2006 Prince
Gallitzin Cross Award Recipient
Mike
Valcheff is a member of Saint Columba Parish,
Johnstown
, where Conventual Franciscan Father Spilka is pastor.
“He has always been willing to serve in any capacity needed,” said
Father Spilka, who notes that Mr. Valcheff was a lector, annually refinished the
doors of the parish church, repainted the Stations of the Cross, and brought the
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the parish.
“Mike is the unofficial parish historian,” Father Spilka said,
sharing his “vast and detailed knowledge” of the life of the parish.
His nomination was seconded by Rose Marchese, president of the Altoona -
Johnstown Comitium of the Legion of Mary, who said “The Legion of Mary could
not have had the Marian Celebration at the War Memorial for over 25 years if not
for Mike. There
aren’t enough words to describe what his family, his Church, and Our Blessed
Mother mean to him.”
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