Diocese of Gary

MICHIGAN CITY – Bishop Robert McClory stood with a beaming smile in front of nearly 350 guests gathered in the Fremont Ballroom of the Blue Chip Casino as they belted out “Happy birthday to you…” before erupting into “Sto lat, sto lat…” The bishop, who celebrated his birthday that day, fittingly responded with a “sto lat St. Stanislaus Church, as well.”
    
The Polish phrase “sto lat” translates to “may you live a hundred years” and is often sung at birthdays, name days and other special occasions. On that day, there was no doubt people were there to celebrate a special occasion: the 100th anniversary of the current St. Stanislaus Kostka Church building.
    
Bishop McClory congratulated the parish on their milestone, the many blessings over the years, and for its continued growth in holiness.
    
“I reflect upon all the lives that have been touched by coming into this beautiful church- the ups, the downs, the good times, the challenges, times of prosperity, the times of despair and desolation,” said the bishop during his homily.
    
St. Stanislaus’ anniversary celebration included a weekend of events such as a golf outing, a Mass of Remembrance, campus tours, the Mass with Bishop McClory and a gala.
    
Father Walter Ciesla and Father Walter Rakoczy, two of the three living priests who have served at St. Stan, concelebrated the Mass with the bishop.
    
Bishop McClory recalled his first visit to the Polish-founded church during the pandemic. He explained that during Christmas, he normally visits the Indiana State Prison, but due to the pandemic, it was closed to visitors.

“I want to come to this beautiful church in Michigan City. So, the first time I was amazed at all the Christmas decorations. I saw it in all its glory. Thank you for the beautiful work you've done on this church,” said the bishop.
    
“Location, location, location” has helped St. Stan draw the attention of visitors since its completion. Perched on the tallest elevation in Michigan City, the church began construction in 1916 and was built mostly by parishioners who donated their time and talents – from hand-digging the basement to laying the brick for the Renaissance revival-style church. The bell towers can be seen from several miles away.
    
Last year, the parish completed phase one of much-needed renovations. Deteriorated bell tower columns were replaced, and brick-and-mortar work at the uppermost sections of the towers were completed.
    
“It’s just beautiful – just the setting of where it's at, on top of the hill there and the appearance of it,” remarked parishioner Rick Piechnik.
     
Piechnik is known to many as Mr. St. Stan’s. Over the years, he’s served in many capacities at the parish, including his first teaching position, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, lector, head of the youth group, coached baseball (winning the Catholic Youth Organization 5th grade baseball championship), Tuesday night bingo, summer janitorial work, painted and washed the floors.

“Everything. Of course, a lot of it I wasn’t getting paid for, but it's that Polish pride, I guess,” he said.
    
Father Ciesla shared in the church’s celebration that he marks 45 years of priesthood this year, 27 of those at St. Stan.
    
“It's been a long time, but what has taken place in this beautiful church of ours? We’ve baptized babies,” he said. “We had 36 commencements from our school. We’ve had couples engaged in holy matrimony. And then of course, we buried your loved ones. In the midst of all this, we thank you for your kindness, for your support, and for your generosity that has kept our church alive and growing. And the parish is really moving along. We look at the front of the church, how beautiful everything is.” 
    
“What a meaningful and memorable occasion!”  said Father Ciesla. “I offer my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to everyone who has walked through our doors and become part of our parish’s rich history and enduring legacy.” 
    
Gianfranco Grande, executive vice president for Partners for Sacred Places, offered a confession in front of everyone at the gala. He admitted he normally doesn’t attend functions such as the gala because “it's never about us, but it's always about the mission, the people, and so forth.” He made an exception for this one because of his first visit to St. Stan and its lasting impression.
    
“I remember the very first time I came here to visit the church and I felt at home,” he said. “And this is something that doesn't happen all the time. Think about it. This guy from Rome, more than 4,000 miles from here, coming here to Michigan City, going to this Polish church and feeling at home. That's so very, very special. I know a bunch of you here tonight and you understand, right? It’s always home and always will be home.” 
    
Even closer to home, Elijah and Christina Keller moved to the Michigan City area from Kalamazoo, Mich. After visiting many churches, including the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, they knew St. Stan was to be their new home.
    
“It's a trove of beauty constantly,” explained Christina. “I think, especially as a mother, it's really important for me, for my children to see beautiful things. And St. Stanislaus is one of those places I'm just so proud that my daughter, by looking out at everything there, she's just being taught the faith by the beauty.” 
    
Elijah continued, saying that the interior beauty of the church touches the interior of the person. “We've got five senses as mortal beings that God gave to us,” he said. “The sense of sight is just so beautiful, and it's connected to the brain. So, in through the eyes and into the heart and into the soul.” 
           
Even those born, baptized, and raised at St. Stan, and those who have moved away, return to the place they call home, including Paul Kimmel. He returned for the anniversary Mass and gala to celebrate.
    
“I still go to St. Stan's, but not as frequently (he currently lives in Valparaiso),” Kimmel said. “It brings back a lot of memories – the beautiful structure of St. Stan's Church, the altar where I had my first communion at the railing there, and of course, the stained-glass windows are a sight to see. It's such a precious gift that we have those windows. And I'm so excited to know that the church is getting help and getting the restoration of it.” 
    
He remains optimistic that the parish will continue, as it has since the first hole was dug, well past his last visit to the church he loves.
    
“The church will go on and, Lord willing, that when my time comes, that I will have my last Mass at St. Stanislaus.”
 

Caption: Brother Shaun Gray, Father Walter Rakoczy, and Bishop Robert J. McClory process in at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. (Mary Wellinski photo)