Fr. Frank J. Liistro

Rev. Frank J. Liistro Jr. January 26, after a long struggle with pulmonary difficulties and diabetes. He was the son of the late Frank and Stella (Lempek) Liistro, Sr. He was also predeceased by his sister, Pauline Liistro. Father Frank leaves his uncles John and Sebastian Liistro his aunt Mary (Liistro) Pepi, and his aunt Rita (Mirmina) Liistro, along with numerous cousins, friends, brothers in the clergy, and his consecrated and lay brothers and sisters in ministry. Father Frank was ordained to the priesthood of Jesus Christ on June 1, 1974. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1964 and entered Holy Apostles Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, completing his priestly studies at Christ the King Seminary in Olean, NY. Father F Rev. Frank J. Liistro, Jr., 67, a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester, died on Saturday, rank served the People of God in the parishes of St. Bernard, Worcester (1974-76); St. Anthony de Padua, Fitchburg (1976-80); Sacred Heart, Webster (1980-81); St. Anna, Leominster (1981-85); Sacred Heart, Gardner (1987-90); St. Anne, Manchaug, as pastor (1990-94); Madonna of the Holy Rosary, Fitchburg, as pastor (1994-2010). In 2005, he was also appointed pastor of Sacred Heart, Fitchburg, while remaining as pastor of Madonna. He retired in 2010 due to health concerns. Father Frank had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to St. Francis of Assisi, serving as Chaplain to the Secular Franciscans who meet at Madonna of the Holy Rosary Hall. Two of his greatest moments in priesthood were the first of many times he celebrated Mass at the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi and in the Basilica (Santuario) of Our Lady of the Rosary in Pompei, Italy. Father Frank was very proud of his Italian-Polish heritage which he celebrated with many trips to Italy and Poland. He was especially endeared to Our Lady of Czestochowa and to La Madonna del Santo Rosario. Father Frank was also an expert in the spirituality and history of Russian icons, a subject upon which he gave several lectures in the area. On Wednesday, January 30, calling hours will be observed in the church of Madonna of the Holy Rosary, 118 Theresa Street, Fitchburg, MA, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, will preside at a Prayer Service immediately following. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday January 31, in St. Ann's Church, 47 Clark Street, New Britain, CT., Father Frank's home parish, following a period of visitation from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. in the church. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to St. Ann's Church. More preferably, in place of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Priests' Retirement Fund or to Partners in Charity (formerly "The Bishop's Fund") of the Diocese of Worcester, 49 Elm Street, Worcester, MA 01609. Sia lodato Gesu Cristo! (Praised be Jesus Christ!) Sempre sia lodato! (May He always be praised!)