Father Jerry Priscaro honored with Blessed Michael J. McGivney Award, PA Chaplain of the Year
By Melanie Sisinni
05/07/2024
Father Jerry Priscaro, priest in residence at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Erie, and a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, was recently bestowed with the prestigious Blessed Michael J. McGivney Award for the Pennsylvania State Chaplain of the Year. The award ceremony occurred during the Knights of Columbus Pennsylvania State Convention held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel & Convention Center in the Philadelphia suburb of King of Prussia from April 26 to 28.
Father Priscaro, known for his unwavering commitment to his faith and community service, has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over a decade. His involvement with the organization dates back to his early years as an ordained priest, where he served in various parishes across Mercer County before settling in Erie.
Columbus for North America (left); Michael Delucia, Pennsylvania
state program director for the Knights of Columbus
(next to podium, right); and Michael J. Kish, Pennsylvania state
deputy for Knights of Columbus (in background right); presenting
the Blessed Michael J. McGivney PA State Chaplain of the Year
Award to Father Jerry Priscaro at the Pennsylvania State Convention
Banquet.
Contributed photo via Father Jerry Priscaro
"I've been involved as their chaplain for a long time," Father Priscaro remarked, reflecting on his dedicated service to the Knights of Columbus. He regularly attends meetings, participates in fundraisers and delivers spiritual talks, fostering a sense of camaraderie and purpose within the organization.
The Blessed Michael J. McGivney Award, named after the founder of the Knights of Columbus, recognizes individuals who exemplify the organization's core values - faith, charity, and unity. Father Priscaro's tireless efforts in supporting the Knights' mission to serve the Catholic Church and the community have earned him this esteemed accolade.
“This is the first time the Diocese of Erie has had a nominee and a selectee for the award in thirty years,” said Father Priscaro.
During the convention's banquet on Saturday, April 27th, attended by approximately 350 Knights of Columbus members and their spouses from across Pennsylvania, Father Priscaro was presented with two plaques and an authentic replica icon image of Knights' founder Blessed Michael McGivney. The award was handed to him by Michael R. McCusker, the Supreme Master of the Knights of Columbus for North America, and Michael J. Kish, the Pennsylvania State Deputy.
Reflecting on the award's significance, Father Priscaro expressed his gratitude to the Erie Area Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, known as the Archbishop John Mark Gannon Assembly, for nominating him. He emphasized the importance of the Knights' work in supporting charitable causes, such as the Special Olympics and the Women's Care Center and highlighted their role in fostering a strong sense of faith and community among men.
“Of all the organizations within the Roman Catholic Church around the world, as well as here in this country and Pennsylvania, I have truly and personally witnessed by firsthand experience, there is none greater than the Knights of Columbus with their dedication, fidelity, vigilance, support of the church, it's ministries and outreach to others,” Father Priscaro declared during his acceptance speech.
As Father Priscaro continues his dedicated service to the church and the Knights of Columbus, his unwavering commitment inspires all those around him, embodying the spirit of Blessed Michael J. McGivney's vision for the organization.
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