Getting to Know Fr. Elmer

 The following appreared in the April 25th Bulletin of St. Michael Catholic Church in Kalida, Ohio. You can visit the St, Michael website at : www.kalidastmichaels.org

Fr. Elmer Wurth was born and raised in Kalida and has been a Maryknoll priest for 54 years. Of those 54 years, he has spent 37 in Taiwan and Hong Kong. He is currently the pastor of St. Anne’s Parish (Hong Kong), which is an international parish, comprised of parishioners from 52 countries. Fr. Elmer said that he has a problem that every priest should have: his parishioners in Hong Kong are really good to him and his hometown friends are equally as good to him. He hasn’t retired because the people in Hong Kong don’t want him to, and he still greatly enjoys coming home to see his family and friends.  (...Continued)

In one word, how would you describe yourself? Hopeful

What’s the favorite place you’ve ever visited? China

How many brothers and sisters do you have? I had 2 brothers and 3 sisters. All are deceased, except for Rita (in Denver).

What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in Kalida? The church-centered activity has struck me as a pastor. I’m impressed with the liveliness of the church community. A lot of places, there isn’t that anymore.

Something surprising about you that some people wouldn’t know? My inability to realize my childhood dream of being a basketball or baseball coach and have a sports-oriented life didn’t materialize as a student at the University of Notre Dame because I wasn’t good enough to play at a higher level. The Lord seemed to be speaking through that and I turned toward being a spiritual leader, as a missionary priest.

What’s the biggest challenge in Hong Kong? The language—it’s difficult to communicate intimately in Chinese. I preach in Cantonese and my conversation is in Mandarin.

What was your favorite subject in school? Mathematics because it was so easy.

Do you have any hobbies? Playing cards—I taught the Bishop of Hong Kong to play rummy and now he beats me

If you had one wish, what would it be? To meet the Lord with the least possible regrets in my life.

Your favorite church song? Amazing Grace Your favorite movie? “High Noon” with Gary Cooper

Your favorite singer? Patti Page (she’s a friend of Fr. Elmer’s. She still sings and has come to Hong Kong to perform and he has vacationed with her). Side note: Patti Page graced the airwaves in the 1950’s and 1960’s and has 15 gold records and 111 hits, including “Tennessee Waltz”, which was concurrently #1 on all three charts (country, pop and R&B).

Your favorite food? Some type of cream pie

Your least favorite food? Chinese chicken feet

Who makes you laugh? A fellow Maryknoll priest has me laughing all the time—Fr. Bob Carleton

Any talents? Story-telling

What is your greatest fear? I suppose it’s the same fear that everyone has—a long, debilitating illness before death

The one person you’d like to meet? I’ve been in the presence of Pope John Paul II, but I’ve never spoken with him. On the other hand, I’ve spoken a number of times with Mother Teresa.

Your favorite saint? St. Therese “The Little Flower”

What is your favorite sport? My favorite sport to play was singles tennis. My favorite to watch is basketball.

What is your claim to fame? I can’t recall knowing a person that I didn’t like. In Hong Kong, I’m known as the most ecumenical Catholic priest.

I love… meeting new people and making new friends. I really do.

I am happiest when... I’m with people.

I am grateful for… my priestly vocation.

I wish I knew how to...grow old gracefully.