph Voss, Robert Arteaga, and Charlie Heisler. long-time sacristan and wife of founder Bob Voss who was the first these are two words that keep cropping Ellerbrock before school (long-time Shrine organist who passed 4 They, along with Ted Wofford, the Shrine’s vice-president, recalled that one of the tasks Boll accomplished was up in describing the Pestkas’ high level years ago) at Ralph’s parent’s bakery--the Ellerbrock Bakery. “They long-time, devoted architect, set this organi- to set up a system at the bank where donors would get their money of volunteering. nearly always gave me a free doughnut before we headed out of the zation into motion in March of 1979. returned if the restoration did not succeed. As she said, “at that time, Amazingly, they actually grew up bakery for school,” said Bernie. “The year I graduated from 8th grade, Wofford is the only one of this group left. there was never any certainty there would be a successful outcome.” within a short distance of each other-- there were just 13 of us in the class.” Bernie went into the Navy and It didn’t take anyone very long in talk- Gene loved the beauty of wood and was a good woodworker in Bernie at 16th and Cass Ave. and Dooley continued in school. Sometime after his five years of service, Gene Boll Bernie and Dooley Pestka ing with Gene Boll to realize that he was his own right. Said Ted Wofford, the Shrine’s long-time architect, “I Dooley, just 3 blocks away. “Back in the two married right here at St. Joseph’s in 1955. profoundly and passionately committed to saving this Shrine. He can still see Gene on his knees fitting replacement pieces into the those days,” said Bernie, “there were several Catholic churches in this The Pestkas, over the years, have pitched in to help out wherever was steadfast and never wavered in confronting the powerful beautiful multi-species wood parquet floor we discovered beneath a immediate area.” Then he proceeded to name at least five churches needed. They have always helped with raffle tickets from fund raisers forces that were in favor of taking down this religious, historic, later floor in the rectory hall.” Unfortunately, Boll became plagued now gone. “People today don’t realize what a densely populated area and with the air and steam club. Dooley has been a long-time and architecturally significant landmark. Furthermore, he had a the rest of his life with serious back problems. Although Gene and this was at one time,” he added. Dooley said, “we would get together Eucharistic minister and both have been part of the wedding group vol- deep, unshakable respect for Father Filipiak. his wife, Peggy, attended Mass weekly as long as possible, his back as kids and play ball at Mullanphy Park.” For Bernie and Dooley, their unteers. A long-time member of the men's club, Bernie is currently its Boll was among the first to recommend the formation of a only slightly improved, and it curtailed his volunteer efforts. childhood friendship ended up with marriage now in its 60th year, vice-president and he is also head of the men’s usher group, helps with not-for-profit corporation. Gene had a near-perfect photographic Gene’s most vivid memory of the Shrine was about 1976. He having 2 sons and 5 grand children. funerals, and makes sure the Shrine is available for visitation one hour memory and re-called that evening in great detail: One cold blus- could not believe the astounding level of decay that prevailed Bernie was baptized here at St. Joseph’s and went to St. Joseph’s before Mass. tery night on Jan 10, 1979, both Boll and Arteaga were talking throughout the church and rectory. Gene said, “I could not visualize parish school which was just two blocks from the Shrine. Dooley was But now Bernie and Dooley have agreed to take on yet another with Fr. Filipiak in the run-down rectory on the need for a new any human being living in the conditions that existed in the rectory. also baptized at the Shrine some years later. “We would literally march assignment in addition to all the above by being in charge of the work roof because the existing roof was in very bad shape with many In the church, there were leaks everywhere, some walls were devoid in straight lines from the school into the church for Mass every morn- associated with running the air and steam club. For years, they assist- leaks that needed immediate attention. Then he and Arteaga of plaster, and it was bitter cold in the winter.” ing.” said Bernie, adding “in cold weather we used the basement chapel ed those in charge before them. Now they will be assisted by Ed and drove up to Finninger’s Restaurant to discuss it some more with Gene was especially moved by the conditions that Fr. Filipiak (now the thrift shop). I still remember the old pump organ in the chapel. Pat Shanahan and others. Obviously, the Pestkas have a lot of experi- Charlie Finninger. Along the way, they picked up Bob Voss. lived under. Before his murder, Father worked closely with Gene and Boys and girls in church were seated separately--on Sunday there were ence with this fund raising area which contributes directly toward pay- After discussing the roof situation, Boll changed the topic to that trusted Gene implicitly. The humble life and tragic death of Fr. two Latin Masses. There were no bathrooms in the church building. I ing the Shrine’s utility bills. of needing to form a not-for-profit corporation to provide a base Filipiak so deeply affected Gene that he became passionately com- vividly remember privies lined up out back with steps from the We thank Bernie and Dooley for their extraordinary length of serv- for receiving tax-free donations. They got in touch with Ray mitted in his determination to rescue the Shrine from demolition, to church’s east sacristy room going down outside to their location where ice helping out as they have done in so many ways. Childhood friends, Bruntrager, an attorney who was also devoted to saving the restore it to its former grandeur, and to fervently always remember the courtyard parking area is now situated.” devoted married couple, and dedicated Shrine volunteers--how could it Shrine, and he drew up the necessary legal papers pro bono. By Father Filipiak. Against what appeared to be overwhelming odds, “I recall,” said Bernie, “Joe Baldes, the church’s custodian. Joe get any better than that? Thank God for Bernie and Dooley--years of March of 1979, the Friends, Inc., was officially in existence. Boll, Wofford, and the other Founders began the task of funding and managed to live in the west room above the priest’s sacristy. He would volunteering here together has been their gift to the Shrine. Afew months later in August, the Friends, Inc, managed to get a directing the restoration. Gene will forever be remembered for his new, but cheap roof. Boll said that all funding for restoration had to gutsy, unfaltering perseverance. He was a beacon of leadership in Expansion of Religious Counter From One Bad Deed Came go through the new corporation because Fr. Filipiak was not allowed the difficult early years and played a very critical role in creating our to collect any donations for restoration. A month later, Fr. Filipiak organization and in saving this Shrine. For years, it was just a counter in the rear of the thrift shop. But Many Good Deeds with the volume of quality religious items donated and received, The Shrine’s rectory doors were set on fire by and no where to suitably display them all, the thrift shop staff Strecker Descendants Here-Mar. 13 an arsonist on Oct. 22nd. While the doors had to In Memoriam decided to dedicate a larger amount of space for religious items. The Shrine has a very special group that we invite to the Shrine Walt Raney’s funeral was held at the Shrine on Nov be replaced and there was significant smoke odor The expansion actually comes to an additional 50 feet of space every March--the descendants of Ignatius Strecker. A very dramatic 6th, 2015. He served on the Board of Directors for 14 inside the rectory lower level, there was no fur- down the north side of the thrift shop. cure took place on March 16, 1864, when their ancestor, Mr. Strecker, years beginning in the year 2000, and became an active ther damage. Quick response by the fire depart- Said Terry Davis, who has headed up this effort, “some of the items was brought into church, near death, and was miraculously cured. member of both the Board’s finance and building com- ment easily extinguished the fire. Since the Shrine we have received, you probably wouldn’t find anymore. They have After thorough investigation, this cure was formally declared as an mittees. Both Walt and his wife, Dianne, who succeeds was the seventh in a string of churches in St. Walt Raney been in people’s families for years or in their estates and finally were authentic miracle in 1887 which led to the canonization of Peter him, were also active together for well over 25 years in Louis to be hit by an arsonist, it brought out donated to us.” For example, he pointed out a set of crucifixes and said, Claver. The Shrine is the only church-site in this part of America where numerous other projects to help preserve the Shrine. numerous media outlets and it soon became Fr. Wunderlich “these are in mint condition and are said to be over 100 years old.” aVatican-authenticated miracle has occurred. Charmaine Moeller passed on Oct 15 of 2015. Both national news. Father Wunderlich, the Shrine’s rector, spent a great Because the new expansion has many items never heretofore been dis- The Strecker descendants have once again been invited here for Charmaine and her husband, John, who predeceased deal of time talking with the local news channels and newspapers as played, it is an excellent place to pick out an unusual gift for confir- the March 13th Mass with a reception following in the rectory. Last her, served in the wedding volunteer group for many well as interviews with the national headquarters of NBC, CNN, mation, first communion, or other special occasions. year there were over 35 descendants who made the annual pilgrimage. years. They were always staunch, generous supporters CNBC, the LA Times, the Guardian, EWTN, and others. Most of these are now 5th and 6th generation descendants who have of saving and restoring the Shrine. Agenerous second collection was taken up at the Shrine to help Charmaine direct lineage down from two of Mr. Strecker’s daughters. Moeller out the other churches that were hit. Five were African-American Protestant and another Catholic Church. “It was the largest second Upcoming Events collection we’ve ever had,” said Fr. Wunderlich. Likewise, the Feb 14 11 am - Mass in remembrance of Fr. Valentine Shrine also received financial and spiritual support. One especially Mar. 13 11 am - Ignatius Strecker Descendants Pilgrimage poignant story was $1,000 to help with the damage that was collect- Mar. 19 11 am - Feast of St. Joseph (blessed bread after Mass-- will be ed and donated to the Shrine from another African American Baptist distributed only on this day.) Church. In addition, ministers from three of the damaged African- Strecker group photo Mar. 20 11 am - Palm Sunday American churches paid the Shrine and Father Wunderlich a visit Mar. 27 11 am - Easter offering support and prayers. Said Father, “I felt a deep kinship and Visit our website: shrineofstjoseph.org | Photos by Arteaga April 3 12:30 - Friends Annual Meeting and elections (9 am-12:30) Ellen Capuano &Terry Davis in expanded area spirit of ecumenism and brotherhood with these other ministers.”