Slovak community in Calgary celebrates at the end of May the birthday of our spiritual leader, Father Ján Baštigal, or Father Jack as he is known in catholic parishes in Calgary and Okotoks, where he served for many years. We usually celebrate his birthday after the Mass in Slovak, which was always scheduled on the first Saturday in June.
This year, the conditions and restrictions do not yet allow us to again organize Slovak masses, thus we could celebrate our jubilant's birthday only in a small circle of friends. Hosts Fero and Majka Kilo prepared a pleasant get-together and Majka cooked excellent Liptov goulash, just like Fr. Jack‘s mother used to cook for him, as his parents came from Liptovský Ján in Slovakia.
Father Baštigal has been on a well-deserved retirement for several years, but he will continue to serve Slovak holy masses when conditions allow, as well as baptisms and other sacramental ceremonies. He is still in good health and full of vigor.
We wish you a happy birthday, great health and God’s blessings, Father Baštigal.
Photographs: Marián Lipták and Paul Čarnogurský
