Page 13 - February Mag 2025.2.6.2025.Web

Moving Forward

by Looking Back

Pittsburgh, PA. GCU GoGive
enabled this member to
reach deep into his lifelong
experiences and relationships
with success that can be seen
in over one thousand exhibits. It
involves the Byzantine Catholic
Seminary Library in Pittsburgh
and its large collection of
previously unidentified
photographs. These pictures
date back to the opening of the
Seminary in 1950, and a few of
them even predate the Seminary.
Through his family this GCU Some GCU members may recognize this photo—they may actually be in it. It dates back to Sep-
member had accumulated a tember 1954 at an Altar Servers Congress held at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary. This photo is
large number Byzantine Catholic one of over a thousand in the Seminary’s collection being identified with support from the GCU
Church related photographs. He GoGive program. In the back row (from left) are seminarians who later served as priests in parishes.
asked Seminary Library Director, Gregory Rommack-8, Ronald Borsuk-9, Judson Procyk-11, Father John Bilock-15, John Loya-17,
Professor Sandee Collins if the Robert Karl-21 and John Borodach-23. All were ordained and served their entire ministry. Fr. Bilock
Library would be interested became Monsignor Bilock, then Bishop Bilock. Fr. Procyk became Monsignor Procyk, then Metro-
in his family’s collection. The politan Archbishop Procyk.
Professor responded with a
resounding YES. information on every picture. He willing to continue this project and
Rather than just dropping a boot- was able to identify over 90% of identify the Library’s collection of
sized box of unidentified photos the photos. When he presented his over 1,000 photos.
on her desk, the member created findings to Prof. Collins, she thanked He accepted her challenge and
a spreadsheet with ten columns for him and then asked if he would be was then successful in obtaining a
repurposed laptop computer which
was donated to the cause. GCU’s
GoGive enabled him to purchase the
necessary software and other supplies
that enable him to work remotely on
Homeless Veterans Assistance the project, either at the Seminary
Library or with knowledgeable
Wilmington, NC. The Sgt. Eugene Ashley Memorial Center individuals who can assist him in the
provides short-term transitional housing for homeless veterans identification process.
as well as permanent supportive housing for qualified applicants. The photos cover the entire
“Bridge” housing is a short-term solution for those veterans who lifespan of the Seminary, 1950
have been offered and accepted a permanent housing solution, through the present, and ultimately
but are still working on access to that housing. The Knights of all photos and their descriptions will
Columbus Assembly #2017 in Wilmington supports the efforts be made available via the Seminary’s
of the Ashley Center with “Shoeboxes for Soldiers,” providing website for students, researchers
various toiletries for residents. Thanks to the GoGive! grant from and all interested persons. Future
the GCU, the Knights were also able to provide liquid detergent, research is now enriched by the work
dryer sheets, laundry baskets & bags and coffee to assist residents completed on photographs from the
in their daily needs. The Knights of Columbus Assembly #2017 past—a project significantly enhanced
and members of the Ashley Center greatly appreciate the GCU by GCU’s GoGive program.
awarding this grant.

John Danchisko

GCU MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2025 11