On a very hot June 22, 2024, three Friars celebrated their Diamond anniversary. Father Kenneth Cienik, SA, Father Patrick Cogan, SA and Father James Puglisi, SA will have been Friars for 60 years! They have served countless communities, dedicated to serving in ministry and education. We couldn’t let this milestone pass by without expressing our gratitude and love for them.
A Jubilarian Mass was celebrated to commemorate our Friars’ milestone anniversary, followed by a reception. Fr. Emil Tomaskovic, SA, was the celebrant and homilist. Gina Molinelli and Sr. Denise Robillard, SA, moved us all with their heavenly music — Sr. Denise on the harp accompanied by Gina’s beautiful voice. Click here to view the livestream of the Mass on Facebook.
Fr. David Hammond, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps came as a representative of Archbishop Timothy Brolio. Of course, family and friends filled our pews. Several people in attendance were classmates of these three Friars at St. John’s Atonement Seminary in Rochester, NY. They swapped many stories of good times long ago.
We hope you enjoy reading the brief biographies of each Jubilarian and photos of the day.
Diamond Jubilarians – 60 Years
Fr. Kenneth Cienik
Since his ordination in 1977, Father Cienik has played a major role in the Friars of Atonement ministry. He has led the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center and served as the Guardian of St. Paul’s Friary. From 1986 to 2010 he was an active member of the military, serving as military chaplain for US troops in Iraq. In 2006, Father Cienik was awarded with a meritorious service medal.
Originally from Sharpsburg, PA, Father Kenneth Cienik, SA, received his bachelor’s degree from Siena College and completed his graduate degree at Duquesne University and the Washington Theological Union, and received a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation.
Fr. Patrick Cogan
Father Cogan is best known for his expertise in canon law. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Siena College, law degree and doctorate from St. Paul University, Father Cogan spent many years teaching religious studies and canon law. He also served as an editor of Ecumenical Trends and Canon Law XIII.
In 2012, the Canon Law Society honored Father Cogan’s dedication with their Role of Law award.
Fr. James Puglisi
Father Puglisi loves teaching. He is a professor emeritus of ecumenism, sacraments and ecclesiology at the Pontifical Atheneum, San Anselmo, Rome, the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas and the Institute of Ecumenical Studies, Venice.
Whether serving on the Diocesan Ecumenical Commision for Rome or the editorial board of Studi Ecumenici in Italy, Father Puglisi has enjoyed mentoring people from around the world. He was awarded the Doctor of Divinity honoris causa by the Graduate Theological Foundation in Donaldson, and served two terms as Minister General of the Friars from 2004-2014.
Originally from Amsterdam, NY, Father James Puglisi entered the Friars of Atonement in 1964.