Msgr. Joseph Pokusa- Pastor, Chancellor, Secretary, and Missionary of Mercy- died on Friday, Oct. 9 at the age of 76.
A priest of the Diocese of Camden for 50 years, Msgr. Pokusa returned to South Jersey in 2015 after serving 10 years in Washington, D.C., as Secretary for the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the United States, an “embassy” of sorts that aids diplomatic relations between the Vatican and the U.S.
Before that assignment, he spent almost 30 years as chancellor of the Diocese of Camden, working under four bishops (George H. Guilfoyle, James T. McHugh, Nicholas DiMarzio and Joseph A. Galante) from 1978-2005.
Born in Newark, Msgr. Pokusa’s seminary studies were at Washington, D.C.’s The Catholic University of America, the same place where we would also receive his Doctorate in Canon Law.
He was ordained in Camden on May 23, 1970 by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle.
Msgr. Pokusa was Pastor of three parishes: Saint Teresa, Runnemede, from 1991-99; Saint Gregory, Magnolia, 2000-02; and Christ the King, Haddonfield, from 2002-05.
During the Catholic Church-wide Year of Mercy celebration in 2016, Msgr. Pokusa was named by Pope Francis a Missionary of Mercy, a “sign of the (Catholic) Church’s maternal solicitude for the People…facilitators of a truly human encounter, a source of liberation, rich with responsibility for overcoming obstacles and taking up the new life of baptism again.”
During that time, Msgr. Pokusa and his fellow Missionaries of Mercy heard confessions, and preached on behalf of and promoted the sacrament of reconciliation.
Reflecting on his assignment shortly after being appointed, Msgr. Pokusa remarked that “there is a great need for mercy and forgiveness in our times…those needing forgiveness need to bring themselves to seek reconciliation with confidence and hope, rather than with fear and hesitation.”
He retired as an active priest in 2017, residing at Holy Child Parish in Runnemede.
Father David Klein, Judicial Vicar of the diocesan Office of the Tribunal, recalled not only a “thoughtful, kind, big-hearted” priest, but an “intensely prayerful” man who was frequently seen with his “well-used breviary, with many a prayer card tucked in.”
Since returning from Washington, Msgr. Pokusa spent most Fridays in the Tribunal Office in Camden, helping out as a Defender of the Bond.
Father Klein’s connection with him goes back even further; the two resided for three years together at Haddonfield’s Christ the King Parish, when Msgr. Pokusa was Pastor there.
“There was an adoration chapel there, and he would spend much time in front of the Blessed Sacrament,” Father Klein said.
As well, Msgr. Pokusa, another priest, and he would spend many nights at the dinner table engaged “in philosophical debate and discussions.”
“He was very knowledgeable, regarding philosophy. He was good, at looking at both sides of the question.”
When Msgr. Pokusa was named a Missionary of Mercy, Father Klein said he and the Tribunal staff were “not surprised- his strength of spirituality was well-known.”
Reception of the Body will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Our Lady of Hope Parish, Saint Agnes Church, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood. The viewing will follow until 8:00 p.m. The viewing will continue on Thursday, October 15 at 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Bishop Dennis Sullivan will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial immediately following the viewing at 10:30 a.m.
Due to COVID restrictions, everyone must wear a mask in the church and maintain social distancing requirements.
Burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin.
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