Atrium - Holy Vessels - Ciborium

The ciborium, which holds consecrated hosts, is made from silver, gold plate and pewter. It is inscribed: “To Rev. Christopher Kurina, OFM from The Valuch Family.”

Christopher J. Kurina was born on January 31, 1938, in Lansford, PA, the son of the late Rudolph and Anna (Valuch) Kurina. Christopher attended St. Michael's Parochial School and then St. Anthony of Padua High School in Watkins Glen, NY before entering into the Franciscan Order. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 13, 1964. He spent his first few years teaching high school at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, OH, spending many years of his later ministry in Pittsburgh, PA. He then worked for Easton Hospital, in Easton, PA, after leaving the priesthood in 1987. Cristopher passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on November 20, 2020 after suffering a stroke and fighting a prolonged battle with cancer.

The ciborium was held at the Holy Family Friary in Pittsburgh, PA. The friary was originally part of the Most Holy Savior Vice Province which began in 1926 when friars came from Slovakia to work with the Slovakian immigrants. In 2000, the friars of that vice province joined with St. John the Baptist Province.