On December 15, the 10th Annual Father Leopold Moczygemba Foundation  Gala  took place at the Father Thomas O’Brien Hall at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Martinez, Texas.   Approximately  300 people, from all over Texas, came for fellowship and entertainment, and to enjoy the rich Silesian Polish heritage.  They began the evening in the church, with the Eucharist celebrated by the Most Reverend John W. Yanta, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Amarillo.

The music was provided by a string quartet from Poland, Apotheosis, which includes Sara Malinowska, Karolina Hyla, Aleksandra Badura, Nikol Latocha and vocalist, Agnieszka Hyla.  The musicians and singer visited Texas from December 8 to December 23 and shared Christmas greetings from Poland by performing in fourteen churches, six nursing homes, a prison, two high schools, many community halls and several private homes. 

At the Mass, all the Silesian Polish families were remembered and honored as the different family surnames were read aloud.  Bishop Yanta in this homily reminded the gathered of the many blessings they received throughout the years and encouraged them to continue sharing their riches of faith and traditions with the next generations. 

Following the Mass, the Gala was opened in the O’Brien Hall with a prayer by Reverend Norbert H. Herman, pastor of both Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Kenedy and St. Anthony Catholic church in Runge, Texas.  In 2013, Rev. Herman celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.  Fifteen of those years he spent in Peru as a missionary.

Next, the traditional “Opłatek” was shared by everyone in attendance.  The Opłatek is a wafer, which  during Christmastime, is broken and consumed by friends and family while well-wishes are expressed to each other.  This Polish tradition brought much joy and reverence to the special evening.  Then the lights were dimmed as the talented musicians from Poland played angelic music for the audience.   Their outstanding performance touched everyone.

The meal was prepared and catered by Snoga’s of San Antonio, and consisted of Chicken Cordon Bleu, wild rice, cucumber salad and green beans almandine, with assorted cheesecakes for desserts.  A wonderfully prepared silent auction with many donated items bought in Poland was a great addition to the evening.

After the delicious meal, one of the recipients of the 2013 Essay Contest Scholarship for high school seniors, Lauren Elise Voigt of Pflugerville, was introduced.  Voigt is now a student at Texas A&M University, majoring in Biomedical Engineering.  Her award-winning essay was entitled:  “Portrayal of a Silesian-Polish Texan:  Theodore Kniejski.”   She thanked the foundation for the generous scholarship and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the beautiful Gala.  Another Essay Contest Scholarship recipient, who could not be present, was also recognized, Madison Brianne Pollok, of Floresville.

Another award announcement followed, however, due to health issues of the recipient, the winner of the 2013 Outstanding Service Award was presented not at the Gala but at a special concert by Apotheosis, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Floresville on Dec 22.  There the prestigious award for “outstanding generosity for building a bridge between Texas and Silesia” was presented by FLMF President, Monsignor Franciszek Kurzaj, to the family of the late Adrian Opiela of Gillett, Texas, along with his wife, Florence Korzekwa Opiela, who accepted the award with much pride.  

Following the award presentation, the Gala attendees learned about plans for a 2014 trip to Rome and Poland to attend the canonization of Pope John Paul II, and the upcoming 160th Anniversary of the establishment of Panna Maria, Texas, the oldest Polish settlement in America. 

The Gala committee was recognized for their outstanding work on this year’s event and everyone was thanked for their continued support and generosity.

The closing remarks and blessing was given by Bishop Emeritus Yanta, who has for many decades generously supported all the activities of the Foundation.