Father Shaun Cieslik '16 (Diocese of Joliet) | St. Dennis Parish, Lockport, IL

Submitted by: Rachael Gilboy

Just as Christ administered to the sick, so Father Shaun did also. He never stopped administering and caring for the sick during the Covid shutdown. He went to both the hospital and nursing homes to give Anointing of the Sick. When called, Father Shaun went to his flock to be the priest that God called him to be.

The people of Elmhurst spoke about how Father Shaun worked tirelessly to help people that were in need of last rites at the nursing homes. His extraordinary trust in God was a good example to the community. His good deeds were known throughout the community and it gave people hope. Some priest spoke about "do not fear", but Father Shaun lived the motto with his own life "do not fear" by going to the people that needed him most.

Father Shaun is a humble and faithful priest that lives his vocation. He does not just profess the Gospel, he lives it. He is a good shepherd!

This is a beautiful testimony to the many priests that continued to minister to their flock in such a dark time when our churches were closed and so many people feared the worst. Those priests that did not fear should be recognized. We will continue to pray that all priests will live out their vocation by not just preaching the Gospel, but living the Gospel.