The year 2011 is a very memorable one for Fr. Denischuk. He celebrated recently his 90th birthday, his 70 years as a Redemptorist and his 65th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood.
Fr. Joseph was born on March 2, 1921 near Arborg, Manitoba. His family moved to Elfros, Saskatchewan in 1929. He took his elementary studies at Lily White School, which was located across the road from the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Holar. All his preparations for the priesthood took place in Yorkton.
His high school studies were at the Redemptorist Minor Seminary.
He entered the Redemptorist novitiate in 1940 and made his vows to the Redemptorist Congregation on August 24, 1941. Fr. Denischuk studied at the Major Seminary from 1941 to 1946. Fr. Joseph was ordained a priest on September 8, 1946. He is the first Canadian-born Redemptorist of the Yorkton Province.
In September 1946, he began his pastoral involvement at St. Mary's Parish in Yorkton. He served as a priest in nine Redemptorist parishes, which included seven in Canada, and two in the U.S. Fr. Denischuk founded St. Joseph's Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was instrumental in raising 3.5 million dollars toward the building of the Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine of the Holy Family in Washington, D.C. To accomplish this, he visited over 109 parishes in Canada and the U.S., traveling over 200,000 miles during his appeal.
Fr. Denny, as he is fondly known, was also known for his skill in performing magic tricks. He was a registered magician with the official title of Father Denny the Magician. He loved to talk to children and youth in parishes and summer camps, using his Gospel Magic, not only to entertain, but to present biblical messages. He has written 15 books, two manuscripts and many religious poems. His accomplishments include being a missionary, parish priest, organizer, magician, and author. We wish you continued health as you remain faithful in your priestly vocation.
