Reading of the life of Leo Lovasik, brother to Father Lawrence, son to devout Catholic parents, and above all devoted to Jesus and Mary, I marvel at the simplicity of character, the restraint of understanding, the ability to adhere to inner convictions in a world of conflict. Drafted into the military during WWII, his letter exchanges with his girlfriend Mary Ann, a young lady he meets in St Louis, reveal two lovely souls properly sharing solace in one another during troubled times. After Leo is shot down in flying missions over Europe, Mary Ann is called to the religious life, faithful to the cloistered life in a convent.
Letter from Leo to Mary Ann
I certainly wish we could spend many more such enjoyable Sundays as we did last Sunday. The simplicity and carefree spirit of the day afforded me the interior happiness I always craved. Wandering through the winding paths of the park in the midst of nature’s beauty and then along the lagoon has filled my soul with wonderful inspiration. The lights of the city looked like so many stars in the blue heavens; the fragrant atmosphere of nature, the preferential stillness of the Cathedral sanctuary that instills into each faithful soul kneeling there the fervor of holiness and heavenly happiness; the grand satisfying pleasure of sharing my time with a person with a heart of gold—these are the things I love…
Diary entry by Mary Ann
“We just couldn’t let the day pass without making a visit to the Cathedral, just three blocks from the edge of the park. There, too, silence reigned. As we knelt there before Our Blessed Lord, I whispered many a prayer for these two young defenders of all that was good and dear to us Americans; and most of all, I thanked the dear Lord for the providential ride on the renowned Forest Park Streetcar (as Leo called it), and prayed that the friendship we formed, based on the simplest and purest sort of love I had ever known, might continue. My prayers were heard, and as I know now, God had chosen me closer to Himself through this very admirable and amiable lad who called himself a Knight of Our Lady. We never really talked much about religion–but actions speak louder than words; Leo was a shining example of all that a Catholic could ever hope to be, and I have no doubt that his example was an incentive to all with whom he came in contact as it was to me. There was always a little religious touch at the end of his letters as he entrusted me to the care of Our Blessed Lady and her Divine Son. His letters were treasures that not only I, but Mom and Dad, too, cherished. Our friendship was much too dear to be broken, so we resolved to write when time permitted, to pray for each other, and to trust in the dear Lord as to the future.”
Another letter from Leo to Mary Ann.
“I wish I could relive those precious moments of last Sunday, Mary Ann. They were moments I often dreamed of for the future. I craved for such simple pleasant moments—wandering through the grandeur of nature, strolling through quiet streets in the early morning, hand in hand on the way to Mass, observing a sleepy lagoon in a dreary mood, feeling the gentle morning breeze against my cheek, looking at the splendors of God’s nature and rejoicing to be so fortunate as to be young and alive. You encourage these pleasant musings, Mary Ann, and that is why I am positive I shall miss you very much.
Of course, that is not the only reason which shall make me remember you in time to come. Mary Ann, you are the type of girl that any good and decent boy craves for and wishes to have and hold as a constant companion. It is your simple, modest, appealing character and personality that draws. I certainly am proud as well as honored to have spent so many enjoyable moments with you. Thanks, Mary Ann, from the bottom of my heart.”
A letter from Mary Ann to Leo’s brother Father Lawrence.
“We continued our correspondence as Leo passed from one stage of his training to another; having completed his training he was graduated as an aerial gunner, given the Staff-sergeant rating, and those beautiful Silver Wings he gave to me. You know as well as I how that thrilled me: he had written asking special prayers that he might succeed, not only because of himself, ‘but for the folks at home’; so I started going to Mass and Holy Communion every morning before school for his intention, if it be God’s Holy Will (as Leo always prayed). Therefore, the news was equally dear to me, as was the little, but also precious gift of a pair of silver wings. I was so grateful to the dear lord I plan to continue my trips to the Cathedral each morning in thanksgiving. You see, that is another way in which Leo brought me closer to Christ and His Beloved Mother. I had always loved Them, but Leo’s example just made me feel so much closer and dear to Them. The rest of the story you well know, Father. He went from one state to another, staying only for short periods in each, and before we knew it, he was on his way overseas.”
Leo Lovasik
Father Lawrence Lovasik
Mary Ann consecrated
