CANORA - After 28 years of service at the STS. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora, it has quickly become apparent that Father Joakim Rac will be sorely missed, after announcing his retirement.
At his farewell/retirement social at the Ukrainian Catholic Hall in Canora on July 9, Dave Popowich, parish president, shared that, “It is certainly my honour to have this opportunity to say some words from the Parish at this event to and about Father Rac and his wife Zlatica.
“It's a very short review as we would need a lot of time to talk about the many, many things he was involved, worked on; locally and on the Eparchcal side as well,” said Popowich. “I would say that this is only a completion of one chapter in his life journey, with many more chapters yet to come.”
Popowich said the long-term effects of Father Rac’s work will be felt for many years to come in Canora and the surrounding area, and across Saskatchewan.
“The Church, Rectory, Hall, Bell Tower and all other Parish building were completely renovated and brought to a very good condition. The farmland was developed, fence removed, and some more area was brought into cultivation
“I must say we had many very enjoyable work projects, but usually with one common conclusion. We were asked to the house for some refreshments, coffee, juices and a table full of goodie Zlatica would have spread on the table.
“Father Rac also invested a lot of time and money in restoring the Bless Virgin of Sorrow church that remains as a historical church near our community. He spent many hours and days working with the Eparchy in Saskatoon on projects being proposed that would have cost the Parishes of Saskatchewan many dollars with no benefit from these proposals. Father was very much involved in having them tabled.”
Popowich shared that Father Rac is very much a people person.
“He has many outstanding qualities in his personality, dealing with people in many different circumstances,” he said, adding that “He is always interested in all individuals, their hardships, and joy in their life travel; a man that is very understanding and forgiving.”
Popowich experienced a personal example of Father Rac’s capacity for forgiveness.
“Several years ago Jack Bartko told me that he had several pussy willow trees started and that we should plant them at the back of the church yard, which we did. That was the time when Zenon Diakow was the groundskeeper.
“One morning while driving by we notice a few of the shrubs had been cut. Asking Zenon what happen, he said,. ‘We didn't need them and mowed a few down.’ No more of the shrubs would be cut. Father soon had re-planted the cut ones and they were growing just fine. Then, one spring the dandelions were growing very well also. So I got some Roundup chemical and sprayed them. A few days later I tell Father the chemical worked great on the weeds. He replied, ‘Yes and on the shrubs also that I had planted.’ Thank goodness Father is a forgiving person. The willow trees have served us well with pussy willows for our Palm Sundays.”
Anyone who has met Father Rac has probably experienced how he is very much a friend of the community.
“He accomplished friendships with individuals of all religious backgrounds, education, and occupations,” said Popowich. “There were no limits of his being a true friend to all. His religion was first and foremost. He was, and is a devoted priest. He was always on time for mass or any other duties that his priesthood required him to preform, and performed them with the upmost professionalism. He did not judge anyone or any event, a true man to his chosen vocation. We got very comfortable with his way, manners, and performance of all his priestly duties. They are and will always be remembered and cherished, especially by our parish and all the other parishes that he served, which as we know were many.”
Father Rac was a trailblazer. He was the first married Catholic priest in Canora.
“On his arrival, many in the Parish were doubtful as to how a Catholic priest can be married,” said Popowich. “But it was soon realized that this was the very best that can be had. Zlatica was very important in this new venture to the Parish and after all these years, we sure don't want it to be any different.”
Popowich said that mentioning all the projects Father Rac was involved in would surely fill a large book.
“Father Rac left his parents’ home at the age of 13 and with a friend got on the train to Rome, where they would attend school and studies that would lead them to be ordained as Catholic priests,” continued Popowich. “On Sept. 25, 1982 Father married; Zlatica and approximately a month later, Oct. 20, was ordained. They came to Canada in June 1983; with challenges from the first day at the airport; Coming to Canada there was the challenge of a new country; new customs and a language in which they were not fluent. All challenges were overcome in short order.
“From Norquay where Father Rac was appointed in September 1983, he was then appointed to the Canora Parish on Aug. 2, 1995.
“I and each and every member of this parish and all other parishes, and many, many individual from the public can speak of Father with the highest of respect and admiration. My association with Father has been one that will always be remembered. Our dealing on the Parish council was one that was very comfortable, and I trust was helpful to the Parish as a whole. On behalf of ourselves and from all the Parish members and friends, our sincere wishes for all the best as you begin another chapter of your life with Zlatica, may all your dreams be attained, and your health hold that you may enjoy many decades of all the best,” said Popowich.
“May God bless you and Zlatica and all the family!”
