To know Rev. Francis Carabello, is to love him! And the proof was in the pudding when hundreds of people attended his Mass and reception that celebrated his 50th priestly ordination. Father Frank, as he's called by locals, was the pastor of St. Joseph's from 1980 until his retirement in 2009. After almost 30 years as pastor, it wasn't surprising that current Pastor Gary Copping, Deacon Jerry Labadot and Deacon Len Enger and the St. Joseph Women's Club would plan a nice event.

What's so commendable is that although he has been away from St. Joseph's for nine years, so many people came forth to honor him. There were parishioners, clergy from all over and non-Catholics who remembered his good deeds in the community over the years. He served as chaplain for Gretna Police Department, David Crockett Steam Fire Company No. 1, Knights of Columbus Council 1905 and still today remains chaplain of the Italian-American Society.