Digital Publisher

Digital Commons at St. Mary's University

Format

pdf

LCSH Subject

Januschek, Erwin A., -- 1921-1993; Catholic Church -- Clergy -- Biography; Priests -- Texas -- Biography; Polish American Catholics -- Biography

Date accessioned

1/11/2024

Time period covered

1921-1993

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Identifier

668414480 (OCLC)

Description

This publication was published by the Pecan Grove Press and written by Brother Robert D. Wood who was in charge of the archives and special collections located in Louis J. Blume Library. A print copy of this book is available in the library as well (Here)

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Roots -- Chapter 2: Early years to ordination (1921-1946) -- Chapter 3: Early ministries (1946-1960) -- Chapter 4: The mid-life years (1961-1975) -- Chapter 5: The final years (1976-1993)

Contributor

Yanta, John W., -- 1931-

Size or Duration

56 pages

Document Type

Book

Publication Date

2010

Description

PREFACE

In researching the life of Monsignor Erwin A. Juraschek, I was reminded of the Hindu goddess Kali who has ten hands. How anyone could take on so many tasks and do them so well is truly amazing. In 1960, for instance, he was associated with twelve different organizations, and was active in all of them. That, in addition to all of his regular parochial duties. He led an extremely full life, and I find it interesting that Msgr. Juraschek’s first assignment as a pastor was at St. Thomas More, the “man for all seasons.” He was no less, and in some ways perhaps even outdid the famous Englishman as I hope this biography will show.

One of the problems in writing a biography is that the subject’s name appears constantly, and the question is how to refer to the person. In this case, I have chosen to call him after his ordination Fr. Erwin, and after 1971, Msgr. Erwin most of the time. When the references are more formal (or a quote or citation) the surname has been used.

A word about the title. It seemed to a lot of people that Msgr. Juraschek was always campaigning, looking for financial and physical assistance. If people donating money or time or services would ask “Why?”, the answer invariably was “for the cause”, sometimes known, but often undefined but presumed to be worth while. The phrase became so associated with him that it is even on his tombstone!

Most authors are indebted to a number of people who helped bring about the final product. I am especially grateful to Bro. Edward Loch, S.M., the archivist for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. I called upon him for assistance a number of times. The bulk of the information on Msgr. Juraschek came from various files in the Catholic Archives at San Antonio. I have cited them only when the reference is to something special or is not included in the text in some way.

The staff of the Texana room in the San Antonio Public Library was also very helpful. I likewise used the library to access some of the Latter Day Saints records on Ancestry.com in which I found valuable information regarding Msgr. Juraschek’s genealogy. Janet Ebrom also contributed some data, along with Msgr. Frank (Franciszek) Kurzaj of St. Paul’s Catholic church who actually telephoned Poland to get some facts! A folder of useful papers was given to me by Bishop John Yanta, who commissioned this work. I am grateful to Mary Ann Brysch who gave me an interview in Cestohowa, and to Mrs. Dorothy Kvapil for arranging it for me. I am also indebted to her son and my friend David Kvapil for several of the photographs that accompany the text and for chauffeuring me to Cestohowa. Unless otherwise indicated, the photos are from the Catholic Archives at San Antonio or Bishop Yanta’s collection. Finally, a huge thanks to Louie Cortez for his patience and expertise in formatting the work for publication.

R.D.W., S.M.

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