“Fr. Ken serving in the field during Operation Desert Storm.”
Like all members of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Father Ken Cienik, SA, follows St. Francis of Assisi’s example of selfless ministry to the poor and suffering. Fr. Ken shares something else with the great saint: He has seen the battlefield.
Before dedicating his life to God as a friar, St. Francis took up arms, fighting in a battle between his hometown of Assisi and the neighboring city of Perugia.
Fr. Ken served in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for 24 years, retiring in 2010 from the United States Navy Chaplain Corps with the rank of Captain. This Veterans Day, we honor his dedication to his country and his faith.
Fr. Ken is a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as a First Responder at the Pentagon. His numerous military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Service Medals as well as the Combat Action Ribbon, in addition to other unit and campaign awards.
Fr. Ken’s Lifelong Commitment to Healing, Service, and Spiritual Leadership
After his retirement, Fr. Ken became a Spiritual Counselor at St. Christopher’s Inn, the Friars’ healing ministry to addicted men who are fighting for their lives in a war against opioids. He has helped many men overcome self-hatred and doubt to experience the liberating love of Jesus.
Fr. Ken continues his ministry at the Chapel of Our Savior in Brockton, Massachusetts, bringing the same compassion and dedication that have marked his whole career. From the battlefields to the front lines of spiritual care, his life remains a testament to faithful service to his country, his Church, and the men and women he guides toward hope and healing.
Fr. Ken currently serves as a Councilor on the General Council of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and is the Director of The Father Paul of Graymoor Guild, which was established in 2016 to promote the cause for canonization of Servant of God Father Paul Wattson, SA.
Thank you so much for sharing Fr. Ken’s story and his commitment to our troops, especially under very difficult circumstances. It is a good reminder that veterans in our beautiful nation have served in a capacity of roles and none more important perhaps then the ministering to souls.