50¢ February 28, 2010 Think Green Volume 84, No. 9 Recycle this paper Go Green todayscatholicnews.org Serving the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Go Digital TTODAYODAY’’SS CCATHOLICATHOLIC Msgr. J. William Lester dies at 90 Ariel photographer takes flight Diocese mourns the passing of untiring servant Senior section highlights prominent laity BY VINCE LABARBERA Pages 11-13 FORT WAYNE — Msgr. J. William Lester, P.A., a beloved and very respected senior priest who served the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend for 65 years as a priest, died Saturday morning, Feb. 20, after a brief Holy Cross saint illness. Msgr. Lester served in many parishes of the diocese Blessed Brother André Bessette as pastor and administrator. He also served as vicar to be canonized general and chancellor, and rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. He was a Page 3 former superintendent of Catholic Schools for the dio- cese and was principal of Central Catholic High School in Fort Wayne and Huntington Catholic High School. Arrangements are as follows: Wednesday, Feb. 24, reception of the body and rosary at the Cathedral of the Edith Stein Immaculate Conception, Fort Wayne, at 4:30 p.m.; vis- itation from 4:30 to 8 p.m. with Evening Prayer and Conference Vigil Service at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Feb. 25, visitation Exploring dignity will take place at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception from 10 to 10:45 a.m., with a funeral Mass of women and men at 11 a.m. at the cathedral. Burial will be held at 3 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffton where his mother is Page 5 buried. Originally from Gary, Msgr. Lester was born Nov. 25, 1919, to James W. Lester and Ida M. Effinger- Lester. Msgr. Lester attended Holy Angels Elementary Mission offerings School there and studied for two years at Bishop Noll Parish missions High School in Hammond. His remaining secondary education was at St. Lawrence Seminary, Mt. Calvert, throughout the diocese Wis. He attended St. Lawrence College in Mt. Calvary, TIM JOHNSON Wis. and his theological study was at Catholic Page 7 University of America, Washington, D.C., where he Msgr. J. William Lester, shown with the pilgrimage garb for those who attended the canon- ization ceremonies of St. Mother Theodore Guérin in October of 2006, stands in Vatican City outside St. Peter’s Basilica. LESTER, PAGE 4 Msgr. J. William Lester, a priest for all seasons ago Bishop D’Arcy says Msgr. Lester was “a events. BY KAY COZAD AND TIM JOHNSON priest with a lot of love.” And he adds, “His Msgr. Lester had a sister who was a member clock was always set at high noon.” of the Holy Cross congregation in South Bend to FORT WAYNE — Always eager to serve the No matter the assignment, says Bishop whom he was devoted. He made the drive to Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend in any D’Arcy, the energetic and eager Msgr. Lester South Bend to visit her up until a couple of appointment, Msgr. J. William Lester’s ministry was always willing to take it on and do his best. months ago, reports Bishop D’Arcy. garnered him respect from bishops, priests and From filling in as interim superintendent of The monsignor was beloved by his fellow the faithful. In a sense, a chapter of diocesan his- Catholic Schools to the clergy abuse situation, to priests and laity alike and of course his devotion tory is closed with the passing of this honored closing parishes to his ecumenical work with the to the White Sox was evidenced as he traveled to vicar of retired priests, co-vicar general and co- Jewish and Lutheran communities, Msgr. Lester Chicago to attend a game or two each year. chancellor of the diocese, rector, pastor, associ- loved a challenge and never was afraid to move One personal memory that touched the bish- ate pastor, superintendent, principal and parish into it, says Bishop D’Arcy. “He was good at op’s heart was that Msgr. Lester traveled to administrator throughout the diocese. facing challenges and straightening them out.” Boston to stand by him after his mother died and Bishop John M. D’Arcy, retired bishop of the “He had a great love for the schools,” adds subsequently following his sister’s death as well. diocese remembers his friend and fellow priest Bishop D’Arcy. “He was a pioneer in education. “Those moments are important,” says Bishop Msgr. Lester as being intelligent and generous He knew the schools and treasured them. Msgr. D’Arcy. hearted. “He was always positive. ... Joyful. ... Lester was instrumental in the building of Of the life of service the beloved monsignor He was the best we had,” says Bishop D’Arcy. Bishop Luers, Bishop Dwenger and Marian led, Bishop D’Arcy concludes, “He was a As one of the first priests he met following High School in Mishawaka.” The monsignor his appointment as eighth bishop of the Diocese was especially fond of Bishop Luers and would of Fort Wayne-South Bend more than 24 years be seen cheering at any number of sporting TRIBUTE, PAGE 20 2 TODAY’ S CATHOLIC FEBRUARY 28, 2010 TODAY’S CATHOLIC Official newspaper of the May the grace of this special Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend P.O. Box 11169 Fort Wayne, IN 46856 PUBLISHER: Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades season be with you all EDITOR: Tim Johnson NEWS EDITOR and STAFF WRITER: Kay Cozad IN TRUTH Editorial Department PAGE DESIGNER: Francie Hogan AND FREELANCE WRITERS: Lauren Caggiano, Michelle Castleman, Karen Clifford, CHARITY Elmer J. Danch, Bonnie Elberson, BY BISHOP KEVIN C. RHOADES Denise Fedorow, Diane Freeby, May Lee Johnson, Sister Margie Lavonis, CSC, Joe Kozinski and Deb Wagner Lent We have begun our Lenten journey. On Business Department Ash Wednesday, I was happy to see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception filled BUSINESS MANAGER: Kathy Denice with people, a sign of the vitality of the faith AD GRAPHICS DIRECTOR: Mark Weber of this local Church. I am sure that churches BOOKKEEPING/CIRCULATION: Kathy Voirol throughout our diocese were filled as people [email protected] attended Mass and received the blessed ashes on their foreheads, a sign not only of our mor- Advertising Sales tality, but a sign that also points to the resur- Tess Steffen (Fort Wayne area) rection of the body. I pray that all of us, through our practice of prayer and penance (260) 456-2824 during these 40 days, will arrive at Easter KAY COZAD Jeanette Simon (South Bend area) with our hearts purified and renewed by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades distributes ashes to the faithful on Ash Wednesday at the Cathedral of (574) 234-0687 God’s grace. the Immaculate Conception in Fort Wayne. Web site: www.todayscatholicnews.org Published weekly except the fourth Msgr. J. William Lester Sunday in June, second and fourth This past Saturday morning, one of the Christ also means loving His Bride, the weeks in July and August, the first week great and much loved priests of our diocese, Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Fort Church. To do so, we must always see the of September and last week in Msgr. J. William Lester, was called home to Wayne Church with the eyes of Jesus who “loved the December by the Diocese of Fort the house of our Father. That evening, while As many of you know, I live in the former Church” St. Paul tells us, “and gave Himself Wayne-South Bend, 1103 S. Calhoun St., speaking with one of our priests, he called up for her.” P.O. Box 390, Fort Wayne, IN 46801. rectory of St. Mary’s Parish in Fort Wayne. Msgr. Lester “a giant” in our diocese. This past Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, I I look forward to celebrating this same Periodicals postage paid at Fort Wayne, Monsignor’s many accomplishments are well- liturgy next Sunday in St. Matthew Cathedral, IN, and additional mailing office. celebrated Holy Mass at Saint Mary’s Church. known. I have only had the privilege of get- It was wonderful to meet so many good peo- South Bend, where there will be another large ting to know Msgr. Lester in the course of a ple and to learn about the wonderful works of group of catechumens and candidates making POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: few weeks, but I feel blessed to have met such this step towards initiation or full communion Today’s Catholic, P.O. Box 11169, Fort mercy that go on at St. Mary’s, including the a holy, humble and joyful priest. What struck famous soup kitchen. I thank Father Phillip in the Catholic Church. Wayne, IN 46856-1169 or e-mail: me most about Msgr. was his joy in the priest- [email protected]. Widmann, the pastor of St. Mary’s, and all the hood, his joy in serving the Lord and His peo- parishioners for their warm welcome. I joked ple. Of course, joy is one of the fruits of the Welcome back, Bishop D’Arcy MAIN OFFICE: 915 S. Clinton St., Fort with the parishioners about my being their Wayne, IN 46802.Telephone (260) Holy Spirit and a sign that Msgr. Lester lived “tenant.” I live next door to the parish’s Ave I was so happy to see Bishop D’Arcy again 456-2824. Fax: (260) 744-1473. his life according to the Spirit. We will cer- Maria House, which provides a place for the after his well-deserved few weeks back home BUREAU OFFICE: 114 W.Wayne St., South tainly miss him.