Father Ivan Eck honored with title of Monsignor

By Michelle Leidy-Franklin TSnews mfranklin@tsnews.com

CHENEY – After 70 years of service, a rare honorary title in the Catholic Church was given to local priest, Father Ivan Eck. Eck was bestowed “Chaplain to His Holiness” as title of Monsignor by Pope Francis and was given the news by Bishop Carl Kemme on Dec. 15.

According to an article published by the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Monsignor is a “title given to a priest who has distinguished himself by many years of exceptional service to the church. It is honorary and doesn’t affect the priest’s duties or ministerial assignment.”

“He has had a huge impact on the two parishes I serve,” said Father Dan Duling of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church. “Without his foresight and planning, we would have never been able to build a new church at St. Rose of Lima. Without his passion to serve, I am certain the church would not be around at Saint Louis in Waterloo. He saved, saved, saved at St. Rose to be able to give us the resources we needed to build such a beautiful church at St. Rose-Mt. Vernon.

“The Bishop at the time was in discussion of closing the parish in St. Louis in Waterloo. Monsignor Eck quickly stepped up and said ‘no, I will take it.’ Because of his humility and service, both of these parishes are where they are today.”

Eck is now the only priest with the title of Monsignor in the Wichita Catholic Diocese. The last priest to be honored with the title was Father John Gilsenan who was named Monsignor in 1998. Gilsenan died in 2016.

“Monsignor is very rarely bestowed on priests anymore as Pope Francis has made it harder to bestow these titles on priests,” said Duling. “Bishop Kemme recommended to our Holy Father Pope Francis to bestow this title on him.

In the diocese of Wichita, we have over a hundred priests, but Monsignor Eck is the only one with the title, so it is truly an honor. He is truly deserving of it.”

Eck was ordained as a priest on May 19, 1951. He has been a priest for 70 years. He served at St. Rose of Lima for 18 years. During his time there, he also served for two other parishes, including St.

Louis Catholic Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church Ost. He retired at the end of June 2014.

Now 95 years old, Eck says he plans to take it easy over the next few years. Though Eck has retired from full time duties, he still takes time to mentor young priests and visit with the people of his former parishes.

“All of this is only a testament to the great man he is, and the way he continues to serve the people in our area,” said Duling. “You will always find him Sundays at Creations after 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Rose visiting with the people and Fridays at D’Mario’s eating cheese pizza with his friends. He has had and continues to have a huge impact on the people in our area.”

Duling said when he told the people of St. Rose and St. Louis of Eck’s new title, they erupted into applause, noting that some joyous tears were shed. The people Eck has served know he is deserving even if Eck himself shies away from the attention. Duling said he is an extremely humble man.

“I have been called Father for the last 70 years,” said Eck. “And it still sounds good to me.” students.

“The subject of English is not just reading, but writing, too,” said Pipkin. “An authentic audience gives us a chance to really see what the students are capable of, where their strengths are and what they need from class.”

Briley Booker, a seventh grader at Argonia Junior High School, took first place in the Patriots Pen essay contest. Booker also submitted her essay as part of an assignment for English class taught by Pipkin. The theme was “what does it mean to be American?” Approximately 90 percent of Pipkin’s junior high students entered their essays in the VFW contest.

“Both girls have a commitment to learning,” said Pipkin. “They strive to put forth their best effort whether the assignment is small or large. They always make sure their work is done well and it’s just so nice.”

The VFW sponsors these contests annually. Posts across the nation hold these contests for students, giving away over $3 million in scholarships and other incentives at local, state and national levels.

Saliger came to the schools in Argonia on Monday to give Sisken and Booker their certificates and take the opportunity for a photo. As one of the judges for the local contest, Saliger said he was impressed with both the essays and speeches given by the students.

Pipkin plans to continue offering the essays as assignments in her class with the opportunity for her students to enter them in the VFW contests.

“I am always looking for avenues that allow students to express themselves and perform for an authentic audience,” said Pipkin. “It’s another way for students to gain self-confidence.”