It was between 1971-72 when Dr. Chudoba, Mr. Horacek, Mr. Paska and F. Danek used to meet while visiting Sedlacek’s family of Astoria. Dr. Chudoba and Mr. Horacek knew that a new Czech priest came from Mexico to New Rochelle to rest and recover. Because of the visit, we agreed to organize Czech catholic services on Sundays. As members of the Czech Catholic Union, we had an opportunity to use the space in the Church of Our Lady of the Atonement, run by Czech Redemptorists, on 61st street in Manhattan. However, this option was not practical because easy access was not available (i.e. no subway or parking lot).
I was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s parish where my son Frank went to elementary school. Since I knew Msgr. Henigan very well, we decided to ask him for permission to organize our Masses at his church. Czech Salesian pater Alois Vyoral agreed to be the main celebrant. After the next visit to the Sedlacek’s family, we (F. Danek, Mr. Sedlacek, Mr. Paska, and Pater Vyoral) asked Msgr. Henigan for permission. We succeeded and as a result, we received permission to organize Czech catholic masses at 10 A.M. on Sundays. The diocese supported us as well. We sent invitations to members of the Catholic Union and posted announcements at Czech and Slovak organizations. F. Danek spoke a few times on the Czech radio station.
It did not take long before the group grew in numbers. 100 to 200 people attended our church on Sundays. In the meantime, we received permission to use a hall across the street for social gatherings. Every woman volunteered to bring pastries three times a year. Twice a year, we organized successful social celebrations such as Mardigras and St. Martin’s Dance. Usually 400 to 500 gathered for these occasions. We were the only group that organized such events at that time.
Among our participants were distinguished Czech and Slovak politicians. Our group was very active in the political, cultural and social spheres. For example, we organized many events that were beneficial to our home countries, participated in the revolution in Hungary, put together concerts and others.
Based on testimony of Mr. Frantisek Danek
