BISHOP BERNARD A. Hebda of the Diocese of Gaylord visited Rev. Andy Buvala July 29 to mark the priest’s 91st birthday. Rev. Andy Buvala of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Peshawbestown celebrated his 91st birthday recently with Bishop Bernard A. Hebda as celebrant of a Mass in honor of his birthday.

The priest was born July 29, 1921.

Buvala entered the Franciscan order in 1941 and was ordained as a priest on Dec. 19, 1947. He became a part of the Diocese of Gaylord in 1981 in response to the request for a priest to service Native American people. He has been serving as priest at St. Kateri since 1982, and for many years has served as priest to St. Wenceslaus Church, Gills Pier.

A large group of friends and parishioners celebrated his birthday with a potluck luncheon and birthday cake.

REV. ANDY Buvala and Bishop Bernard Hebda celebrated Mass together as part of a birthday celebration for Buvala who turned 91 on July 29.