A Priest Called Pancho

Monsignor Francis Pointek was called by many a "Priest's Priest". He lived for 101 years, serving as a priest in the vast California deserts and valleys for seventy four of those years. He followed in the footsteps of Father John Crowley, the legendary "Desert Padre". He was often dubbed by the same name. Monsignor Pointek was a priest of the people, "smelling like the sheep" long before that phrase came into vogue. He ministered to people where they were, in the mines, at the military bases, on the reservations, in the hospitals, in the homes, in the fields, in the detention camps. He was a doer, building four churches, two schools and a convent; always on limited funds, often with his own hands. He was a seeker of truth, even when the truth affected his popularity. He was a renegade, frequently choosing to act first and ask for permission and forgiveness later. This led to more than one disagreement with his bishop. Ultimately, his unconventional style led to an early forced retirement. But this didn't stop him, it didn't even slow him down. For the next forty-three years he served the people of Tehachapi, his adopted town, when and where he was needed. He ministered in the local parish, in the restaurants, in the stores, in the hospitals, in the homes, over his yard fence, from his beat up pickup truck. Arguably, his best ministry was conducted in his retirement years. He was driven by an immense love of God and his people. He was humble and lived in poverty, choosing only to emulate his hero, Jesus Christ. This is the story of Monsignor Francis Pointek, his legend and his legacy. His story is inspirational, the kind that we need in these crazy times. Monsignor Pointek, a priest for the ages.