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REV. GEORGE E. SALADNA
REV. GEORGE E. SALADNA
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GEORGE SALADNA Obituary
REV. GEORGE E.
Pastor of St. Alphonsus RC Church, Springdale, passed away Sunday, April 17, 2011. Father was born in Millsboro (Washington County) on January 5, 1933, the sixth of eight children born to John G. and Mary V. Lengvarsky Saladna. He was educated in the public schools of East Bethlehem Twp., now part of a larger jointure called Bethlehem-Center. He attended St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA as a chemistry major, where in his junior year of college, he decided to enter the priesthood, and was accepted as a candidate for the diocese of Pittsburgh. The next two years were spent at St. Vincent Seminary, where he earned a degree in Philosophy in 1955. Fr. Saladna was sent for theological studies in Rome, and he attended the North American college there, with studies at the Gregorian University. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 20, 1958 and finished his theology studies, returning to the diocese. Father served briefly in two parishes (Holy Trinity, Moon Run and St. Raphael, Pittsburgh) before being sent back to Rome and Jerusalem for graduate studies in Sacred Scripture. After three years in Rome at the Biblical Institute and the Ecole Bublique de Jerusalem, he returned to Pittsburgh and served two years at Ephiphany, Downtown. The bulk of his priestly service for the people of the Diocese of Pittsburgh was spent at three assignments: 12 years as assistant to the Rector of Saint Paul Seminary, West End Pittsburgh, 15 years as Pastor of Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church on Pittsburgh's North Side and for 18 years as Pastor of St. Alphonsus Church, Springdale. He also served as Director of the Diocesan Program for the Permanent Diaconate and oversaw the ordination of the first Permanent Deacons in 1974. While serving in the above assignments, Fr. Saladna also taught scripture at St. Vincent Seminary and SS Cyril and Methodius Byzantine Seminary on a part-time basis. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank and John Saladna, and three sisters, Ann Saladna, Loretta DuChez and Barbars Nicklos. Surviving are two sisters, Matilda Phillips of Holiday, FL and Dorothy Vislosky of Yardley, PA. Parishioners and friends will be received Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the CHARLES B. JARVIE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 801 Pittsburgh St., Springdale. Mass of Translation will be at 7:00 p.m. in St. Alphonsus Church with visitation from 8 until 9 p.m., following Mass. Visitations will be Wednesday in church from noon to time of Christian Funeral Mass at 2 p.m. with the Most Rev. David A. Zubik as celebrant. Burial will be in Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Peters Twp. Memorial tributes may be made to St. Alphonsus Church, Springdale, PA.
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James burkart
April 12, 2020
My family's memory of George remains vivid. Recently I totaled the number of adventures he related to us and those in which we were observers or participants. There are more than thirty -- and still counting. He is a priest forever, as he put it, "in the order of Melchisdech." He was also a fervent friend of the "Samaritan priests of Nablus," a "volunteer" representative of the Jordanian Government Department of Antiquities "living in a cave in Petra," a Nabatean associate of "Hadi Sumatra, Primate of all the Indonesias," a detractor of the French language (e.g.,"Bonnie knew it," instead of "Bonne nuit!"). During his lifetime and ever since, the senior French Dominican staff members of the Ecole Biblique in Jerusalem referred to him as their best American student in terms of ardent study, priestly living, and refreshing companionship. We envied his family, students, and parishioners in the Pittsburgh area. We are certain that he has become a communicant of the saints. We do not pray for him. We continue to pray with him.
Norm Burkart
April 15, 2013
Fr. Saladna has been a powerful influence on those he graced with his famous sense of humor, most often providing an underlying moral or spiritual message. He was a very important person in my years in Jerusalem as a young child. His delightful parables and contrived events (such as making an entire mosque disappear or candies to fall from the sky) were in the realm of C.S. Lewis' “Chronicles of Narnia.” Fr. Saladna remains one of the most important people in the formative years of my childhood: a genuine person, a powerful intellect, and the author of important parables.
James Burkart
April 15, 2013
One story Fr. George Saladna related involved Bishop, later Cardinal, Wright, who was his superior and patron. George had spent the summer between his classes at the North American College working in parishes in the Pittsburgh area. When the time approached for his return to Rome, he received a phone call from Wright's secretary to arrange for George to have dinner with Wright and other diocesan clerics the evening before his departure for Rome. George mistakenly told the secretary he was departing on a certain day, and the date and time for his dinner with Wright was set accordingly. Upon checking, George found he was leaving a day later than he had given the secretary. He decided that he would go along with arrangements, rather than ask to postpone the dinner for one more evening.
In the event, the dinner was convivial, and Wright asked each of the attendees to tell a story. George told a story of turtles in a cave who had made soup but needed to go out to get crackers. There was heated discussion, because each turtle worried that if he went out for the crackers, the others would eat his soup. Finally one turtle volunteered, but he asked the others to promise not to eat his soup while he was gone. Then he started out of the cave. Hours passed, then days, and finally months. One of the turtles told the others that something must have happened to the turtle on his way to the crackers -- squashed by a car, fell off a cliff, or some such. After six months they decided to eat their soup and that of the missing turtle. At that point there was a voice near the entrance of the cave: "If you don't talk about me, I might go." All at Wrights's table laughed at the story and enjoyed the meal. The next day, George, taking advantage of his extra day before departure, found where Wright would be eating that evening and went there during the day. He talked to the head waiter and arranged for Wright and his party to be seated next to a drape. George then arrived in advance and hid behind the drape. Wright and his guests arrived, sat around the table and conversed. One of them said, "Well, thank heavens, we've seen Geoge on his way again. The Italians deserve him." Others told stories in which George was a major figure. Finally, a voice (George's) from behind the drape said "If you don't talk about me, I might go." George said Wright laughed aloud and never forgot the event. Years later in Jerusalem he kept a photo of Wright on his bureau at the Ecole Biblique. Like all of his stories, this one had an important, yet humorous, point.
Bill Yockey
April 12, 2012
Rest in Peace Gorglein.....I posted for "Sheldon" a year ago......now wanted to post for myself. You and so many of the brothers have moved on in the last few years....Please pray for us who are still on the journey.
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Mary Burkart IBVM
March 16, 2012
Fr Saladna, or "Ladna" as we used to call him as kids in Jerusalem is, as my dad put it, part of the family "tapestry". As a kid I loved when he came around, or especially when we went on long trips to look at archaeological sites around Palestine and sometimes over into Jordan. He was a great story teller and would keep us enthralled for hours with stories that pertained to things that where happening, - like the time my parents brought us bathrobes from Beirut. As it turned out, each bit of each bathrobe was transported by mice from New York to Beirut. The story went on for hours and each mouse had a name, a personality and encountered difficulties that held us spell bound even though we knew they must have made it as our bathrobes proved. Ladna was energetic and we would line up on a carpet and he would whisk us, squealing with delight around the house. He always had time to talk, see how school was going and help with getting around the little things we did that got us in “trouble”. The occasion of the first English Mass in the Ecole coincided with the changing of the alter so that the priest was facing the people. Ladna came in and started the Introductory Rights. After a minute or two, one of my brothers, yelled out a warning “Ladna, you are talking in church”. Fr Saladna stopped and looked down at him and said, “Stephen, from now on we are all going to be talking in church” and went on to explain the reasoning behind the use of local languages for Mass and why the alter was facing the people. I am sorry that I missed the chance to catch up with him later. I thank God for knowing him and all the fun he brought with him when – not to mention the candy. May he enjoy the eternal loving companionship of our God.
James Burkart
March 15, 2012
Fr. Saladna entered our family tapestry in Rome in 1963, where he arranged for us to stay at a small hotel well-suited for a traveling family and where he was finishing at the North American College. In September of that year he came to Jerusalem, where we lived at the time, to spend a year at the Ecole Biblique et Francaise to top off the license in scripture he had acquired in Rome. Before he arrived but after we had met him in Rome, Pere Roland deVaux, the most prominent of the French scripture scholars and archaeologists at the Ecole, told me he had received a letter from a trusted colleague which described Fr. Saladna as "a character." DeVaux was not familiar with American informal English and asked me if this meant Fr. Saladna had good character or bad character. I told him the description was complimentary, and it meant Fr. Saladna would be refreshing in the international atmosphere of the Ecole. During the following months, Fr. Saladna, when not on excursions and studies with the Ecole, became a family member, along with his Ecole colleagues like Fr. Hadisumarta from Indonesia, and Fr. Rupnik from what was then Yugoslavia. His unique adaptations to the Ecole and life in Palestine generated legends which our children still remember. The French faculty at the Ecole found his humor and humanity always complimentary to their studies and to Fr. Saladna's purpose in being there. Later, he drove once from Pittsburgh to visit us in Maryland for a day bringing with him a seminarian whom he described as "one of my disciples." Later, in Calcutta, I found Mother Teresa to share Fr. Saladna's outlook on humanity, faith, and life. He was truly unique.
He put us on the St. Alphonsus weekly bulletin email, which we then received wherever in the world we happened to be. I suggested some years ago that he or someone at St. Alphonsus should collect his weekly homilies from the bulletin and publish them. I hope they are not lost. He was a true priest. UIOGD
James E. Burkart, 6620 Barr Road, Bethesda, MD 20816.
Kevin Bezy
April 25, 2011
Father Saladna was a devoted and inspired priest. He was one of the happiest people I have ever known. In class he interspersed jokes with his lessons as he made the mysteries of Sacred Scripture real to us. He used his intellect to serve us and to lead us to greater heights of scholarship. Although he was very intelligent, he never made us feel inferior. Whether driving Currus Dei, planning a party, or celebrating Benediction in Latin, Father Saladna kept foremost in mind that he was a priest serving his flock. Caleb and Avis, usually chasing planes, loved him as did the rest of us. He was truly a holy man of God.
April 23, 2011
I have known George Saladna since we both studied in Rome, beginning in 1955. He was the finest and funniest of men. Behind his incredibly humorous imagination there was a heart of gold, and deep generosity of spirit. I will miss him deeply. Tim Leonard
April 22, 2011
If the joy of the Lord is my strength, then Father George Saladna had much of the joy and strength from the Lord. May his goodness live on after he departs from this world to heavenly joy.
Vickie Roolf
April 21, 2011
It has been an honor to have worked with you for the last 18 years. I'll always be Hashimite Meemaw. The 'Our Father' will never be the same. You are missed already. Your support and concern has meant the world to me.
Gary Parzik
April 20, 2011
I attended St Paul's Seminary from 1971-1973 when Father "Gorg" (as he was affectionately known back then) was the Assistant Rector there. He was a gentle giant of a man if there ever was one, and he had a wit that was truly an "acquired taste". He and Father Krause were my spiritual and academic mentors (as well as my vocational inspiration) back then. I have never forgotten his easygoing manner and the way that he loved those collies he kept (our mascots you might say).He always referred to them as his "baby dogs".....He made my time at St. Paul's memorable because of the kind of moral and spiritual leadership he gave and because of the truly kind and easy going man of God he was------I have thought about him often over the years since leaving the seminary. The world will truly miss this spiritual, priestly man.
Peggy Zezza
April 20, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Father's Family and parishioners He always made you laugh with his stories and wit, and was a practical joker too. He will be missed, but he does live on in the mind and hearts of the lives he touched with his joyful spirit.
Suzanne Frank
April 19, 2011
I will certainly miss Fr. Saladna. My father, John, worked for Fr., taking care of the grounds, etc. at St. Gabriel's on the North Side. My father was a Eucharistic Minister as well and my mother was a commentator at Mass. After my mother and father passed away, his email name for me was "Nellie's Baby" - Nellie being my mother's name derived from her Polish ancestry & which he always commented on. I remember when my father passed away and Fr. Saladna came to visit him at the funeral home, Fr. Saladna upon seeing my father ... left crying. That was the kind of person he was! I will always remember him for his crazy sense of humor that was second to none! May Fr. Saladna rest in peace with the Lord!
Oodie
April 19, 2011
It brings back some wonderful memories just hearing the title "Gorglein Q. Salatney". Anyone and everyone who was part of those days has been truly blessed. And being touched by the humor and guided by the loving hand of the "gentle giant", I'm sure, has made each of us a better person. I know it has me!
Carma Rey Klaja
April 19, 2011
I had the honor of meeting Father at the beginning of March this year, my one and only time. What a wonderful man, such a kind soul. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Nora Stay
April 19, 2011
Accept my deepest sympathies from Hunsey Stay, wife of Mike Stay from Fredericktown.
Patrick, Julie, Justine and Casey Zollner
April 19, 2011
St. Alphonsus Parish has lost a wonderful man. His humorous stories in his homilies, along with his Biblical knowledge will be greatly missed. We will also miss his personal greeting to us (Hey Z-team)after each mass. May you Rest In the Peace of Christ.
The Z-Team
jerry werries
April 19, 2011
I new Fr. Saladna as a young priest at St. Raphael's who enjoyed surprising his pastor Fr. Doyle with practical jokes. His humor was different but always respectful. I will miss you. Jerry Werries
Joann Grieco
April 18, 2011
Fada Gaga, your humor is, well, bizarre; I still don't know how I got the name Voodoo Vooman. You were a joy to work with, and such a Biblical Scholar. May you be at restful peace with your family who went before you. Thank you for your friendship and your guidance.
April 18, 2011
I had the privilege of working for Father for 14 years as an Organist at St. Gabriels on the North Side. He was a wonderful Priest with a great sense of humor. My family and I were sad to hear of his passing.We have many fond memories of him at Gabriels. Our Sincere sympathy to his family. He will be missed....
Carol and Frank Katich Pittsburgh, PA
Bob Barca
April 18, 2011
I was at St. Paul's when Gorgaline was there and it was a fun and experience I still treasure today, the year was 1968.
I am sorry I never stopped to see him when I past through Springdale. I may have missed his humor but I will always remember him as a friend and a loving person of God. With deepest condolences to his family and friends, we lost a great priest and now the Heavens can enjoy HIM.
Pie in the eye,
Gertie
Dawn Biery
April 18, 2011
Ohhhhh, Father Cookie....what an amazing Priest. May you rest in peace and may all of your family and parishioners be comforted. xoxo
nguyen
April 18, 2011
What a gift he is! A gentleman, happy priest and brilliant man.
April 18, 2011
Fr. George was truly a man of God. We were very blessed to have him as our shepherd at St. Alphonsus. He will be sorely missed.
Ivan and Debbie Piontek,
Springdale,PA.
T Z
April 18, 2011
So very sad to see the passing of such a wonderfully super human priest. I know his gentle and humorous ways will be missed. God blessed us with his life for sure. May the angels lead you into paradise George. Rest in Peace . TPZ
Sheldon Schwump
April 18, 2011
Rest in Peace "Georgline Q. Salatney" it was certainly a fine run...Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
George & Rhondda Kovacs
April 18, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
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