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Tony Wojcinskianthonywojcinskiaol.comChairperson
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Our Lady of Lourdes Post 1325Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Higgins founded the Catholic War Veterans, one of the greatest and most noble patriotic organizations within the entire history of our country and our Church. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on July 15, 1890 and attended St. Stephan’s and St. Mary Star of the Sea School, graduating in June 1903. He was given an eight-year scholarship to St. John College and graduated with a BA degree in 1912. He was ordained a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn on May 19, 1914.Msgr. Higgins entered the Army and saw duty as a lieutenant-chaplain with the 152nd Depot Brigade and General Hospital No. 13. Next to his love for Christ and the Church came his love for country. In 1925 he realized that Catholics who served in our Armed Forces should continue to live their lives for the preservation of these beloved United States of America against all its enemies. In May 1935, he received permission from Archbishop Thomas E. Molloy to found the Catholic War Veterans. In June of that year he visited Rome and received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Pius XI for the new organization. There are over 200 Posts located throughout the United States.In 1947, a post at St. Joseph was formed and was named for Our Lady of Lourdes. The first Commander was Robert Wise. Father Bertram spoke at the first meeting. The core of his message was a warning that, “What one generation fails to do is only left for the next generation to do.”One of the main activities of the CWV was the operation of the weekly Bingo game at St. Joseph School, which they did for 36 years. They successfully raised funds that they donated to the school. In 1998, they gave the Bingo operation to the school parents.The Lourdes Post #1325 is responsible for the beautiful memorial on the Grotto grounds and honors all who have or will serve in the Armed Forces.In 2002, CWV were instrumental in the building of the Grotto Store. The walkway of bricks leading to the Grotto is a project with a two-fold purpose: to raise funds and to beautify the grounds.The CWV is currently concerned with the day-to-day maintenance and the long-term preservation of the Grotto structure.Meetings are held monthly.For more information, please contact Andy Wojcinski or the Parish Office
