Bio: Leabel, Arthur – Father Pius (Golden Jubilee – 1973)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Leabel, Voight, King

----Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Loyal, Wis.) 20 Dec 1973

Father Pius (Arthur) Leabel, former from Loyal (Clark Co., Wis.), where he attended St. Anthony's Grade School, and after graduating, enrolled in St. Lawrence Preparatory Seminary, Mt. Calvary, Wis., where he graduated from high school and two years of college, embraced the Passionist Community in St. Louis, Mo., where he was ordained a priest in 1923, and offer his First Mass in St. Anthony's Church, Lyal, on Christmas Day, 1923. Father Pius is the brother of Mrs. Percy Voight, Loyal.

On Sunday, December 23, 1973, at 10:30, Father Pius will offer a Mass of Thanksgiving to commemorate the Golden Jubilee - 50 years as a priest and religious leader of the Passionist Community. Father King will concelebrate the Jubilee Mass with him and deliver the homily.

Returning to St. Louis, Mo., he received his first assignment as an instructor in the seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1940 he volunteered to give missions to non-catholics in Alabama and Mississippi for two eyars. In 1942 he was appointed as rector at the seminary in Des Moines, Iowa, and it was through his influence that a new foundation was formed in Citrus Heights, California.

Father Pius was known as a gifted orator in "Sacred Eloquence" that he became the founder and leader in promoting workshops for priest in Sacred eloquence. He is the author of a book entitled "Guide to Sacred Eloquence." His is now stationed at the Mater Dolores Community in California and is active and involved in conducting workshops for parish lectors and as a member of the governing board of the Passionists.

The faithful of St. Anthony's Parish are proud of the contributions that he has made to the Church and the Community of Passionists. We wish him wel that God may grant him health and peace for years to come.

The parish and community are invited to celebrate with him, his Golden Jubilee as a priest. A public reception will be held in his honor from 3-4 p.m. in St. Anthony's School. You are welcome to visit with him to renew old friendships of the past.