Msgr. Charles Kosanke, a graduate of the class of 1977, and the current pastor and rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, has been named the 2026 Christian Brothers’ honoree.

“I was shocked.” Msgr. Kosanke said, “I’ve participated in the life of this school, spiritually, celebrating Masses and hearing confessions, but I hope to galvanize support for the school’s 100th anniversary. That is a significant milestone and an opportunity to engage our alumni, not only in gratitude for the last 100 years, but to make sure De La Salle is around for the next 100 years.” 

Msgr. Kosanke also set another milestone: He is the first priest to be named the dinner honoree. 

Msgr. Kosanke received a special recognition after the noon Mass, Sunday, Aug. 17, at Ste. Anne de Detroit Basilica from De La Salle COO Dan Rohn. Rohn was joined by members of the Dinner Committee, including chairman Chris Fett, ‘90, past honoree Mark Wisniewski, ‘83, along with John Wangler, Jack Brusewitz, ‘77, and DLS Advancement Director Greg Esler. 

As we celebrate 100 years of Lasallian brotherhood, faith, and education, I couldn’t be more excited to have Monsignor Chuck Kosanke as our 45th honoree of the Christian Brothers' Dinner,” said dinner chair Chris Fett, ‘90, “He embodies the values of faith, family, and service, bringing to life the Lasallian mission.” 

Rohn said Msgr. Kosanke’s honor is well-deserved. “It has been a long-standing tradition at our Christian Brothers’ Dinner to honor a friend, family member, or alumnus of De La Salle. This year, we are privileged to recognize Msgr. Chuck Kosanke, Class of 1977,” he said. “Monsignor has devoted his life to serving the Catholic Church and Catholic education, while also providing leadership and guidance to numerous organizations throughout metro Detroit."

“Our community is proud and deeply excited to honor not only Msgr. Kosanke, but also the entire Kosanke family," Rohn added.

De La Salle is a special place because of the Christian Brothers, Msgr. Kosanke said. “They truly are the 'Builders of Boys. Makers of Men.’ As a Catholic school, De La Salle believes education is more than just academics. De La Salle educates the whole person: body, mind, and soul.  
“The Christian Brothers form them to be authentic Christian men, to be good husbands, fathers, and good disciples of Jesus, and hope that they make a significant contribution to the world,” he continued. “That is what we are called to do, each in our way, each in our own profession. The metro Detroit area has certainly benefited, and will continue to benefit, from the mission of De La Salle Collegiate.”

Since his ordination in 1985, Msgr. Kosanke has served throughout metro Detroit, including at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak, St. Benedict Parish in Highland Park, Church of the Madonna and St. Cecilia parishes in Detroit, Guardian Angels Parish in Clawson, and St. Regis Parish in Bloomfield Hills. 

He is the pastor and rector of the Basilica of Ste. Anne de Detroit, which was founded in 1701, making it the oldest parish in the city. He is also pastor of Most Holy Trinity Parish in Corktown,  and serves as moderator of the Southwest Detroit Family of Parishes and regional moderator of the Central Region of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

An avid golfer, swimmer, and walker, he enjoys reading in his spare time while balancing his role as chief teacher, spiritual leader, and administrator of Ste. Anne, and adds that he feels blessed to be its pastor and humbled to be called to walk in the steps of Fr. Gabriel Richard.

Msgr. Kosake will be formally presented with the John C. Monigold Christian Brothers’ Dinner Honoree Award during the 45th-Annual Christian Brothers’ Dinner on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Penna’s of Sterling. Ticket information for the event will be released soon.