The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Reverend John Vakulskas, 76, a retired priest of the Diocese of Sioux City, passed away at Mercy One Hospital, in Sioux City, Iowa on Sunday evening, September 27, 2020, following an extended battle with pancreatic cancer.  Father Vakulskas assisted in the Diocese of St. Petersburg since 2014, providing service to St. Anne Parish, Ruskin, as well as Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission, Wimauma, and other parishes, as needed.  He was known for his excellent Spanish-speaking skills, and was renowned for his ministry to carnival workers, earning the title, “Father John, the Carnival Priest.”  A link to his website can be found here.  He was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Sioux City on May 24, 1969.  Funeral details have not yet been determined.

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May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed
by the Mercy of God, rest in peace!