Ordained at St. Mary's Cathedral in Peoria 50 years ago on June 7 were, from left, Father R. E. Enderlin, Father Edward O. Harkrader, Father Paul J. Meismer, and Father James E. Rickey.

On June 7, 1969, four men were ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John B. Franz at St. Mary Cathedral in Peoria. Now senior priests of the Diocese of Peoria, they say it has given them great joy to bring the sacraments to the people of God for 50 years.

The Catholic Post recently spoke with each of the priests about what brought them to the priesthood and highlights of their five decades of service. Their responses, including information about their assignments in central Illinois, can be found by clicking on their names below:

Father R.E. Enderlin of Lacon

Father Edward O. Harkrader of Princeton

Father Paul J. Meismer of Granville, and

Father James E. Rickey, who is living in Paris, France.

Missing from the celebration is Father Joseph Boylan, who has died.