Priests celebrate anniversaries, reflect on vocations

Dozens of priests who have served in the Archdiocese of Omaha are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, including four golden jubilarians marking 50 years of service, five silver jubilarians with 25 years of service and three ruby jubilarians with 40 years.

The priests celebrated the anniversaries Tuesday, April 29, with a special Mass and celebration at St. Patrick Parish in Fremont. Many of their fellow priests were there to pray with and congratulate them.

One notable jubilarian was missing: Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, now head of the Archdiocese of Chicago. He has been in Rome following the death of Pope Francis and for the conclave that will follow.

In advance of the priests’ jubilee celebration, the golden and silver jubilee honorees, including Cardinal Cupich and Archbishop George J. Lucas, were asked to reflect briefly on what the priesthood has meant to them. Here are their responses:

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich – 50 years

“I have always tried to keep in mind two core values in receiving Holy Orders. First it is about becoming a member of a presbyterate, a brotherhood of mutual support. Second, it is about being sent, which provides an internal freedom to be missioned, not as I want, but as the Church needs.”

Archbishop George J. Lucas – 50 years

“I felt a desire to be a priest already in elementary school. I look back now and see God’s providence at work over all these years as a great blessing.”

Father Ronald S. Wasikowski – 50 years

“First and foremost, priest is who I am, from which flows what I do. As a result, what an honor to be invited into people’s lives as we together journey to the Lord.”

Benedictine Father John Hagemann, Mount Michael Abbey, Elkhorn – 50 years

“Mine has been a monastic priesthood. The Divine Presence has been deeply felt in the Liturgy of the Divine Office as well as the Eucharist and other sacraments. As a follow through, as a teacher of Social Justice, I walked the path for 30 years, bringing a prisoner to know forgiveness and reconciliation. In 2025, he was freed, and it has been a real freeing for me as well! Never lose hope in God’s mercy (RULE OF BENEDICT Chp. 4:74).

Father Jeffrey S. Loseke – 25 years

“Being a priest far surpasses anything I do as a priest. To stand in the person of Christ the Bridegroom, with the Church as my Bride, defines who I am. To be Father to the people of God’s family is both a joy and a challenge – both of which I believe, are my path to holiness.”

Father D. Mario Rapose – 25 years

“My experience of Priesthood has been joyful and spirit-filled. I hope along the way I helped others by ministering sacraments or simply being a friendly face. I also hope I have helped others come closer to God and live out their call to serve. It is a blessing to live an ordained life. Every day I wake up and experience the goodness of God. I feel happy and supported by so many of God’s people in ministry. I look forward to many more years of commitment to the Lord in His vineyard and to whatever God calls me to do.”

Columban Father Gerald Christopher Saenz, Missionary Society of St. Columban, Bellevue – 25 years

“Through the sacraments, to manifest the compassionate and merciful Lord to the people of God. To be the ‘Church’ walking amongst the people.”

Jesuit Father Nicholas Santos, Creighton University  – 25 years

“See on the forehead of every person you interact with the words ‘make me feel special.’

Father Matthias Sule Michael, Diocese of Minna, Nigeria – 25 years

“The priesthood means a profound commitment to serving others and nurturing their spiritual growth. It is a journey of faith that allows me to guide and support my community while continuously deepening my own relationship with God.”

Father Steven E. Boes – 40 years

Father Rodney V. Kneifl – 40 years

Benedictine Father Daniel Lenz of Mount Michael Abbey, Elkhorn – 40 years

Other priests marking significant anniversaries:

Father Roland Peschel – 65 years

Benedictine Father Thomas Andrew Hillenbrand, Christ the King Priory, Schuyler – 65 years

Bishop William J. Dendinger – 60 years

Father Franklin A. Dvorak – 55 years

Father Carl A. Salanitro – 55 years

Father Richard J. Reiser – 45 years

Father Richard J. Whiteing – 45 years

Father David D. Belt – 35 years

Father Lydell T. Lape – 35 years

Father Gerald P. Melchior – 35 years

Father Luverne W. Steffes – 30 years

Father James R. deAnda – 20 years

Father Michael Gadache of the Diocese of Minna, Nigeria – 20 years

Father Andrew L. Sohm – 20 years

Father Michael J. Swanton – 20 years

Father Anthony Weidner – 20 years

Father Michael B. Voithofer – 15 years

Father Jeremy J. Hans – 10 years

Father Matthew J. Niggemeyer – 10 years

Father Mauricio M. Tovar – 5 years

Father Zachary T. Tucker – 5 years

Also remembered were three priests and a religious brother who died during the past year: Father James Buckley, Father David Reeson, Father James Novotny and Christian Brother William Woeger.

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