Transcription of article follows:

Frances Buratovich

Growing up in Croatia, Frances and her family were devoted to the Sacred Heart. Soon after coming to America in 1939 she learned of the Priests of the Sacred Heart through “their great work in spreading the word of God and helping the poor.”

Frances married Luke, the love of her life, and the two were happily married for 55 years before Luke went to his heavenly reward. The two were blessed with two sons and two lovely grand- daughters.

At the age of 85, Frances published her first book, an account of her life history and experiences, embellished by poems and special memories. What a wonderful gift to her family is this treasure chest of memories.

Frances speaks of her life in Croatia and the hardships her family endured. “Life was hard then and we were poor. But my mother was such a smart person, hard worker, good organizer, that we children never noticed what she had to go through to raise us. We were always so happy. Our beds were made of plain wood with mattresses made from corn husks and sheets from the flannel and wool we had from our sheep.”

God and prayer were ever present in Frances’ family. Throughout the book, Frances refers to her life as “blessed.” “My Catholic faith is very important to me. Generally speaking, my life has been blessed. It is through our faith and beliefs that people are able to carry on in the face of difficulties.”

Friends like Frances who give, in their words, a “small donation” every month, enable the Priests of the Sacred Heart to carry on God’s work. Frances feels that she has not made a significant gift to the Priests of the Sacred Heart. “I did not make any particular gift. Just a small donation every month because I love God and His Sacred Heart. God is my life.” “I firmly believe that we need more priests to help young people in their lives.”