In honor of a priest who faithfully serves

This letter celebrates the career of a Catholic priest.

We have seen shocking headlines concerning awful behavior by some priests. Our hearts go out to the victims, whose lives have been permanently harmed. We in the congregation are left to wonder why.

It's also important to share positive stories of the clergy who have morally and faithfully lived their vows with honor in the Catholic church community.

One of those individuals, the 73 years young Father Tom Repezia, pastor at St. Thomas of Villanova in Palatine, recently announced he's retiring this coming June.

Father Tom has fought several ailments over the years, so he utilizes a cane, and uses a chair while celebrating the Eucharist.

Father Tom announced from the altar, that he felt he needed to stand. While leaning on the arm of his chair and steadying with his cane he stood up, then after taking a deep breath said, "it's time, it's time for me to retire." Father Tom noted the official retirement age for archdiocese priest is 70, he had stayed on simply because of the shortage of priests.

Father Tom will remain in the role Pastor Emeritus, allowing him to stay nearby, just not as often and no longer responsible for the long hours providing council to his flock at St. Thomas.

There are many priests like Father Tom, who have lived an exemplary life of celibacy in the priesthood, so this letter is an invitation to all who read it, to take a brief opportunity to attend Mass at St. Thomas to experience this good and humble priest, preaching about the life and the word of our Lord Jesus Christ. During the opening procession, as Father Tom slowly walks up the aisle toward the altar, please stand up, for he walks with us.

Joe Littwin

Palatine