Happy Anniversary Fr. Baltz
For the past five decades Fr. David Baltz has faithfully lived the life of a Comboni Missionary, sharing the Gospel throughout Uganda and the United States. This summer, Fr. Baltz will mark the 50th anniversary of his ordination with several celebrations.
In July, Fr. Baltz will celebrate his anniversary with family and friends with a Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Florissant, Missouri.
Then, on Friday, July 21, Comboni Missionaries from our missions throughout Africa will present a Mission Evening at the Comboni Mission Center in La Grange Park, Illinois. That night, Fr. Baltz will also share some stories from his time in Uganda and celebrate his ordination anniversary. All are invited to attend Mission Evening and celebrate with Fr. Baltz!
Finally, later in the year Fr. Baltz will travel to Italy with some friends from his ordination class to have yet another joyful celebration!
Thank you for your 50 years of love and devotion as a Comboni Missionary Fr. Baltz. We wish you many more years of happiness serving in the missions.
Biking for Jesus
Since starting his missionary journey nearly 50 years ago, Comboni Missionary Father David Baltz has faced many challenges and triumphs, and witnessed many joys.
One personal triumph was achieved on Feb. 15, 2016 when Fr. Baltz reached 50,000 miles traveled by bike in Africa “biking for Jesus.” He was on his way to visit a new chapel in Uganda, a 10-mile journey, when the odometer ticked over the 50,000-mile mark.
In a careworn leather notebook, Fr. Baltz meticulously records the miles that he has ridden. Years ago, the notebook and many other possessions were taken by soldiers who overran his mission. Later, during a visit to the bishop’s residence, which had also been ransacked, Fr. Baltz found the notebook on the floor.
Fr. Baltz has spent most of his missionary life working in Uganda. After his ordination on July 16, 1967, he served as vice rector for the Comboni Missionary seminary in Monroe, Michigan (now closed). In 1975, he left for Africa and has faithfully served the people of Uganda ever since.
After living in Uganda for most of his missionary life, Fr. Baltz returned home to the United States for a new assignment in the Chicago community. He still follows his beloved St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and visits his hometown in Florissant, Missouri where he grew up on a farm with 12 brothers and sisters. Faithfulness runs in the family as Fr. Baltz is one of 25 cousins who were priests, brothers, or sisters.
