The long and winding road to the priesthood began in the early years of my life. Born in 1928, I was the fourth of five children of my parents, Father John and Pani Mary Zavell.The others were Theodora (Mazur), Irene (Brock), Dr. Paul and the youngest Dorothy (Stanley).
First awareness of life came at about four years of age in Charleroi, Pa., where my father was pastor of Holy Ghost Parish. We moved to the next parish, St. Mary in Weirton, W.Va., in the early ’30s. My dad also tended to a filial parish in Mingo Junction, Ohio.
It was at Weirton that I received First Holy Communion. By chance in the procession to the church, side by side with the girls, I was the first of the boys in line. It was memorable to me.
In 1938 my father was assigned to St. Michael Parish in Flint Michigan. He remained as pastor until his death in 1964. He also would periodically serve a small congregation in Pinconning, until that church burned down in the ’50s.
It was also in the ’50s that the parish was moved from Addison Street to Pierson Road. On the property bought under the direction of Father John and the parish family, the joy of building a new church was accomplished.
Later, in the ’80s, during the pastorate of Monsignor Eugene Chromoga, the sale of the existing church was made and the purchase of 80 acres of land in Flushing Michigan became the new location for St. Michael Parish.
During the time of my father’s pastorate at St. Michael Parish I grew to manhood. But the influence of my father and the other priests, including many married priests – which was our heritage – remained with me. Most were fine examples of goodness and holiness.
If we had still the right to marry and be priests I would probably have made my decision at that time. But it was a difficult choice to make. Other endeavors were inviting which I took, including undergraduate studies in social science, graduate studies in law, government, business and ultimately history.
Two years in the armed forces during the Korean War (1951-1953) gave me time to ponder the future.
Eventually I decided to return to Michigan State University for a master’s degree in history. On receiving that degree the next step would be a doctorate in history which would qualify me to pursue a teaching career in that subject.
History has always been of great interest to me.
The drama and significance of great accomplishments of mankind are many.
The lives of great men and women are admirable, but the greatest life of all has been of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ. His calling pursued me.
Finally, I said yes.
In telling my parents of this decision they were joyful and hopeful that I would persevere. I entered our seminary, SS. Cyril & Methodius, Pittsburgh, in 1957 and was ordained on Dec. 6, 1961.
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Sotto Voce