Now in his 60^th year as a priest, Msgr. Joaquin Bazan remembers a lesson he learned from the pastor at his first parish assignment in 1962. Newly ordained as a priest of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, then-Father Bazan was assigned as a parochial vicar at Holy Cross Parish in Garrett Park, which was led by Msgr. W. Louis Quinn, the founding pastor since the parish was established two years earlier.

“One thing he emphasized and did himself, was visiting all the families,” said Msgr. Bazan, who is now 85. He added, “I’ve done that ever since to know the people. That’s what we’re all about.”

Interviewed recently at the Jeanne Jugan Residence of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Washington, D.C., where he has lived for the past two decades since his retirement, Msgr. Bazan reflected on his years of priesthood, including his busy first years as a newly ordained priest serving at a new Maryland parish. CONTINUE READING