Friday, June 25, 2010

Father McKenna





I wonder where is he now? Well, wonder no more!
According to the Allentown Diocese newspaper, the Rev. F. Charles McKenna II, is a retired priest in residence at Holy Family Villa for Priest, Bethlehem, who recently celebrated his 50th anniversary in the priesthood May 13, 2010 with a Mass of Thanksgiving and a dinner at the villa.
Fr. McKenna was born July 27, 1934 in Allentown, son of the late Frances Charles and Ouida M (Petit) McKenna. He attended 13th and Union School, Northeast Junior High School and Reading Central Catholic High School, all in Reading. He received his bachelor of arts degree from St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia in 1956. He also studied at Villanova, Penn State and Temple Universities. He was ordained May 14, 1960 at the Catheldral Basilica of SS Peter and Paul, Philadelphia by the Most Rev. J. Carroll McCormick, DD. He celebrated his first mass the next day at St. Joseph, Reading. He taught at Nativity 1964-1966 with residence at Mary Queen of Peace, Pottsville. He then taught at Marian High School...
Some memorable events of the era 1964-1966 include:
1964: TV Quiz show Jeopardy! premiered with Art Fleming as the host.
1965: "What's New Pussycat" sung by Tom Jones reaches Number 3 on the Billboard charts.
1966: All U.S. cigarette packs have to carry "Caution Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health."