LOMA (SNR) – Father Matthew Eickhoff will celebrate Mass at 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at St. Luke’s Czech Catholic Shrine in Loma.
The Mass will be offered for the repose of the soul of long-time shrine director and Loma native, Msgr. Myron Pleskac, who died Jan. 3.
Msgr. Pleskac served as director of the shrine for more than 20 years, until late 2015 when he retired for health reasons. Father Matthew Eickhoff took over the duties as director in October.
With some help, Father Eickhoff recalled, Msgr. Pleskac was able to concelebrate Mass at the shrine with Father Eickhoff Dec. 19.
“He thanked everyone at the end of Mass for their personal support and their support of the shrine,” Father Eickhoff said. “He also seated himself at the back door and greeted everyone as they left Mass that day.”
St. Luke Parish closed in 1992, but Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz named St. Luke a shrine honoring the Czech Catholic immigrants who had settled in Butler and Saunders counties. The church was renovated and Bishop Bruskewitz celebrated the Mass of rededication October 1, 1995. Two years later, a new high altar was built by Loren Stara, using photographs of the original high altar for his design.
Since then, Msgr. Pleskac celebrated Mass at the Shrine every other month.
The Feb. 21 Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. The Ostry family singers will provide music, and all are welcome to attend.