October 25, 2007

Diocesan Director of Propagation of the Faith retires

Msgr. Harold Wagner, who served for more than 32 years as the director of the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Buffalo, has retired. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec honored Msgr. Wagner in September by presenting him with the Pro-Vita Award for his strong devotion to pro-life issues. Msgr. Wagner now resides at the St. Elizabeth Home in Lancaster where he celebrates Mass for the residents.

“Since 1975, Msgr. Wagner has been a tremendous witness to the missionary spirit that is found throughout our diocese,” Bishop Kmiec said. “Through his selfless service and because of the incredible generosity of the faithful of the diocese, tens of millions of dollars have been distributed to missions all over the world, helping to spread the Good News through Catholic missionaries.”

The Office for the Propagation of the Faith will be transferred from the Catholic Center to Catholic Charities before the end of the year and will function under the auspices of the Director of Catholic Charities, Father Joseph Sicari. Judy Balmas, executive secretary to Msgr. Wagner, will continue in her position.

Father Sicari said the Propagation of the Faith is a natural fit for Catholic Charities, “Just as Catholic Charities brings strength and stability on the local diocesan level, the Association for the Propagation of the Faith provides new, young or poor dioceses with the essential support they need on their journey to becoming self-sufficient, sharing from each according to their resources, to each according to their need.”

Formally known as the Pontifical Mission Societies - Society for the Propagation of Faith, Society of St. Peter Apostle, Holy Childhood Association and Missionary Union of Priests and Religious, the mission of the office is to assist the people of the diocese, young and old, to develop an authentic missionary spirit by encouraging the support of missionaries throughout the world with prayers and sacrifice, assisting them financially and welcoming them on visits home.

“The mission charity and spirit, I am pleased to say, is alive and well in the Diocese of Buffalo,” Msgr. Wagner wrote in his annual report earlier this year. “Your prayerful remembrances and financial contributions have helped so many missionaries make a difference among their people.”

A Buffalo native, Msgr. Wagner was ordained to the priesthood in 1955. He was assistant chancellor of the diocese from 1969 to 1975 and served as secretary to the late Bishop Edward D. Head from 1973 to 1975.

His parish assignments included St. Helen, Hinsdale; SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg; St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Cheektowaga; St. Amelia, Tonawanda and Blessed Virgin Mary, Harris Hill. He also served as chaplain and teacher at the Cantalician Center for learning.

In 1989, Pope John Paul II conferred the rank of Honorary Prelate to Msgr. Wagner, an honor that carries the title of Reverend Monsignor.

The Society of the Propagation of the Faith is responsible for four annual collections: Catholic Home Missions (April), Latin American Collection (May), Missionary Cooperative Plan (June or July) and World Mission Sunday (October).

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