Jubilarian – Fr. George Nowak, CR
- 50th Anniversary of Ordination: May 17, 1975
This year the Congregation of the Resurrection in Canada is blessed to be celebrating three Jubilarians! Today we would like to share a reflection by Fr. George Nowak, CR, who is celebrating 50 years of priestly ordination.
On May 17th, 2025, I will celebrate my 50th Anniversary of Priesthood. It certainly causes me to reflect on these past years of ministry with gratitude. Many things stand out to me. In particular I think I am most struck by the joyful faith of young people.
Young people seem to have a greater enthusiasm for the simple aspects of the faith. They appreciate the various rites as they are and don’t feel the need to change them to make them more relevant. And the vast majority of young people I have worked with throughout the years have a deep and sincere faith.
Several highpoints of my ministry took place during the international World Youth Days. I had the privilege of attending 4 times. My first experience was here in Canada in 2002. I remember the wonderful group of young people and volunteers from St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Elmira. It was probably the most extreme WYD in terms of weather. The days were extremely hot and humid, making the long walks a challenge, and there was a severe rainstorm with a tornado watch during the overnight vigil. But nothing dampened the spirits of the young people I was with. They laughed through it all. And their joy was contagious. It’s difficult to be grumpy when everyone around you is happy. And who needs sleep when you can sing and dance instead! Finally, I was struck by the long line-ups for confession in the Duc in Altum Park. All the priests who participated received hand-embroidered stoles, made by a group of women from Guatemala. I treasure this gift, which always sparks very fond memories.
Cologne, Germany in 2005 was the next gathering. This experience was somewhat different because our group participated in the first part of WYD, which was called the Days in the Diocese. In Canada, we had been the hosts for this part of the event, so we only attended the Days in Toronto. But in Cologne, we were hosted in a small village and stayed in host homes. There I saw a transformation take place in my group of young people. They instinctively realized that although we were being hosted in this little town, we were there as witnesses to our faith.
Several of our group had the previous WYD experience in Canada, but for more than half of the group it was their first time. I was so proud of our young people! They were joyful, energetic, and friendly. Time and time again, the German priests, parents and parishioners commented on how inspiring our group was and on how they had never seen such faith expressed among their youth. The young people of the parish joined in our escapades and they too were inspired by the joy of a living faith.
The little town of Rotteram celebrated our group with a lasting commemoration. In the middle of the town, there is now a triangular green space, with three Maple Trees, a huge wooden bench, and a Canadian Flag. The Mayor officially named it “Kanadaplatz” and put up a plaque commemorating the event. We were moved by the gesture and realized that WYD was not just for those attending. In many ways, it was even more transformative for those who hosted, or witnessed participants on the subways, in the Churches, and in the streets. This experience made a lasting impression on our group of young people. They truly understood the responsibility they had of witnessing to their faith and sharing their joy through evangelization.
Sydney, Australia was my next WYD in 2008. At this time in my ministry I was involved in Campus Ministry at Laurier University. Our group was made up of university students. Our diocese had received an invitation from Hamilton Diocese in Auckland, New Zealand to be hosted there for the Days in the Diocese. It was an incredible experience. Once again, we were hosted in homes, and the Diocese made sure we saw the most of their pastoral initiatives and the natural beauty of their land.
Within our group of young people, there was great faith. Several of them were actively discerning vocations. One eventually became a Sister of Life and another is a diocesan priest in Toronto. Being totally immersed in a Catholic culture for two weeks, away from distractions of social media and the responsibilities of school, work and home, allowed these young people to explore their own identities; to try on more authentic versions of themselves. They were open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and they had the support of their fellow pilgrims. True and lasting friendships were formed. I see the benefit of such events; retreats from the world, from one’s normal life and full immersion in a Christian culture.
My final WYD experience took place in Madrid, Spain with a follow-up in Fatima. Two couples met on this trip and both are happily married now with beautiful children. A young man also used this pilgrimage to discern the priesthood. He is now a pastor in our diocese. This was the pilgrimage that revealed to me how important it is for young people to face difficulties and challenges. They need to see how strong they can be. They need to overcome obstacles.
I am very proud of the young people I met throughout my priestly ministry. And I am very grateful to them for helping to form me. The conversations I had with them were deep and honest. They shared so openly and allowed themselves to be vulnerable. I learned so much from them and was honoured that they confided in me. It is a joy to see them now as adults, to understand a little of their spiritual journeys.
Children can have physical growth spurts over the course of a year that are visibly shocking. And young adults seem to have spiritual growth spurts that are just as astounding. That is how I would characterize what I was witnessing. I have many fond memories across these 50 years of priesthood, but the four WYD pilgrimages are certainly highpoints for me. I’ve been told more than once that except for my grey hair, I still look the same as I did years ago. I’m not convinced of it, but if there is any truth to it, I suppose that being with young people has a great deal to do with it. I am always edified by their courageous faith, their openness, and their joyful enthusiasm. And I would entrust the future of the Church to them wholeheartedly.
