Rev. Vichas Leaves a Lasting Legacy

The Rev. Walter A. Vichas served as vice chair of the Saint Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board during his tenure as pastor of Blessed Sacrament. A staunch supporter of the Hospital’s vision to provide quality care without regard for income, Rev. Vichas left his personal family residence to Saint Mary’s upon his passing in 2008.

“You don’t know how much he has given because it was just his nature to give.” --JoAnn Sherman, retired parish secretary, Blessed Sacrament

Rev. Walter A. Vichas always knew he was going to be a priest, JoAnn Sherman recalls of her childhood friend who later became pastor of Blessed Sacrament Church. “He attended St. Joseph’s School in Waterbury and I remember the teacher asking how many of you are going to grow up to be nuns or priests. Rev. Vichas was one of only two to raise his hand in the room.”

Rev. Vichas became a quiet yet extraordinary activist for Catholic education and health care. He lived a private, frugal life aimed to benefit those in need around him. JoAnn recalls when she became parish secretary, “I put two stamps on an envelope to be mailed and he nearly had my head!”

But it was his generosity that leaves a lasting impression on JoAnn. “He raised money to do good – that was him. He said yes to any committee that needed him. It was just his nature to give. He was a very humble, Godly person.” In addition to his work for Saint Mary’s Hospital, he collected Christmas presents for the emotionally and physically challenged, supported the local food bank to help the hungry and donated his own funds to buy fuel for those who needed heat.

Rev. Vichas’ gift from his estate to Saint Mary’s Hospital certainly reaffirms JoAnn’s belief that “no one ever knew how much Rev. Vichas gave. He never asked for anything in return. He never asked for anything for himself. He was just a marvelous giving man.”