Catholic World News News Feature

Maryland Priest Dies At Altar January 19, 1999

ROCKVILLE, Maryland (CWNews.com) - Parishioners and friends said on Monday Monsignor Adam Kostick died as he probably would have wanted -- while celebrating Mass.

The 73-year-old pastor of St. Mary's Church in Rockville had just finished the words of consecration during Mass on Sunday when he closed his eyes and collapsed. While some of the 700 parishioners at the Mass rushed to his aid and called emergency services, other began praying for him. "People were crying," said Peggy Puglisi. "Some of us started saying the rosary. We've known that all our lives, but everybody was mumbling and stumbling."

His friend, Monsignor James Beattie, pastor of St. Bartholomew's Church in Bethesda took comfort in the circumstances. "That's the way he wanted to die -- at the altar," he said. Just last week, as Monsignor Kostick celebrated his 73rd birthday, he announced that the parish had raised $1.3 million for scholarships and renovations, more than double their goal. "He made sure he got this whole place in shape first, and then he died," parishioner Nancy Keefe said.

A funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday at St. Mary's Church.