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Well-wishers turn out for Father Fiala, transferred to Rome
By Sean Barron
YOUNGSTOWN
If you ask Bob Burosky what he will miss most about Father Vit Fiala, he will probably tell you that it’s the friar’s sincerity and keen ability to connect with his congregation.
“He’s my spiritual leader,” the Youngstown man said of Father Fiala, who is preparing to leave his post at the Shrine of Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church after having been transferred to Rome. “He never reads his homilies from notes; he always reads from his heart.”
Burosky was among close to 200 people who attended a rosary cenacle and farewell reception Tuesday for Father Fiala, both of which were at the church, 517 S. Belle Vista Ave., on the West Side.
Burosky, who joined the church about 10 years ago, added that the friar also is a dear friend.
Father Fiala, who has served 16 years at Shrine of Our Lady Church, is scheduled to leave for Rome on Aug. 15 and, starting in September, will serve as Master of Friars, he explained. His duties will include mentoring new student friars in compassionate ministries from the U.S., Malta and Ireland who are studying theology, he continued.
Father Fiala recalled that in May, his provincial asked him to serve in Rome, in part as a spiritual advisor.
“This was one of the assignments you don’t refuse, because you serve the community,” Father Fiala said, adding he is excited about the opportunity but will miss his congregation.
“He’s been a good mentor and has introduced me to people,” said Father Roger Hall, who came to the church earlier this year from a retreat in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “I will miss his humor and his good-naturedness.”
Father Hall said he and another church official plan to work together to assume some of Father Fiala’s duties, along with performing outside ministries.
Other things that will be missed about Father Fiala is his pleasant penchant for being able to sometimes use the element of surprise, especially in how he took on a variety of activities, Father Hall continued.
“You never knew what was coming next,” he said, adding that Father Fiala may make a visit to the area next summer.