Father Brendan Wroblewski, O.F.M.
It was on March 11, 1930, a snowy day in Chicago, when I arrived by way of my only claim to royalty, namely the Caesarean Way. My parents, the brewer Louie and the store clerk Bessie, were elated. The only child in that Cornelia Avenue address I attended the grade school of our parish which accepted only Catholics with a Polish heritage. Franciscan priests from Burlington WI helped on weekends.
Catholic high schools were not near Cornelia Avenue, so I was packed off to the Franciscan-taught St. Bonaventure Prep near Racine, Wisconsin. After four years of their inspiring influence, I entered their Novitiate here in Pulaski, leaving the warmth of my parents' love to be introduced to the ways of the followers of Francis of Assisi. From being the one-and-only in Cornelia's bungalow, I joined a group of 20 plus young men in a large building long since razed and replaced by the present little white friary off Hwy 32.
After years of studies and formation, 11 of us were ordained in Cook, Indiana June 4, 1955. Since Music had always been my enjoyment, I was prepped to teach music in our high schools by attending De Paul University in Chicago. What followed was 24 years of teaching various subjects in our high schools in Watkins Glen, NY and my alma mater, St. Bonaventure Prep.
Directing plays and musicals took up much of my time after classes, and helped me get closer to people, both young and adult, outside of classes. Perhaps that influenced my decision to enter full time pastoral ministry when our schools were closed. 12 years ministry in Saginaw Michigan was followed by my current activities here in Wisconsin. Since1997 I've served St. Mary of the Angels in Green Bay, Assumption BVM, St. Stanislaus and now St. Sebastian Parishes with Father Patrick. Now I pray: Thank you, Lord, and give me spiritual and physical health to continue to serve these fine people!!