Farewell, Father Charles Leke
At the Month’s Mind Mass on June 29 we will bid farewell to Father Charles Leke as he leaves for a new assignment and we welcome Father Hugh Chikawe to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery family. Effective July 1, Father Charles will be Pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Largo and Father Chikawe will assume Chaplaincy of Catholic Cemeteries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
For the past three years, Father Charles has comforted many as he humbly practiced the Church’s Works of Mercy, encouraged prayers for the deceased and preached at and celebrated the Month’s Mind Masses. Let us show our appreciation for Father Charles’ faithful service as we light a candle and pray for our loved ones at Mass on June 29 at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Resurrection.
We thank you, Father Charles, for touching so many who received comfort from your kind words and spiritual guidance. We wish you well in your new assignment and know the parishioners at St. Patrick Church are greatly blessed by your appointment as their new pastor.
Father Charles Leke raises the Body of Jesus Christ after consecration at Mass on Memorial Day 2019. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles delivers his Homily during a Month’s Mind Mass on Dec. 29, 2018. His words brought comfort to many and smiles to all. | Photo: © 2018 Ed Foster Jr.
Always willing to lend a helping hand, Father Charles assists Tricia Tufaner as she prepares the outdoor altar for Mass on All Souls’ Day, November 2, 2016. | Photo: © 2016 Ed Foster Jr.
Calvary Catholic Cemetery Chaplain, Father Charles Leke, assists with distribution of the Eucharist at Mass on Memorial Day, 2017. | Photo: © 2017 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles lights the Paschal Candle after the homily of the Month’s Mind Mass on April 29, 2017. | Photo: © 2017 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles stands vigil in prayer as Marlene D’Abramo lights a candle in memory of her deceased husband, Anthony, during the Month’s Mind Mass on April 29, 2017. In addition to those buried at Calvary, Father Charles always remembered to lead prayers for souls who died during the month without survivors. | Photo: © 2017 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles poses with Mary McMahon and Eileen Weeks after the Month’s Mind Mass on January 28, 2017.
Father Charles leads the Lord’s Prayers with those in attendance at the Month’s Mind Mass on August 25, 2018. | Photo: © 2018 Ed Foster Jr.
After the Month’s Mind Mass on December 29, 2018, Father Charles poses for a photo with his brother, John. | Photo: © 2018 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles prays a part of the Eucharistic Prayer as Master of Ceremonies, Father Carl Melchior, secures the page in the Missal from the breeze. | Photo: © 2017 Ed Foster Jr.
Father Charles and Deacon Eusebio “Papo” Torres, at right, talk with the attendees after the Month’s Mind Mass on April 27, 2019. | Photo: © 2019 Ed Foster Jr.
Some of those who gathered for the Month’s Mind Mass on May 29, 2018 pose for a photograph with Father Charles. | Photo: © 2018 Ed Foster Jr.