Page 16 - 31st General Convention Book

Diocese of Buffalo-Pittsburgh

Polish National Catholic Church

6298 Broadway Lancaster, NY 14086-9527

(716) 685-5766 FAX(716) 685-5768

August 8, 2019

Dear Members of the Executive Board,
st
31 Convention Committee and Delegates,

I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt prayers and best wishes
st
for a successful 31 Convention of the Polish National Union of
America. On behalf of the parishes, laity and clergy of the Buffalo-
Pittsburgh diocese, we pledge our support to the enactments of the
convention and look forward to the future health and growth of our
sister fraternal organization.

This convention is very important to the life and continuance of the Polish National Union. It
comes at a time when fraternals in our country are diminishing or are being regulated out of
existence. Many of our young people do not see a need for life insurance or put their priorities
elsewhere. The PNU is not just about policies and insurance; it is about people helping people. The
fraternal is about building relationships with others, so that in their time of need, they will have the
emotional and financial support that they will need. Yet, without new policies being sold; without
the infusion of new blood into the fraternal, these things will not be possible.

As we come to this convention, we carry in our hearts and memory the legacy of leadership, love
and expertise that was shown by our departed CEO, +Irene Jugan. Her attributes as CEO through
the years saw increased growth, a stabilization of the organization and many accomplishments. She
will be sorely missed. Yet, there must be someone to whom we will pass the torch of leadership.
This convention will elect a new CEO. That person must exemplify +Irene’s attributes and do even
greater things for the PNU. Her shoes will be hard to fill, yet God will provide.

Lastly, let us not forget that Spojnia has been an outstanding ally of parishes as well as providing
loans for renovation and new construction. They have been an anchor of support for our clergy
throughout the years. The motto on the cornerstone of the original PNU building states: “Always
forward, never from behind.” May we always look forward to greater things for our fraternal as we
pledge our support to Spojnia by supporting their programs and investing in their products.

st
May God Bless the 31 Convention and give us clear hearts and minds to know what is best for the
fraternal and for our Holy Church. May the Holy Spirit guide us in all that we do. I remain,

In Christ’s Service,

Rt. Rev. John E. Mack

Rt. Rev. John E. Mack
Diocesan Bishop – Buffalo-Pittsburgh Diocese