Reverend Benedict M. Rajcany

 

Benedict Rajcany was born February 2, 1869 in Hlohovec in what is now Slovakia. He was the son of Andrew Rajcany and Mary Nemec. He entered the Franciscan Monastery in Hlohovec, and was ordained priest in the Franciscan Order by Bishop Boltizar on January 23, 1892. Soon after his ordination, Father Benedict left the Franciscan Order and joined the diocese. Father arrived in New York April 15, 1897 and made his way to Whiting. He offered his first Holy Mass in Sacred Heart Church.

A little meeting hall of the Slovak Catholic Union Branch Number 130 became the first church. It was dedicated on July 4, 1897 to Saint John the Baptist, because Father himself felt like "one crying in the wilderness" when he came to the area. 

Father Benedict was interested in the education of youth from the very start. His first school consisted of seven boys who were taught English. Classes were first held in the back room of the rectory.

Father Benedict retired in December 18, 1927 and Father Kostik was appointed pastor.

An article in the May 20, 1937 Hammond Times reported the death of Father Benedict, popularly known as the "Little Father". He was 68 years old. He is buried the foot of the large crucifix that stands in the middle of the original part of the now Saint John/Saint Joseph cemetery.