‘It’s a wonderful life’ Msgr. Walter Brunkan retires after 63 years of service

Not a pew was empty during Mass at St. Mary Church in Greene on Sunday, July 7 as Monsignor Walter Brunkan gave his final sermon as pastor before his retirement after 28 years of service to the parish and 63 years of service in the priesthood.
     As parishioners listened, Brunkan told a story he used to tell incoming freshman at Columbus High School: two travelers were told by a heavenly voice to fill their pockets with pebbles. They didn’t want to take too many to slow down their journey. When they reached their destination, they pulled out the pebbles, which had turned to diamonds, rubies and other jewels. They were happy to have what they had, but sad they hadn’t picked up more.
     “Now that I’ve come to the final phase of my life, and my graduation is going to be eternity, I’m sure when that day comes, I will be happy to meet the Lord and receive the rewards,” Brunkan said, “but I’m sure there will be some sadness realizing I could have done more. I could have been more loving and unselfish. How about you?”
     A life devoted to service is a wonderful life, according to Brunkan.
 
Read more in the July 11 edition of the STAR or TRIBUNE.
 
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