Knights of Columbus, seminary rector receive Curé of Ars Awards

The legacy of St. John Vianney lives on here in Western New York. The 19th century French priest’s dedication to a life of service was recognized in Msgr. Richard Siepka and the Knights of Columbus, as both received the Curé of Ars Award from the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. 

The Oct. 9 presentation at Salvatore’s Hospitality in Depew served as a fundraiser for the formation of priests, deacons and lay eccesial ministers.  

“Msgr. Siekpa and the Knights of Columbus continue to live lives with mission, and that mission reflects the quality of Christian dedication and dedication to service that marked the life of St. John Vianney,” said Father Peter Karalus, vicar general for the diocese, and MC of the event.

Msgr. Siepka was honored for his steadfast dedication in preparing men for the priesthood. He served as president/rector of both Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg and as Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora. During his 12 years at CKS, he led the institution through a successful reaccreditation with the Association for Theological Schools, enhancing its reputation for excellence in priestly, diaconal and lay formation. He also doubled the endowment and expanded the continued education of laity across the diocese.

“I’m humbled,” said Msgr. Siepka, now moderator of Beloved Disciples of Christ the Lord/Family #9. “When I was rector of the seminary I was involved in this celebration, and actually involved in choosing who would be receiving the award. When I think about some of the greats of the past who we honored, I’m thinking, I’m not of that league. So, I’m flattered. I’m honored. And I’m glad the tradition is continuing. I think it’s an important thing to keep doing. We certainly need more priests to come.”

The Knights of Columbus are known for fostering Christ-centered homes, organizing parish events and supporting ministries. Through their RSVP program, they provide each seminarian with financial and emotional support. 

“Almost every priest who has been ordained in probably the past 25 years has been supported by a Knights of Columbus Council,” said Deacon Charles Esposito, immediate past state deputy for New York Knights.

“They are tireless champions of vocational support,” Father Karalus said.

Nancy Gugino, director of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo, which sponsors the Curé of Ars dinner, spoke about the tradition of the event as a fundraising tool of vocations ministry.

“Tonight is all about supporting our seminarians, those studying for our permanent diaconate, and those pursuing a degree in theology in hopes of becoming a lay leader of our Church. Tonight is all about the future of our Church. Tonight is all about the heartfelt gratefulness to everyone in this room. Your support is helping all facets of formation on every single level.”

Gugino visited St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore last spring, and said everyone asked her to take their profound gratitude back to Buffalo.

“They got very emotional when we talked about this because they know it is only because of you that they can study, they can discern, that they can work in active ministry and maintain a very rigorous academic schedule knowing that they have your support.

“I wish all of these seminarians and future deacons and lay leaders of our Church could be here with us tonight so you could meet them in person. You would see despite all the challenges in our diocese right now and all the criticisms that they face, there’s a sheer bravery on their parts as the calling is stronger than all the adversity they are presently facing.”

 The final speaker for the evening was Susan Santandreu, co-president of Mary, Mother of Vocations Ministry Inc., which supports vocations by sending birthday cards and care packages to them so they know people back home are thinking of them. The organization also sponsors the Vocation Poster contest and Pass the Chalice Program.

“Every Catholic family has the same objective, which is to raise children to know, love and serve God, and to be open to, curious about, and willing to consider whatever God’s will is for them,” Santandreu said. “The family is where the foundation is laid, the Holy Spirit does the rest.”