Page:Czecho-Slovak Student Life, Volume 18.djvu/300

EBRUARY 13th, 1928 proved an eventful day for Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and an even more noteworthy one for the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church of that city, for on that day the Reverend Joseph Murgas, priest, artist, scientist, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, and “one of the foremost radio engineers of the world,” celebrated his sixty-fourth birthday, the fortieth anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood, and the thirty-third anniversary of his pastorate among the Slovaks of Sacred Heart Parish. The same night, moreover, Father Murgas was presented, by Dr. John Papanek of the Czechoslovak Ministry in Washington, with a Revolutionary Medal, awarded by the National Council of the Republic of Czechoslovakia.

Rev. Joseph Murgas.

This accomplished Slovak leader was born at Tajov, in Slovakia, February 17, 1864. He received his elementary education in his native town and having completed his studies at the colleges and seminaries of Banska Bystrica, and Ostřihom, was ordained to the holy priesthood on Nov. 19, 1888, for the diocese of Banska Bystrica.

However, Father Murgas’ work in painting gave so much promise that in 1889, under the patronage of his bishop, the young priest entered the Budapest School of Art and a year later matriculated at the Munich Academy of Art. Here he was the first student to receive two certificates, for sketching and for painting, in the first year course.

Soon after, on the removal of his patron to the Nitra diocese, Father Murgas discontinued his studies and took his position as curate, devoting his spare time to the cultivation of his art.

Then he emigrated to America, arriving at Wilkes-Barre, Pa. April 1, 1896. Here, for two years, he devoted himself to the organizing of the Slovak congre-