The Monitor Magazine, July 2020 by Diocese of Trenton

MONITOR Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

THE

Vol. 1 • No. 10 • JULY 2020

MAGAZINE

‘Quite

a JOURNEY ’

 IN FOCUS

 ALSO…

At the end of June, Stephen Sansevere knelt before Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to be ordained as the Diocese’s newest priest, bringing with him a wealth of life experience as a husband, police officer and deacon. Father Sansevere – and the six new deacons ordained the week before – begin their new ministry with an unwavering trust in God as their flocks seek hope during the pandemic.

FROM THE BISHOP: Reflecting on a decade as the Diocese’s shepherd LIVES OF FAITH: Commemorating special clergy anniversaries EL ANZUELO: defendiendo a los soñadores; celebramos aniversarios sacerdotales

“God gives where he finds empty hands.” - St. Augustine

...So should we 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal Power to choose the ministries you want to support!  The Ministry where it is needed most • Donations allocated to ministries most in need  Priests, Deacons & Religious • Finding & Forming Priests (Vocations recruitment & Seminary Preparation)

• Retired Priests Care Guild) • Preparation of Deacons • Pastoral Care (Prison, Respect • Support of Religious Women Life, Grief) & Men • Special Events and Programs  Community Outreach • Outreach to the Poor and • Families, Youth & Young Adult Vulnerable Ministries  Teaching the Faith • Catholic Social Services (The • Evangelization and

Communications Outreach • Religious Education, Rite of Election of Adults and Children • Catholic School Programs (ie: Catholic Athletes for Christ) • Tuition Assistance • Professional Development for Educators

FIND OUT MORE...

DIOCESE of TRENTON

dioceseoftrenton.org/catholicappeal

609-403-7197 • develop@dioceseoftrenton.org

Gifts to the Appeal are used to support the ministries listed and will not be used to defray legal fees or to fund the Victim Compensation Program.

Bishop O’Connell, congratulations on your 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Trenton Diocese. 3131 Princeton Pike, Building 5, Suite 114, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 • 609-396-8257

Backes & Hill appreciates your strong leadership through these difficult years. 2 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

ON THE COVER

24-25

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., imposes hands on Stephen Sansevere, a gesture bestowing the Holy Spirit and ordaining him a priest. In addition to Father Sansevere’s priestly ordination, the Diocese of Trenton welcomed six new deacons. Special coverage begins on page 7. Jeff Bruno photo

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MONITOR Official publication of The Diocese of Trenton

THE

MAGAZINE

Business and Editorial Offices • 701 Lawrenceville Rd. P.O. Box 5147 • Trenton, NJ 08638-0147 • 609.406.7400

www.TrentonMonitor.com Publisher • Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Associate Publisher • Rayanne M. Bennett • ext. 7188 EDITORIAL

Monitor-News@DioceseofTrenton.org Managing Editor • Jennifer Mauro • ext. 7135 Associate Editor • Mary Stadnyk • ext. 7172 Social Media Coordinator • Matthew Becker • ext. 7137

Bishop O’Connell during the Mass of Requiem. DOT YouTube

Contents 5-6  From the Bishop “It’s all about loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people,” Bishop says of his ministry

26  COVID-19 Missionaries discuss how the pandemic is putting jeopardized communities abroad at greater risk

27-49  Lives of Faith Annual tribute honors priest, deacon anniversaries throughout Diocese

EL ANZUELO Editor • Matthew ‘Mateo’ Greeley • ext. 7212 peces@dioceseoftrenton.org

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PRODUCTION Production/Graphic Designer • Clara Baumann • ext. 7176

THE MONITOR MAGAZINE (ISSN#0746-8350) is published 14 times a year by THE MONITOR, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, 08648. Periodicals’ postage paid at Trenton, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to The Monitor, P.O. Box 5147, 701 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08638-0147. The acceptance of advertising by The Monitor for print or online publication does not constitute an endorsement of any product or service. The Monitor reserves the right to reject any advertising considered objectionable.

27-49

50-53  El Anzuelo

Decisión de Corte Suprema deja vivo DACA; Pandemia afecta a la comunidad hispana en la Diócesis; celebrando aniversarios especiales de nuestros sacerdotes

59  Faith and Justice Local resources for young Catholics to better understand and combat racial injustice

60  Summer School Summer religious education programs flourish despite stay-at-home restrictions

REGULAR FEATURES 14  Viewpoints 19  Pope Francis 22-23  World & Nation 54-56  Insight from Fathers Koch & Doyle 64  Puzzles

For the latest news, scan this QR code with your mobile device and visit The Monitor’s mobile site.

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 3

Readers’ Corner

‘With God, all things are possible’

andemic worries, financial challenges and cultural upheaval have taken root in everyday life, leaving many of us largely focused on just getting through another day. But the stories that are told in this issue of The Monitor Magazine emphasize that despite these trying times, there is always reason for joy and gratitude. Even when things seem hopeless, we



 Reverend John J. Testa And The People of CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH Willingboro New Jersey Ask God’s Blessings Upon You, REV. STANLEY P. LUKASZEWSKI On The Occasion of Your Retirement Well Done. Well Deserved. Well Loved. Keep That Joyful Heart, Father Stas’! 

4 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Then-Rev. Mr. Stephen Sansevere takes some quiet time for prayer before his Mass of Ordination to the priesthood June 27 in St. Robert Bellarmine CoCathedral, Freehold. Jeff Bruno photo

are reminded of A message from Jesus’ words: “With God, all things are RAYANNE BENNETT possible.” Associate Publisher That is what may come to mind when our readers meet the Diocese’s newest priest, Father Stephen Sansevere, and learn of the journey he has taken to reach this milestone. The former Jersey City cop, deacon, husband of nearly 40 years and now widower, put his faith in God and took the extraordinary step – at 66 – to become a priest. His Ordination, and that of the six new deacons ordained in June, are truly a cause of great celebration for the entire Diocese in a time when joy seems to be in short supply. Like Father Sansevere, the priests we recognize in our special “Lives of Faith” section all have their own unique stories that have formed them as priests and guided their ministries. We invite our readers to get to know the men who are honored  Despite in this issue as they mark their retirethese trying ments or their milestone anniversaries. They have been true blessings to the times, there is people of this Diocese. As we have announced, this is a always reason scaled down version of our special edition for Lives of Faith, which we have for joy and published every summer. This year, Lives of Faith is part of the regular July gratitude.  issue and we have had to limit our focus to the major anniversaries of 25 and 50 years as well as those who are retiring. While profiles could not be included on each of our priests and deacons marking notable anniversaries this year, we congratulate them and ask for God to bless these men as they seek to serve his will. For those who are wondering about the religious jubilarians not included here, we will be featuring them in the magazine’s October issue. We hope our readers will be sure to look for that.

From the Bishop THE MONITOR: HOW DID YOU LEARN YOU WERE APPOINTED BISHOP OF TRENTON, AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE NEWS? BISHOP: It was May 24, 2010, a very busy day for me in the final months of my 12-year tenure as President of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. My cellphone rang around 7:30 a.m. but I was in the shower. I saw the Papal Nuncio’s phone number and name on the “missed call” log but I had Mass at 8 a.m. and, so, planned to call him back later. There was no message. Archbishop Pietro Sambi and I talked often so there wasn’t anything unusual about his call. I went to a staff meeting at 9 a.m. and he called again but I couldn’t take the call. No message. Around 10:30 a.m., I got in the car for another meeting, this one across town. The phone rang a third time and I picked up. “Where are you?” Archbishop Sambi asked. When I apologized for missing his calls and filled him in, he said, “Come over here (the Apostolic Nunciature) for lunch.” And so I did. I must confess, I never expected what he was about to tell me. After some typical light-hearted banter in his office, he looked at me and smiled. “The Holy Father would like you to be the Bishop of Trenton ... and he is not asking. Write a letter accepting and now let’s have lunch.” To say I was stunned is an understatement. Many of my predecessors as  I must CUA President were bishops but it was confess, I never not a requirement of the job nor was it something I thought about. After all, I was a member of a religious community. expected what I had planned on taking a sabbatical he was about after CUA and then returning to teach to tell me.  at one of our Vincentian universities or to do whatever my Provincial asked, so I was getting myself ready mentally to move on. I had heard rumors about being appointed a bishop occasionally but they came and went as rumors usually do. I had more important things to think about and paid little attention. So “surprise” is putting it mildly.

For Bishop, it’s been 10 years of

‘loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people’

n July 30, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., will mark the 10th anniversary of his ordination to the episcopacy, less than two months after being named Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. The Bishop took some time with Rayanne Bennett, Associate Publisher of The Monitor, to look back on the day he first received the news of his appointment from Pope Benedict XVI, and the many highlights that have come in the decade that followed.

THE MONITOR: HOW WOULD YOU COMPARE YOUR EXERIENCES AS UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT, AND NOW, AS DIOCESAN BISHOP, AND WHICH ASSIGNMENT HAVE YOU FOUND MORE CHALLENGING? Newly ordained Coadjutor Bishop David M. O’Connell blesses the congregation in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, July 30, 2010, at the conclusion of the Mass at which he was ordained to the episcopacy. More than 1,000 people, including 300 priests and bishops, attended from around the country. Craig Pittelli photo

BISHOP: People ask me that all the time. Despite the similarities in some aspects of administration, each position has its unique challenges. My answer is a simple one: it depends on the day! I enjoyed my 12 years as President at CUA and my previous eight years as Academic Dean at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, before that. Those 20 years of executive administration Continued on 6

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 5

From the Bishop

Bishop reflects on decade as shepherd Continued from 5

taught me a great deal, many things that helped prepare me for leadership of a diocese. At first, I was the “coadjutor bishop” of Trenton, so I had a few months to get to know the Diocese, its staff and clergy, its parishes and programs and faithful before assuming full responsibility. Of course knowledge of the position deepened and intensified after that. Honestly, I didn’t feel it was a huge adjustment and I felt prepared for the major responsibilities: administering a large organization, implementing a substantial budget, working with diverse personnel, evaluating activities with a specific focus, raising funds and so on. These were part of my responsibilities as a university president as well. The difference, however, was the spiritual motivation and faith-centered goal of serving the Diocese as bishop and shepherd, a “different hat” to wear – no pun intended. Academics gave way to evangelization as the primary mission and focus of my attention. THE MONITOR: WHY DID YOU CHOOSE AS YOUR EPISCOPAL MOTTO “TO SERVE AND NOT TO BE SERVED”? BISHOP: That’s an easy one. When I was

ordained a priest in 1982, the selection from St. Mark’s Gospel read at Mass contained that phrase. It became a personal aspiration and motivation for me, something to strive for in ministry, reflective of the attitude of St. Vincent de Paul, the founder of my religious community. They are Christ’s own words, describing the mission of the Son of Man (Mark 10:45). I kept a holy card in my breviary containing that phrase over the years and, when Archbishop Sambi asked me what motto, I would choose as bishop, I did not hesitate in my response. I am very mindful of our Lord’s words and I hope I will always try to embrace them as my motivation, although perhaps imperfectly. The rest of the phrase, not quoted in my motto is also very much in my mind: “to serve and not to be served ... and to give his life as a ransom for the many.“ THE MONITOR: AS YOU LOOK BACK OVER

THE PAST 10 YEARS OF EPISCOPAL MINISTRY IN THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON, WHAT MEMORIES STAND OUT? BISHOP: Well, there are many memories for

sure, some good and some difficult. Some good ones first, OK?

The solemn episcopal ordination ceremony in our beautiful St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton on July 30, 2010 is certainly a memory I will always cherish. My mother was present, which I consider the Lord’s special gift to me, along with the presence of my brothers and family, so many friends, Vincentian confreres and members of the Diocese. Diocesan staff worked very hard to make it a great day and they succeeded. The Eucharistic Congress of 2012 at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, the first ever in New Jersey, was an amazing celebration of our faith in Christ’s Eucharistic presence as the foundation of all we are and do in the Diocese. I will never forget it. Although the memories of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey and elsewhere still linger in our minds, the rapid response of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton, and their care and concern for one another at a time of crisis, were nothing short of inspiring. The outpouring of support for us from dioceses all over the country demonstrated to me the unity of compassion that characterizes what it means to be the Catholic Church. It was a landmark moment! Personally, I always find visitations to parishes for Confirmations, parish anniversaries, special events and programs uplifting and memorable. To be able to celebrate Mass and the Sacraments, to pray with and for the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese — just the visits to the parishes are always joyful experiences that remain in my memory. It’s all about loving and serving the Lord Jesus and his people.

THE MONITOR: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE

THE STRENGTHS OF THIS DIOCESAN COMMUNITY AND THE PROGRESS THAT HAS BEEN MADE DURING YOUR EPISCOPACY? BISHOP: A great source of pride for the Diocese

are the many, many Catholic organizations and charitable societies that can be found serving the people of the four counties without counting the cost: Catholic Charities, Knights of Columbus, Mount Carmel Guild, Mercer CYO, Holy Innocents Society, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Knights and Ladies Auxiliary of St. John International, Legion of Mary, Cursillo, Catholic Women of Zion, Pro-life movements, Project Rachel, St. Francis Retreat Center — I am sure I am missing some and I apologize — but coming to know their leaders, their boards and members over

6 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

these past 10 years, I have been amazed by their unselfish witness to Christ’s love here in the Diocese of Trenton. They bring the Gospel to life daily, each through their own unique mission. We have been able to recruit and ordain some wonderful seminarians and priests in the Diocese over the past decade, and I am excited at vocation programs being put in place to continue the trend. We all have to pray for and support these efforts. We need more good, holy priests to join those already serving our faithful. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible generosity of so many people throughout the Diocese. Support for the Annual Catholic Appeal and the recent Faith to Move Mountains endowment campaign, as well as so many second collections has enabled the Diocese to build upon its past and create a stable home and future for the evangelization of and service to the local Church and its parishes. The works and ministries of the Diocese simply could not continue without the generosity of the faithful. THE MONITOR: WHAT HAVE SOME OF THE

MOST SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES BEEN, AND HOW HAVE THEY IMPACTED YOU PERSONALLY? BISHOP: On the downside, I have found the

closure of some Catholic schools in the Diocese of Trenton a painful experience, given my life’s work in Catholic education. Our Catholic schools provide such a demonstrably outstanding service to families and the broader community, but low enrollments and escalating costs have crippled our ability to keep some of our Catholic schools open. This weighs so heavily on my heart as it does for many families. The sexual abuse of minors by some clergy in the Diocese of Trenton has been one of the most disturbing and painful experiences of my entire life. In saying that, I must acknowledge that my own sense of pain does not even come close to what many innocent children and their families have experienced and shared with me. I hope that, as Bishop, I have been able to offer support to victims through our diocesan efforts to reach out to them and by establishing effective measures that will prevent such abuse from ever happening again anywhere in the Diocese. I pray for the victims of sexual abuse every single day. I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that I am very concerned about the continuing decline in weekend Mass attendance when only 17 percent of our registered faithful report attending Mass Continued on 31

In Focus

Life of Service

From dedicated cop to devoted husband, Diocese’s newest priest furthers faith journey STORY BY JENNIFER MAURO Managing Editor PHOTOS BY JEFF BRUNO

ewly ordained Father Stephen Sansevere was reminded of two of the Church’s holy Sacraments – the Sacrament of Holy Orders and that of Matrimony – as he listened to the words of Trenton Diocese’s shepherd.

“This chalice, which I consecrated this morning, contains in the cross at its base the wedding ring of Susanne, who I’m sure is with us in the most beautiful and special way today,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., said as he presented the paten and chalice to Father Sansevere during the Ordination Rite. Continued on 8

Father Stephen Sansevere blesses Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., after being ordained a priest June 27 in St. Robert Bellarmine CoCathedral, Freehold.

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 7

In Focus

A PRIESTLY PATH Continued from 7

Family and friends would agree that the memory of Father Sansevere’s wife, Susanne – who died three years ago – was present throughout the Mass as her husband made his priestly promises June 27 in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold. “There’s not a day in my life I don’t think about her,” Father Sansevere said. “But to be a priest, this is my life coming full circle.” ANSWERING THE CALL About 15 priests concelebrated the Mass of Ordination with Bishop O’Connell, all of whom processed past nearly 100 family and friends wearing face masks at the start of Mass. All in attendance, who needed tickets to attend, had their temperature taken upon arrival and practiced social distancing due to the coronavirus. “My sisters and brothers, what a glorious day we celebrate today as we ordain this man, our brother, our friend, our colleague to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Steve, I wish you every blessing,” Bishop O’Connell said before the Readings, both of which spoke to being called by God. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart,” Lawrence Sansevere, the soon-to-be priest’s younger brother, proclaimed from

“I get choked up thinking about it,” Lawrence Sansevere, who proclaimed the First Reading, said of his older brother being ordained a priest.

Father Sansevere’s hands are wrapped in cloth after being anointed by the Bishop for the sacred work to come.

 “Preach the truth to god’s people.”  the Book of Jeremiah. The Second Reading, from Hebrews, stated, “Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God.” Proclaiming from the Gospel of John, the Rev. Mr. Rjoy Ballacillo, who was ordained a transitional deacon June 20, recounted Jesus’ appearance to the disciples after his Death and Resurrection. Following the Gospel, the Rite of Ordination began with Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, presenting Rev. Mr. Sansevere to Bishop O’Connell. “He who is to be ordained a priest, come forward. Rev. Mr. Stephen Anthony Sansevere,” he said. “Present,” Deacon Sansevere responded. “Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain our brother to the responsibility of the priesthood,” Msgr. Mullelly said. “Do you know him to be worthy?” the Bishop asked. Msgr. Mullelly responded, “I testify that he has been found worthy.” “Relying on the help of the Lord God

8 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

and Savior Jesus Christ, we choose Stephen, our brother, for the order of priesthood,” Bishop O’Connell said to the applause of the congregation. A NEW PATH “Steve, it’s been quite a journey,” the Bishop said earnestly in his homily. “All of us are so proud today to be able to participate with you in this next step in your life. As you look at the priests who are here, you see people who inspired you over these years, people who guided you in your work. “For many years, you served as a deacon in our Church, and now with the passing of your beloved wife, this opportunity comes for you to advance to the priesthood. We say to you, ‘Be a good priest. Be a faithful priest.’” Reflecting on a recent conversation, Bishop O’Connell recounted asking the then-Deacon Sansevere if he knew what his last name meant in French. “You said it without missing a beat,” the Bishop said. “Without severity, without harshness. That’s a good way to minister. Preach the truth to God’s people, and preach it with love and compassion.” ORDINATION RITES After Rev. Mr. Sansevere was called to the Promise of the Elect and declared his intention to assume the responsibilities of a priest, he knelt, promising his obedience

In Focus

more online Watch the livestream replay of the priestly Mass of Ordination AND See Father Sansevere take part in the “COVID-19: Stories of Hope” series. For both, visit YouTube.com/ trentondiocese Flip through nearly 100 photos for the ordination of Father Sansevere AND See the new priest celebrate his first Mass in St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro. For both, visit TrentonMonitor. com> Photo Galleries

to Bishop O’Connell and his successors. Shawn Mack, director of the Diocesan Festival Choir – which was not in attendance due to COVID-19 limitations – chanted the Litany of Saints. Deacon Sansevere lie prostrate on the floor near the first pew, a moment he would later remember as a flurry of thoughts – ranging from the ministry he was embracing to the warmth of hearing his wife’s name read among the saints. He again knelt before the Bishop, who laid his hands on the deacon’s head, a gesture bestowing the Holy Spirit and ordaining him a priest. The Diocese’s concelebrating priests then each moved around the altar to lay their hands on the now-priest’s head. Among them were Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, pastor of St. James, Pennington; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, and St. George, Titusville – where Father Sansevere began as parochial vicar July 1; and Father Eugene Roberts, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro, who not only vested Father Sansevere, but guided him as a deacon in the parish for the past 20 years. After dressing in his new priestly vestments, Father Sansevere had his hands anointed with the Oil of Chrism and wrapped in a cloth by Bishop O’Connell. The Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Father Sansevere joined

This chalice gifted to Father Sansevere by Jersey City police, one of two chalices he received, has in a cross Susanne Sansevere’s wedding band. at the Lord’s table as a priest concelebrant for the first time. LEGACY OF DEVOTION “God.” “Bless.” “You.” “Father.” “Steve.” Those were the five poster boards awaiting Father Sansevere in the parking lot as he exited the Co-Cathedral after Mass. Among the men holding signs – those ordained deacons the week before in the same church. Family and friends smiled as they congratulated the new priest; others bowed their head for a blessing. Father Roberts reflected on his friend’s service as a deacon in St. Gabriel Parish. “When you are doing the Lord’s work, you can’t help but be at peace with yourself and those around you – and he’s an example of that.” Lawrence Sansevere dipped his head

for a moment, emotional as he spoke of his older brother being a priest. “Mom and Dad would have been so proud,” he said of his devout Catholic parents, who have both since passed. In addition to being married nearly 40 years, Stephen Sansevere, 66, spent 25 years with the Jersey City Police Department before retiring as a police sergeant. Chet Urbanowicz was the Jersey City native’s partner for about six years. “He was always the voice of reason,” Urbanowicz said. “He was always out there to help people.” “He was always very devoted to Susanne, and she was behind him 100 percent when he went for the diaconate and all through his education.” Father Sansevere agreed. “Whatever decisions I’ve made, she’s always believed in me. She’s always been a steadying force.” He said he is grateful for both chalices he received – the one with his wife’s wedding ring, which was purchased by the Jersey City Police Union and Emerald Society, and the one given to him on behalf of St. Gabriel Parish. Both were blessed by Bishop O’Connell. “I don’t know what the priesthood will bring, but I know what I hope it brings,” he said. “I hope I’m able to bring this ministry to the faithful and that my experience all these years assists me in helping others.”

As Bishop O’Connell presented the paten and chalice to Father Sansevere during the Ordination Rite, he recalled the priest’s deceased wife, Susanne, “Who I’m sure is with us in the most beautiful and special way today.” Jeff Bruno photos

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 9

In Focus

POISED for MINISTRY Bishop O’Connell ordains six new deacons

here are many moments Rjoy Ballacillo will never forget about his diaconal ordination, but there are two moments he found particularly moving.

STORY BY MARY STADNYK Associate Editor PHOTOS BY CRAIG PITTELLI

“When I prostrated myself before God as the congregation prayed the Litany of Saints, it felt great knowing that the faithful and all the saints in heaven were praying for me,” Deacon Ballacillo said of the Litany of Supplication during the June 20 Mass of Ordination celebrated by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. When the Bishop imposed hands on Ballacillo’s head, ordaining him a deacon, it was “one of the most dramatic parts [of the Ordination Rite] because I knelt down as a member of the laity, and I stood up as an ordained deacon,” he said. The now-Rev. Mr. Rjoy Ballacillo, a transitional deacon who will continue his formation for priestly ordination next year, was one of six men ordained to the diaconate during the Ordination Mass celebrated in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral. Newly ordained Deacon John Edward Barrett of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, said he will always remember kneeling before Bishop O’Connell

“I could see Jesus coming though his eyes and words,” Deacon John Edward Barrett said of kneeling before the Bishop during the Promise of Obedience. 10 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

during the Promise of Obedience. “I could see Jesus coming though his eyes and words,” he said. ROOTED IN TRADITION For the Diocese of Trenton’s new deacons, it was a day of firsts. Theirs was the first Mass of Ordination to be celebrated in St. Robert Bellarmine since the Freehold parish was elevated to Co-Cathedral status in 2017. Five of those six men comprised the first class of permanent deacons to be ordained under the revised diocesan diaconate formation program. And there were a number of obvious firsts that came with the COVID-19 rules, regulations and restrictions – having a limited number of people in attendance, practicing social distancing measures, and additional use of hand sanitizer and wearing facemasks. All those firsts, however, only paved the way for appreciating even more the Church’s long history of tradition. Referencing the First Reading from Acts Chapter 6, Bishop O’Connell assured the men that they continue to follow “the long tradition, the long line” that goes back to the earliest days of the Church, when the first seven deacons stepped forward to assist the Apostles in their ministries. “Through the centuries, through the millennia, that privilege, that honor, as humbling as it is, comes to you today,” the Bishop said in his homily. “So rejoice, be grateful for yours now will be a ministry of the altar, a ministry of the Word, and a ministry of service and charity for the people of God in the Diocese of Trenton.” In addition to the now-Rev. Mr. Ballacillo

In Focus

Deacon Mark D. McNulty has volunteered in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, for years but feels this new ministry is his response to a call from God.

and Deacon Barrett, Bishop O’Connell ordained Deacon Russell David Greiner of St. Joseph Parish, Toms River; Deacon Mark D. McNulty of St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake; Deacon John Senkewicz of St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, and Deacon Edward Woram, also of St. Joseph Parish. Also present in the first row where the soon-tobe deacons were seated was a memorial for deacon candidate John G. Gilligan of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, who died suddenly in November 2019. Bishop O’Connell urged the men not to take their “new ministry, this order lightly.” To the permanent deacons, he said, “Recognize that it is a call, a call within a call you already received to married life, to family life and within your family, you take on another role to a larger family, to the family of God.”

who testified that the men were prepared to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders and assume the responsibilities of the diaconate. Bishop O’Connell, in the name of the entire Church, accepted the testimony. The congregation signaled their approval with a round of applause. The six men assented to God’s call to the diaconate, making a Promise of Obedience to Bishop O’Connell and his successors, and Rev. Mr. Ballacillo also made a Promise of Celibacy. The six candidates, showing their total dependence on God, prostrated themselves on the floor as the cantor chanted the Litany of Saints, then knelt – one by one – before Bishop O’Connell, who placed his hands on their heads, conferring the Holy Spirit and silently prayed the words of consecration. With assistance from their priests, the men were vested with the stole and dalmatic, the liturgical garments that symbolize their ministry. The newly ordained deacons again each knelt before Bishop O’Connell, who placed the Book of the Gospels in their hands and said, “Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

 “Today I said, ‘Here I Am Lord.’” 

STORIES OF FAITH While COVID-19 restrictions did not allow for an indoor reception after Mass, well-wishers had an opportunity to greet the new deacons and their families outside. Continued on 12

PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT After the homily, the men were called forward by Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians,

Wearing facemasks, the Diocese’s newly ordained deacons stand in prayer, including Rev. Mr. Rjoy Ballacillo, left. July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 11

In Focus

Eager to minister Continued from 11

Msgr. Mullelly, as he looked around at the jubilant class of deacons, noted that he was pleased with the direction the formation program for permanent deacons has taken since it was revised. He noted that the program went from a four-year program to five years and allows the men to work toward a master’s degree. He feels confident that the program challenges deacon candidates as they acquire the necessary spiritual, pastoral and intellectual formation requirements. “It’s intensive,” Rita Greiner said appreciatively of the formation program, adding that she is proud and excited for her husband to “do God’s work.” During the program, she watched her husband learn a lot about himself and what it means to be

Two of the deacons ordained June 20 – Deacon Russell David Greiner, below, and Deacon Edward Woram, above – belong to the same parish, St. Joseph, Toms River.

Catholic and believes he has the qualities to help him “reach many people and help bring them closer to God.” Deacon McNulty said he believes after having served his parish for years as a volunteer, including youth ministry, he is responding to a call from God. “And today I said, ‘Here I Am Lord.’” Deirdre Senkewicz smiled as she explained how grateful she is to have walked with her husband on his journey to the diaconate. Their home has become more faith-filled, she said, adding that whether it was on their ride home from the diocesan Chancery after class or at the dinner table, she and her husband had many conversations about all they had learned. It’s been a blessing, she said, “that we have been able to travel John’s journey together.” Deacon Senkewicz, who has always been involved in St. Leo the Great Parish, appreciated the encouragement he received from his pastor, Father John Folchetti, “to do more around the parish.” When Father Folchetti broached the subject of the diaconate, Deacon Senkewicz said at first he was shocked, then took the time he needed to pray about it. Acknowledging the support he received from his wife, family, “my now brother deacons” and Father Folchetti, he said, “It’s been a lovely, lovely journey.”

More Online Dozens of photos from the diaconate Mass of Ordination on TrentonMonitor.com> Photo Galleries

photo caption style for MMag photo caption style for MMag photo caption style for MMag photo caption style for MMag. 12 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Replay of the diaconate livestream Mass on YouTube. com/trentondiocese

John Senkewicz administers the Eucharist for the first time as a deacon during the Ordination Mass. Craig Pittelli photos

In Their Own Words 

“

hey’re great guys. … There’s a great camaraderie of brotherhood. You can sense the newness and enthusiasm that goes along with it.” ~ Father Scott Shaffer, pastor of St. Joseph, Toms River, the parish in which two of the six new deacons will serve

“

am so thankful to God for blessing me with a brother like Rjoy. Seeing him grow, discern, and go through the seminary formation makes me so happy and proud of him. Most especially, in being able to share the call of Christ.” ~ Father Roy Ballacillo, parochial vicar of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, vesting priest of Rev. Mr. Rjoy Ballacillo

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Viewpoints

Empathy is needed to bridge the divide

“

he ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” That is how one dictionary quite succinctly defines the word “empathy,” one of the most essential behavioral skills that human beings can possess. In the context of recent events unfolding across the nation, the need for empathy has never been more critical and seemingly in such short supply. It seems that in response to the division and hate we have all witnessed over the last months, the simple questions that might be asked are: How would you feel, and what would you do? The actual word “empathy” does not jump out at us from the Bible, but it is, most certainly, a thread that runs throughout our belief as Christians. Our

My two grandsons – Jordan and Isaiah – captured in a sweet moment eight years ago. I have loved these boys unconditionally since the days they were born, exactly three months apart. As they barrel toward adulthood next year, it brings me unspeakable sorrow that there are people and institutions in this world who would dare to say that one of them is somehow less than the other, somehow not worthy of all that he might dream, or worse yet, that his life does not matter because of his beautiful brown skin. Courtesy photo

ability to embrace Christ’s commands to “Love one another as I have loved you,” and to “Love your neighbor as yourself,” is dependent on how well we can understand our brothers and sisters, and how well we know and share their feelings. If anything can heal the bitter wounds of racial injustice, it is more empathy for those who are impacted by it. Conversely, if anything can deepen the fault lines between us all, it is a lack of empathy for those who have suffered a loss because of racial bias or hatred. One of the most indefensible positions that any of us might take in this current national reckoning is to deny that racism still exists and that it is profoundly harming the well-being of our brothers and sisters. If we don’t see it ourselves, if it’s not part of our everyday existence, we might be tempted to ignore it, if not for empathy. We can never fully know what it’s like unless we, too, are targets of racism, but empathy affords us a glimpse of the grief and anger that a person would experience if their loved one died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody. Empathy might offer us the slightest idea of the fear that families of color experience when sending their youngsters out in a car or walking in a different neighborhood. I can attest, because of experiences that happened in my own family this year, that the effects of racism and bigotry are absolutely heart-sickening. My 16-yearold grandson Jordan – who happens to be multiracial – was the victim of racial attacks in his new, mostly white school by a handful of students who called him despicable names in the halls and posted racial slurs about him on social media. When he chose to hang out with the few students in that school who looked like him, he was told by the guidance counselor that he should avoid having people think he was part of a gang. And later that same month, while play-

14 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

A message from

RAYANNE BENNETT Associate Publisher

ing basketball with his friends in his own community park, Jordan and his friends were attacked by two white males who turned their dog loose on the youngsters, threatened to shoot one of them in the chest and warned that they wouldn’t want to find themselves hanging from a tree. A police report was filed, but nothing more has come of this traumatizing incident.

 “‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ is dependent on how we understand our brothers and sisters.”  Setting aside what a parent or grandparent feels when this happens to their young family member, we need to ask what it does to the child himself. Social scientists and pediatricians have been tracking an alarming rise in the rate of suicide among black adolescents, most especially black male teens. We need to ask: How much of that worrying trend can be related to the messages they are receiving from the growing racial animus that has shown itself in recent years? These things may not be happening in all communities or to people we all know. But we need to acknowledge that they are real and must be addressed, especially by those who believe in the mandate of the Gospel. Especially by believers who are called by Christ to love one another. No, not everyone can fully comprehend what it is like for people whose ancestors were enslaved in this country to be dealing with Confederate symbols and other reminders of one of the darkest chapters of our history. But we should never stop asking ourselves: How would you feel, and what would you do? Bennett is also executive director of Communications and Media for the Diocese.

Diocese

Thanks for

the Memories

From show biz to CYO youth programs, historical Trenton building marks centennial FROM STAFF REPORTS

or 100 years, the building at 920 S. Broad Street has been a hub of activity in the community. From the RKO Broad Theatre to the Mercer County Catholic Youth Organization, the building has housed a legacy of memories. “My dad grew up in this neighborhood and would tell me about the old theater,” said Tom Mladenetz, executive director of the Mer-  “We want cer County CYO. “I remember playing to continue CYO basketball telling our there as a kid, and my future wife was a story.”  cheerleader!” To bring this historical landmark to light, the CYO and community members have created an online slideshow of photos and articles that document how it went from vaudeville, boxing and movie screenings as Trenton’s second-largest movie house to serving the area’s youth through after-school programs, sports, summer camps and more for decades. “The pictures represent all the good things the CYO has done over the years,” Mladenetz said. “Like me, a lot of older people in the Diocese played in the CYO

as kids. It has meant so much for so many people to see the slideshow.” STORY TO TELL The tour opens with photos of the building when it opened in 1920 as the RKO Broad Theater, including pictures of the theater’s classic architecture, news articles and play programs. The project also features photographs from the 1960s to present day – generations of children and adults who have enjoyed spending time at the CYO playing board games and basketball, cheerleading and learning. Included are pictures of CYO athletes alongside former alumni. The Mercer County CYO, established in 1952 by Msgr. Leonard Toomey, found a home on South Broad Street after the building was purchased by the Diocese of Trenton in 1963 – for a fraction of its potential worth. An article from 1964 explains original plans for three basketball courts, offices and meeting rooms. “We had all of these cool pictures, which came to me from Msgr. Toomey. He was a great mentor and friend,” Mladenetz said, adding that additional help came from Sacred Heart parishioner Sally Lane, a well-known Trenton historian. “I liked the older photos. It’s interesting to see a lot of activities in the photos, like art and ceramics, before we had activ-

The RKO Broad Theatre in Trenton, left, was built in 1920. It was Trenton’s second-largest movie house before becoming a CYO location. At right is one slide that appears in the CYO virtual tour. CYO slideshow photos ities like our computer lab,” he reflected, adding cheerfully that there were some jovial photos, including one with Msgr. Toomey with an oversized bicycle. PHOTO TREASURES With CYO programs still going strong decades later, a centennial celebration for the building was planned for this year – but the pandemic intervened. Mladenetz hopes for a large viewership of the virtual tour. “We want people [especially alumni] to come to the website and see the good things we are doing now … and if they have some history or pictures of the CYO or old RKO Theatre, to send them to us,” he said. Given the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus pandemic, Mladenetz hopes to continue the celebration online. “We’re hoping even to make another video if more people come to us with photos,” he said. “We want to continue telling our story at the CYO throughout this year and after.” To view the slideshow, visit http:// www.cyomercer.org/index.html

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 15

Diocese

MEN INTERESTED IN PRIESTHOOD INVITED TO DISCERNMENT BBQ WITH BISHOP

CLERGY ASSIGNMENT Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., has announced the following appointment: Rev. Vincent Coppola, C.S.C., from parochial vicar of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, to parochial vicar of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish, Lavallette, and Sacred Heart Parish, Bay Head, effective July 1, 2020.

Ministrare Non Ministrari

COMEDIAN JOE PISCOPO TO HOST CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ NEW, CONSOLIDATED FUNDRAISER

Coutesy photo

Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton has enlisted comedian-actor Joe Piscopo to host the inaugural Guardian Angel Benefit of Hope, a virtual event that will replace four of the agency’s annual fundraisers. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Catholic Charities has continued to support the more than 100,000 people it serves each year in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The organization announced June 11 that it had decided to consolidate its four annual fundraisers into a single, virtual event to ensure the safety of Catholic Charities’ supporters and staff during the coronavirus pandemic. The Guardian Angel Benefit of Hope virtual celebration/ benefit, to be streamed at https://one.bidpal.net/gaboh2020/welcome from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30, combines Catholic Charities’ signature annual fundraiser, the Guardian Angel Dinner Dance, as well as the Monmouth Ray of Hope (supporting Monmouth County programs), the Taste of Burlington, and the Gift Auction (both supporting Catholic Charities’ Providence House Domestic Violence Services in Burlington and Ocean Counties). Altogether, the four events typically raise more than half a million dollars and draw nearly 2,000 attendees. The virtual event is free to attend. Piscopo, a native New Jerseyan, “Saturday Night Live” alum and musician, is known for supporting the community through charitable works and appearances. In addition to Piscopo, the benefit also will include other special guests, musical performances and more.  For more information, visit https://one.bidpal.net/ gaboh2020/welcome, or contact events coordinator Barbara Yuson at byuson@cctrenton.org, or Dana DiFilippo, communication officer, at ddifilippo@cctrenton.org or 215-756-6277. By Christina Leslie, Correspondent 16 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

To help foster a call to the priesthood, the Diocese will host a vocation discernment barbecue, which will include Mass with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. The afternoon of prayer, discussion and camaraderie will begin at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in St. John the Baptist Church, Allentown. The event is geared toward men ages 16 to 35. Following Mass with the Bishop, those in attendance will be invited to meet and talk honestly about the priesthood with pastors, priests and seminarians. During dinner, Father Dave Swantek, pastor of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, and Father John Michael Patilla, parochial vicar of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, will speak on their ministry and discernment. “It should be a fun evening,” said Father Jason Parzynski, diocesan vocations director, explaining that similar events in the past drew strong participation among young men seeking information about the priesthood.  For more information or to register, contact Father Parzynski at jparzynski@dioceseoftrenton.org. St. John Church is located at 1282 Yardville-Allentown Road, Allentown. From staff reports

School leaders working on plans for return to classroom

ork is progressing on a plan to return the Diocese’s Catholic school students and faculty to the classrooms this September in a way that ensures optimal health and safety for all. JoAnn Tier, diocesan superintendent of schools, explained that she and her counterparts across the state have worked together to come up with a draft document that is being adapted for each of the five dioceses. The Trenton plan is now under review with school leaders, working toward distribution of the plan by the middle of July to principals and staff. Tier explained, “Each of our schools has a task force who will address health and safety issues as well as the academic component. While we are planning to go back to the physical locations, the need for remote instruction can occur at any point. Each task force will be looking into the school’s readiness with technology, needed equipment and professional development and transportation, along with all of the other concerns related to preserving the health of those who will be returning.” The goal, Tier noted, is to have the completed plan ready to distribute to parents in early August.  For updates on the return to the classroom, stay connected with TrentonMonitor.com/coronavirus.

From staff reports

Diocese

The Monitor Magazine wins two Catholic media awards

he Diocese of Trenton’s monthly publication, The Monitor Magazine, has been recognized with two awards from the Catholic Press Association. The awards were announced online during the annual Catholic Media Conference, which was held virtually June 30-July 2 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Monitor staff and its freelance partners took home a third-place award for Best Feature Article and a third-place recogni-

tion for Best Seasonal Issue or Section. It was the first year The Monitor has competed in the diocesan magazine category after its transition from a newspaper in October 2019. “It was very gratifying to have received this recognition based on the first few issues of the new magazine,” said Rayanne Bennett, associate publisher of The Monitor. “These results are a wonderful testament to the team that we have been blessed to work with, from our journalists, our designers and our business folks. We continue to be encouraged by the response to this publication, and we are committed to building upon what has been accomplished in our first year of production.” For Best Feature Article, the judges applauded correspondent Christina Leslie’s story “Parish, community revitalizing Civil War-era Lincroft cemetery,” which focused on those from St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, and the area preserving the dignity of others. In Best Seasonal Issue or Section, The Monitor received kudos for its design and content for the December 2019 Christmas issue, “The Greatest Gift.” Said the judge’s panel, which consists of media and academic professionals, “[There was] a load of content, and [we] appreciated the Spanish-language section.

From staff reports

INDEPENDENT REVIEW BOARD FINDS ALLEGATION AGAINST FRANCISCAN PRIEST NOT CREDIBLE The Diocese of Trenton is sharing with its community this news release issued June 16 by the Third Order Regular Franciscans, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, about one of its priests: Father Gabriel J. Zeis, TOR. The Third Order Regular Franciscans, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, announced June 16 that an allegation of sexual misconduct with a minor, made against Father Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R., has been found to be not credible. The Province received the allegation in August 2019 and contacted the Diocese of Trenton, where Father Zeis was ministering. He resigned his positions with the Diocese and was placed on leave by the Province pending the outcome of an investigation of the accusation. The incident of sexual misconduct was alleged to have occurred in 1975 at St. Francis Seminary in Loretto, Pa., shortly after Father Zeis’ solemn profession of vows and five years prior to his ordination to the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in 1980 and has served in various capacities, including vicar for education for the Diocese of Trenton and chaplain at Princeton University.

The Province reported the allegation to the Office of the District Attorney for Cambria County, PA, in September 2019. That office subsequently referred the case to the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania. In a letter dated December 16, 2019, the Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania called into question the credibility and accuracy of the allegation and announced the case closed. In compliance with Province policies and Canon Law, the TOR Franciscans then engaged the services of an independent investigator, who was also a canon lawyer, to conduct a preliminary investigation. The information gathered during that investigation was also presented to an independent Review Board, composed entirely of lay people who are experts in youth protection. The Review Board agreed with the preliminary investigation’s findings that the allegation is not substantiated and therefore is not credible. Throughout the process, Father Zeis vigorously denied the allegation. Discussions are underway with Father Zeis regarding his imminent return to ministry. July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 17

Diocese

NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AWARENESS WEEK SLATED FOR JULY 19-25

atholics in the Diocese of Trenton will join their faithful counterparts across the nation in recognizing National Family Planning week, set for July 19-25. This year’s theme is “Live the truth and beauty of God’s plan for married love!” Married couples are being encouraged to learn more about the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ national educational campaign. Natural family planning, or NFP, is a practice for married couples to monitor the various biological signs indicating a woman’s time of fertility and infertility. It can be used both to postpone pregnancy or to aid in becoming pregnant. In speaking about the importance of NFP week, Peg Hensler, diocesan associate director of marriage ministries and NFP, said, “I have the privilege of working directly with many engaged couples, and

I’ve noticed a common theme. Most are interested in learning more about healthy, natural options for family planning and responsible parenthood.” NFP week annually highlights the July 25 anniversary of St. Paul VI’s encyclical “Humane Vitae” (“Of Human Life”), published in 1968. The encyclical affirmed Catholic teaching against artificial contraception and provides clear teaching “about God’s plan for married love and the transmission of life.” The week also celebrates the July 26 feast day of Sts. Anne and Joachim, the parents of the Blessed Mother. “Couples find many compelling reasons to explore the multitude of online, self-paced and face-to-face options for learning a method of NFP,” Hensler said of NFP resources. “They are impressed with the extensive research, documented results, and high effectiveness rates for the scientifically based natural methods.” Hensler also explained the benefits couples who embrace Natural Family Planning have reported, including “enhanced communication, mutual respect, a more satisfying sexual relationship, and a stronger, happier marriage.”  For more information on NFP and Awareness Week, visit usccb.org and click on Issues And Action > Marriage And Family > Natural Family Planning.

By John M. Spinelli, Correspondent

18 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Chancery reopens for staff return

fter being closed for nearly four months, the diocesan Chancery began the gradual return to normal in-person operations in the Lawrenceville building July 6. Most of the 80-plus staff of the Chancery have been working from home since mid-March to guard against the spread of the coronavirus. Since that time, a detailed safety plan has been developed for a return to the building, which includes alternating workdays and hours; staff wearing face masks when they enter the building and in the common areas, and all undergoing temperature screenings upon arrival. In addition, robust sanitizing measures have also been implemented. For the Diocese’s leadership, the remote arrangement has been a success by any measure. Kevin Cimei, chief fiscal officer, explained. “The Chancery staff did a tremendous job transitioning to remote work with less than a day’s notice — the operations continued, people stepped up. Our IT updates enabled us to move instantly to work remotely— everyone could log in from any computer and see their work desktop. People didn’t have to go into the office unless there was a physical need, like postal mail or checks, etc.” Echoing the praise was Joseph Bianchi, chief administrative officer, who remarked, “The Chancery staff worked tirelessly to maintain online communications and livestreaming, as well as responsiveness to all benefits and insurance issues. A high level of service was maintained for all programs, and the resourcefulness of the team has been inspiring.” Working remotely will continue for days that staff do not report to the office, and visitors and in-person meetings are not permitted at this time. Chancery officials continue to monitor public health guidance and are poised to adjust the workday plan as needed.

From staff reports

Pope Francis

World needs to pray more, complain less BY CAROL GLATZ  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • Some people always will want to destroy unity and stifle prophets, Pope Francis said on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul. And yet, Jesus challenges everyone to be – like Peter – a rock for building a renewed Church and renewed humanity, and – like Paul – a missionary who brings the Gospel to others, he said during a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica June 29. People also need to complain less and pray more, especially for those who govern, the Pope said. People must ask themselves whether they “simply talk and do nothing” because God wants people to pray and “be mindful of those who do not think as we do ... those whom we find it hard to forgive.” The feast day celebration in St. Peter’s Basilica was markedly different from other years because of ongoing restrictions in place to stem the spread of COVID-19. Normally archbishops appointed over the course of the previous year would have been invited to concelebrate the feast day Mass with the Pope and watch as he blessed their palliums, woolen bands worn around their shoulders. While the imposition of the pallium was to take place in each of the 54 archbishops’ archdiocese, Pope Francis did place a pallium on Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, new dean of the College of Cardinals. Conferring a pallium on a new dean was begun by St. John Paul II. In his homily, the Pope said Sts. Peter and Paul demonstrate unity in diversity; they were two very different individuals, who sometimes argued heatedly, but they

Pope Francis places a pallium on Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, as he celebrates Mass marking the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter’s MORE FROM POPE Basilica at the Vatican June 29.

FRANCIS ONLINE:

CNS photo/Paul Haring

saw one another as brothers, united by Jesus. Jesus “did not command us to like one another, but to love one another,” the Pope said. “He is the one who unites us, without making us all alike.” When the early Church faced fierce persecution, the Pope said, “no one ran away, no one thought about saving his own skin, no one abandoned the others, but all joined in prayer,” which created “a unity more powerful than any threat.” They also prayed instead of complaining about the injustice they faced, the Pope added. “It is pointless, even tedious, for Christians to waste their time complaining about the world, about society, about everything that is not right,” he said. “Complaints change nothing.” “Are we protecting our unity with prayer, the unity of the Church?” the Pope suggested people ask themselves. “Are we praying for one another? What would happen if we prayed more and complained less?” The answer, he said, is what happened to Peter in prison: closed doors open and chains break. The Pope asked people to pray for everyone, especially those who govern. “God will judge them, but we should pray for those who govern. … This is a task that the Lord has entrusted to us.” During his Angelus address, the Pope said Jesus called Simon, “Peter” or “rock,” because “he chose to build his life on Jesus,” not on himself. “Jesus is the rock on which Simon became stone.”

 Pope asks prayers for Syria, Yemen, Ukraine  No true love without the cross, Pope says  Pontiff: U.S. Catholic media must inspire unity

Pope Francis is seen in a screen grab from a YouTube video of his Angelus prayer July 5 from St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican. YouTube screenshot.

 “God wants people to pray and ‘be mindful of those who do not think as we do ... those whom we find it hard to forgive.’” 

@PONTIFEX JULY 3, 2020

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 19

Church

Father Augustine Tolton, also known as Augustus, is pictured in an undated photo. Born into slavery in Missouri, he was ordained a priest April 24, 1886, in Rome, and said his first Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica. Father Tolton is a candidate for sainthood.

BY JOYCE DURINGA 

Catholic News Service

CHICAGO • Father Augustus Tolton, the first identified Black priest ordained for the United States, would likely be disappointed by what he sees going on in the United States today, said Father David Jones, pastor of St. Benedict the African Parish in Chicago. “I think ‘disappointed’ is a key word. I think people can understand that and it helps to tie into the frustration that Black people are feeling and always experiencing.” Father Jones said. The Archdiocese of Chicago opened Father Tolton’s cause for canonization in 2010, and Pope Francis declared him “venerable” in June 2019, after a theological commission has unanimously recognized his “virtuous and heroic life.” Two steps of the process remain – beatification and canonization. In general each step requires confirmation of a miracle attributed to the sainthood candidate’s intercession. As the first Black priest ordained for the United States, Father Tolton struggled against rampant racism in the years following the Civil War but was known for bringing people of all races together. For that, he was persecuted by his brother priests and people in the white community of Quincy, Illinois. The priest, also known as Augustine, was born into slavery in 1854 and died in 1897 at age 43. He was denied access to seminaries in the United States after repeated requests, so he pursued his education in Rome at what is now the Pontifical Urbaniana University. Father Tolton’s example of welcoming

CNS photo/courtesy Archdiocese of Chicago Archives and Records Center

people of all races to Mass also makes sense to Father Jones, who acknowledges the Church still has work to do in this area. He said even now “there are still lots of (Black) folks who are Catholic who tell you the stories about what was said to them when they tried to go to Mass at a certain parish.” Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Joseph N. Perry, postulator of Father Tolton’s canonization cause, believes Father Tolton can be an example for people during this time of racial division. “In him, I think we see a priest-pioneer of reconciliation,” Bishop Perry said. “We hope that he looks down upon us and sees this as a wounded country from his place amongst the saints and angels. I think this is where we can plead for mercy and holy assistance from him in this time of racial crisis.” The bishop also said the saint is an example for what it means to be a Catholic. “He really had a love for the Catholic Church. He believed that the Catholic Church had the means, really, to unite people of every race and give everybody the dignity that’s due everyone,” he said. “His own pastoral practice drew men and women of whatever skin tone together under one roof and that’s what got him into trouble down in Quincy.”

20 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

CNS photo

What Father Tolton might say about today’s racial injustices Msgr. Georg Ratzinger

Pope’s brother remembered as talented musician, trusted friend VATICAN CITY (CNS) • In reflecting on his ministry to the priesthood, Msgr. Georg Ratzinger once explained how he and his brother entered the seminary to serve. “We were willing to serve in whatever manner, go wherever the bishop would send us, although we both had our preferences, of course. I was hoping for a calling related to my interest in music, and my brother had prepared himself from a theological-science point of view,” Msgr. Ratzinger said in a 2006  “My interview. “But we were brother not in this to was always indulge in our not just a personal hobbies. We said yes companion, to priesthood to serve, in whatbut also a ever way was trustworthy needed, and it was a blessing we both got to guide.”  follow church careers that were also in accordance with our secret wishes at the time.” Msgr. Ratzinger, a musician and retired Pope Benedict XVI’s elder brother, died July 1 at the age of 96. He died in Regensburg, Germany, where he had been hospitalized. Pope Benedict, 93, flew Continued on 66

Church

NEW CATECHESIS DIRECTORY

CNS photo/USCCB

The English version of the updated “Directory for Catechesis” can be pre-ordered. Visit the USCCB website at http://store. usccb.org.

New catechesis directory expands on missionary discipleship BY CINDY WOODEN  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY • The Vatican’s updated “Directory for Catechesis” is being described as “a fresh and focused tool” to enhance evangelization efforts in catechesis.

 “The timing of this updated resource is providential.”  The directory, released June 25 by the Vatican, responds specifically to Pope Francis’ 2013 exhortation, “Evangelii Gaudium” (“The Joy of the Gospel”), and to the 2012 meeting of the Synod of Bishops on the new evangelization. “The directory invites the Christian faithful to be courageous witnesses of Jesus Christ in the family, in the workplace and in the wider community,” said Auxiliary Bishop Robert E. Barron of

Los Angeles, the chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Evangelization and Catechesis.. “The directory’s call for a ‘kerygmatic catechesis’ affirms the USCCB’s recent focus on the importance of living as missionary disciples.” The directory was released in Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and French; English and other translations are still being prepared. UPDATES, EXPANSIONS Previous versions of the “Directory for Catechesis” were approved in 1971 by St. Paul VI and in 1997 by St. John Paul II. Like the previous versions, the directory insists on catechetical programs that teach the basics of Christian faith: God’s love for each person; salvation in Jesus Christ; belief in the Trinity; and “the definitive call to gather scattered humanity into the Church,” bringing people into communion with God and fostering unity among them. While the 1997 directory insisted parishes provide suitable catechesis for

members with physical or developmental disabilities, the updated directory expands the discussion to preparation for the Sacraments. “Persons with disabilities are called to the fullness of sacramental life, even in the presence of serious ailments,” it said. “The Sacraments are the gifts of God and the liturgy, before being understood rationally, is meant to be lived. Therefore, no one can refuse the Sacraments to persons with disabilities.” The revised directory also includes expanded sections on catechesis tailored for migrants and refugees, for immigrants and for people who are incarcerated. It takes on modern issues: “The Church is well aware of the complexity” some people face regarding their sexual identity. “It does not judge people but calls for them to be accompanied always. However, it is aware that, from the perspective of faith, sexuality is not only a physical fact, but a personal reality, a value entrusted to the responsibility of the person.” “Sexual identity and lived experience must be a response to the original call of God,” it said. EVANGELIZATION In 2013, now-retired Pope Benedict XVI shifted responsibility for catechesis from the Congregation for Clergy to the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. In the updated directory, the link between catechesis and the new evangelization is clear. It insists that while faith is born of a personal encounter with Jesus, that encounter takes place through and grows within the community of the Church, that every baptized Catholic is responsible for sharing the faith and that belief must give rise to witness through acts of charity. While Church teaching does not change from continent to continent, the way it is proposed and explained will be most effective only if it considers the language, culture, age and experience of those listening, it said.

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 21

World & Nation A file photo shows U.S. military personnel working on an F/A-18E Super Hornet as an aircraft carrier conducts drills in the South China Sea. CNS photo/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel A. Martinez, U.S. Navy, ABACAPRESS.COM via Reuters

Vatican task force calls for an end to arms production BY CAROL GLATZ  Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY • Human health, peace, security and progress would be better served with a complete end to the production of weapons worldwide, said members of a Vatican task force. “Now, more than ever, is the time for nations of the world to shift from national security by military means to human security as the primary concern of policy and international relations,”

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22 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Cardinal Peter Turkson, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, said at a Vatican news conference July 7. Cardinal Turkson also heads a COVID-19 response commission that Pope Francis created in April to analyze the many challenges the world is facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and to come up with proposed guidelines and strategies for addressing the many crises. The commission has five task forces focused on different issues, and the cardinal was one of three speakers at the news conference giving an update on what the working group dedicated to “security” has proposed for building a more peaceful, healthy and secure world. The pandemic and the many emergency measures in place have sparked a number of problems in some parts of the world, the cardinal said; for example, there is an upsurge in domestic violence, police or military brutality in enforcing lockdowns, “adventurists” taking advantage of social or global disruptions to embark on a new war or seize territories; and the disruption of elections, which could worsen tensions. “Now is the time for the international community and the Church to develop bold and imaginative plans for collective action commensurate with the magnitude of this crisis” caused or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. “Now is the time to build a world that better reflects a truly integral approach to peace, human development and ecology,” he said. One concrete proposal endorsed by Pope Francis is the United Nations’ call for a global cease-fire, Cardinal Turkson said. A complete cessation of hostilities would be necessary for achieving the peace, solidarity and global unity needed for successfully dealing with the pandemic and its effects, he said. “But one thing is to call or endorse a cease-fire statement, another thing is to implement it” and get it to hold, he said, which means “we need to freeze weapons production and dealing” and end investments in armaments. Salesian Sister Alessandra Smerilli, a member of the COVID-19 commission and an economic expert, said, “We are at a stage in which we must understand where to direct financial resources.”

World & Nation

Ruling in Montana case called ‘welcome victory’ for religious freedom BY KURT JENSEN  Catholic News Service

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Montana resident Kendra Espinoza, a key plaintiff in a religious rights case involving school choice, poses stands in front of the U.S. Supreme Court with her daughters Sarah and Naomi. The court ruled June 30 that religious schools cannot be excluded from Montana’s school tax-credit program. CNS photo/Will Dunham, Reuters

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WASHINGTON • The consensus from religious liberty advocates following the June 30 Supreme Court ruling on public funds and sectarian schools is the Blaine amendments, a hated remnant of 19th-century anti-Catholic bigotry, are finally gone for good. “The court should be applauded ... for stating clearly that laws like Montana’s that treat people of faith like second-class citizens have no place under our Constitution,” Carrie Severino, president of the advocacy group Judicial Crisis Network, said in a statement posted on Twitter. The case, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, was brought by three mothers who had been sending their children to Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell with the help of a state scholarship program created in 2015. The Montana Department of Revenue issued an administrative rule a few months after the program started, saying the tax credit donations could only go toward nonreligious, private schools. In its 5-4 ruling the Supreme  Roberts Court said this exclusion violated the U.S. Constitution. called the Writing for the majority, Chief JusBlaine tice of the United States John Roberts cited the Blaine amendments, a ban amendments on government aid to sectarian causes or religious institutions that came out ‘born of of an era in which official government bigotry.’  hostility to Catholics was at its peak. Montana ratified a Blaine Amendment to its state constitution in 1889 and again in 1972. Thirty-six other states also have them. “Many of the no-aid provisions belong to a more checkered tradition shared with the Blaine Amendment of the 1870s,” Roberts observed. “That proposal – which Congress nearly passed – would have added to the federal Constitution a provision similar to the state no-aid provisions, prohibiting states from aiding ‘sectarian’ schools.” Roberts called the Blaine amendments “born of bigotry,” adding, “The no-aid provisions of the 19th century hardly evince a tradition that should inform our understanding of the Free Exercise Clause.” Kari Beckman, executive director of Regina Caeli Academy, Roswell, GA, hopes more future court rulings will be based on that First Amendment clause, including any upcoming appeals Even in retirement, money based on a new Supreme Court ruling expanding theyour definition should keep working for you. Your of sex in the anti-discrimination provisions of Title VII of the portfolio will need to support your standard of living which can be Civil Rights Act of 1964.

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 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 23

Covid

‘Our Beloved Dead’

Bishop O’Connell celebrates Mass of Requiem for those who died during pandemic shutdown

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

ishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., looked intently upon a packet of neatly folded white pages placed atop a closed, walnut casket. On those pages – more than 1,100 names of those in the Diocese who have died since March 1. “We lift them all to almighty God at this diocesan Memorial Mass, praying that God might have mercy on their souls to bring them to rest, to bring them to peace,” Bishop O’Connell said as he celebrated a Mass of Requiem June 17 in the chapel of St. Anne Mausoleum, Wall. Celebrated without a congregation with only a handful of concelebrants, the Mass was shown on diocesan media sites, reaching several thousand viewers in the first few hours. The names of the deceased were submitted – at the Bishop’s invitation – by 65 parishes in the Diocese. TIME OF REMEMBRANCE In his homily, Bishop O’Connell acknowledged that with any death, sadness weighs heavily upon the loved ones of the deceased. But during the past several months, the weight, he said, “is a little heavier than any other time because safety measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic kept us from saying goodbye to our beloved dead in the ways with which we are familiar and accustomed in the Catholic Church. “Today we gather up all the grief and all the sadness from throughout the Diocese of Trenton and its parishes and its families, and we present that sadness and grief to God,” he said. “Please join with me in praying for them as we call to mind their names written on these pages. We call to mind their faces, the sounds of their voices, all

the things that have meant so much to us because they were part of our lives,” said the Bishop, who then bowed his head, folded his hands in prayer and led a few moments of silence. COMFORTING MESSAGES Drawing from the day’s Readings, the Bishop cited several points for the bereaved to reflect upon as they cope with loss. “Our grieving is the price we pay for loving,” Bishop O’Connell said, referring to the Raising of Lazarus in John’s Gospel and how Mary, Martha and Jesus mourned the death of their brother and friend. The Bishop described the words “And Jesus wept” as consoling “for those of us who have lost a loved one in recent months.

 “Today … we present that sadness and grief to God.”  “When you think about those words, you sense the humanity of the Lord Jesus who was moved to tears at the death of someone close to him,” Bishop O’Connell said. “In the Lord Jesus, we have a God who knows our pain, who has felt our pain, who grieves and weeps with us in our time of suffering. Our grief is the price we pay for love.” He also reminded mourners of St.

24 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians and how in faith, “we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus, will raise us also.” In addition to the immortality of having life with God, there is also the immortality of memories. “We must remember our beloved dead, sometimes with tears, sometimes with melancholy, sometimes with smiles and laughter, sometimes with a wish that they were still there, but always with gratitude to almighty God for the gift they were, for the gift they still are,” he said. “That’s the one thing that death cannot take away from us. We must remember them, pray for them and believe in our faith and in our hearts that they remember and pray for us.” Father Carlos Aguirre, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Toms River, offered parts of the Mass in Spanish. Father Damian McElroy, pastor of St. Catharine-St.

During the Mass of Requiem June 17, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., stands before a symbolic casket as he prays over pages containing the names of more than 1,100 men and women who died during the pandemic shutdown. DOT YouTube screenshot

Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, to which St. Anne Mausoleum and Chapel belongs, was also at the altar, among others. TOGETHER THROUGH GRIEF Wendy Reading of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, said she has been overwhelmed by the parish support she received since her mother’s passing March 17. The days prior to March 17 were especially stressful, Reading said, as first the wing and then the entire nursing home facility in which her mother lived was forced to close. However, Reading was grateful that her mother was able to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick before she died. She was also thankful for the graveside prayer service her pastor, Father Michael Hall, led a few days later with extended family members in attendance.

“I had to accept that a funeral Mass could not be held in church,” Reading said, adding that other prayer experiences, including the Mass of Requiem, were deeply appreciated “during this terrible time.” Jim Tuohy of St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction, said the Mass gave him a sense of closure as he continues to mourn the death of his father, who died March 28. “It was beautiful,” he said of the Mass. “I am happy to be part of a parish and a Diocese who took the time to think of their parishioners in that way.” ETERNAL REST The pages of names that were prayed over at the Requiem Mass will be buried in St. Anne Cemetery. Father Chris Dayton, parochial vicar in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, who helped

To view the Mass of

Requiem, visit YouTube.com/ trentondiocese

organize the Mass, explained that the decision to bury the packet there was made by staff from St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish and the O’Brien Funeral Home, which provided the casket for the Mass. According to accounts, many years ago, a baby was found and taken to a local hospital but passed away. The hospital contacted O’Brien Funeral Home and the Spring Lake parish about handling the funeral arrangements and burial. When Msgr. Thomas Luebking, who was pastor at the time, was informed, he named the baby John, and the parish donated a grave for John’s burial. John was the first baby to be buried in St Anne Cemetery. The packet of names of all who died during the pandemic months will be buried near baby John.

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 25

Covid

Choirs unite in song despite physical distance BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

uarantine precautions may be preventing vocalists and instrumentalists from worshipping through music in church, but their ingenuity and determination are finding methods to bridge the pandemic gap. Choirs based in schools and parishes have been utilizing technology to blend separate performances into a harmonious, nuanced whole. With the aid of tablets, smartphones and computers, musicians can record a musical track and share it with vocalists who sing in harmony with it. Others edit numerous recordings to align the tracks, combine the video, and post a polished, joyful, even reverential showcase of their musical talents for YouTube or other platforms. In St. Anselm Parish, Tinton Falls, music minister Michael Zorner and pastor Father Eugene Vavrick crafted its choir performance of “If You Love Me” by Joel Raney into what the parish dubs a “musical bouquet.” The voices of 26 choir members, each in their own home, were “knitted together to offer a gift of peace, hope and encouragement not only for the parish family, but for all within hearing distance,” said Joe Garipoli, St. Anselm parishioner whose wife and daughter sing together in the choir. Reminding faithful of the words of Christ found in the Book of John 14:15, 27, the song reminds the listeners “My peace I give you … I will comfort you in times of trouble … If you love me, keep my commands.” Similarly, Cindy Wald, vocal music teacher in Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, for 27 years, admitted the limitations of online classes makes it difficult for choirs to sing together. “I decided to create an assignment where the students would funnel our thoughts about the pandemic,” she explained. “It was a tough time: [When school went online] we were three days away from leaving for a Boston [musical] competition and about one-and-a-half weeks away from putting on the school play,” she said. She enlisted the help of her son, Erich TO HEAR Wald, a Barnegat middle school music RECORDINGS: teacher, who laid the music foundation  St. Anselm Parish, for an original song, “When It’s Over,” Tinton Falls • “If You compiling students’ reflections and comLove Me” by Joel Raney ments on their physical separation. Then • www.youtube.com/ eight members of the Donovan Catholic watch?v=q1g6hDbjA4w Jazz Choir recorded their parts and sent  Donovan Catholic the clips to him. High School, Toms River In a 4:22 video posted on YouTube • “When It’s Over” by and the school’s website, choristers Erich Wald • youtu.be/ imagine the “things that should have KrzF7bLwvcM happened” during the pandemic, the teens do not “hold onto memories that are broken,” but instead share their hopes and plans for when the separation is over.

26 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

This photo, provided by Father Charles Muorah, parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, shows residents living in the Diocese of Onitsha lining up for supplies at a food station during the COVID-19 pandemic. Father Muorah is among the local missionaries who participates in the annual Missionary Cooperation Plan; he travels to parishes in the Diocese each summer making mission appeals to benefit his home diocese in Nigeria. Photo courtesy of Father Charles Muorah

Local missionaries reflect on pandemic’s global impact BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

ut of concern for safety and in following protocols surrounding the coronavirus, the diocesan Missionary Cooperative Plan has been canceled this year. And while the roster of missionaries will not be making their traditional weekend visits to the Diocese’s 98 parishes this summer and sharing with faithful about their experiences of service in other parts of the world, there are a number of missionaries local to the Diocese who offered perspective about the pandemic’s impact in the countries where they minister. “It’s becoming more evident each day that we are all interrelated,” said Msgr. Vincent Gartland, a retired priest of  “The missionaries the Diocese. “What affects people in one small part of the are doing the globe eventually affects people best they can everywhere. It is in our own interest as a nation to do what in challenging we can to build up health care systems in developing councircumstances.”  tries and to provide incentives for governments to provide basic education and social services for their people.” Speaking about Guatemala, specifically the Diocese of Quiché, where he has been involved with mission work for 30 years, Msgr. Gartland said the COVID-19 cases at first were concentrated more in the city. However, rural areas, including the Diocese of Quiché, are now seeing an increase of cases. Though the country has been under a curfew for several

Continued on 61

lic t ho eCa

LIVES of FAITH oto ph

he opportunity to live and serve among the Diocese of Trenton’s faithful has been a gift given by God to Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and the clergy who are marking milestone anniversaries this year. Whether it’s during times of joy, sorrow

or uncertainty, these faithful servants have remained steadfast in their desire to bring the Light of Christ to all through Word and deed. The Monitor pays tribute to these men of God and the inspiration they offer us through their Lives of Faith. July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 27

Lives of Faith October 12-14, 2012 As an answer to the call of Pope Benedict XVI to celebrate the Year of Faith “in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope,” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., led the Diocese’s first Eucharistic Congress at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, an event that drew an estimated 20,000 men, women, teens and children who took part in Masses, Eucharistic Adoration, concerts, dramatic and cultural performances, spiritual talks and more. Jeff Bruno photo

February 19, 2017 Symbolism and ritual were witnessed by the diocesan community when they gathered for a Mass to commemorate the elevation of St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Freehold, to a co-cathedral. Bishop O’Connell was joined by Archbishop Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States, far right, and a new framed coat of arms was presented to Msgr. Sam Sirianni, Co-Cathedral rector, left. Looking on is Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, diocesan vicar general. Craig Pittelli photo

September 23, 2015 Bishop O’Connell applauds as Pope Francis makes his way down the aisle of St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral, Washington, during the Pope’s historic visit to the United States. Associated Press photo 28 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

November 2012

Bisho

Anniver

YEARS

Bishop O’Connell and Msgr. Philip Lowery inspect the ripped roof of St. James School, Red Bank, following Superstorm Sandy. The Bishop’s outreach stretched wide after the storm, which caused millions of dollars of damage to church properties across the Diocese. Father Ariel Robles photo

“

n our belief, like Mary, we hand ourselves over to God again, and again and again. We hand ourselves over to Christ remembering that nothing is impossible with God. In him and only in him, the impossible is possible; the inconceivable is conceived, and in him we say we are all servants of the Lord.” Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., spoke these words during the first Mass he celebrated as Bishop of Trenton on Dec. 8, 2010, in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. And as he marks the dual 10th anniversaries of his episcopal ordination and as Bishop of Trenton this year, these words have been a continual guidepost as he set forth to carry out his many responsibilities of serving as the Diocese’s chief shepherd. The Monitor MagaNovember 4, 2015 zine presents this photographic Following Mass in the Basilica of the National Shrine retrospective featuring some of of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, Bishop the many highlights from Bishop O’Connell blesses pilgrims who had traveled there O’Connell’s tenure over the past from the Diocese of Trenton. Diocesan pilgrimag10 years. es to the shrine have taken place every few years during his tenure as Bishop of Trenton. Ken Falls photo

October 4, 2016 The annual Catholic Schools Mass was an opportunity for the Bishop to gather in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, with more than 800 students, teachers and staff from Catholic schools in the Diocese. Craig Pittelli photo

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 29

Lives of Faith

November 12, 2012 As part of the Year of Faith and coinciding with the Feast of the Miraculous Medal, Bishop O’Connell celebrated a Solemn Pontifical High Mass for the first time in the Diocese in 40 years, which was broadcasted by EWTN. In November 2011, the Bishop made Mass in the Extraordinary Form more available to the faithful, in response to Pope Benedict XVI’s 2007 call. Craig Pittelli photo

Anniver

YEARS

June 3, 2017 Ordaining men to the priesthood is a great joy for Bishop O’Connell, who, in this photo, receives the Promise of Obedience from Father Michael Kennedy. Craig Pittelli photo

30 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Following the annual diocesan Las Antorchas Guadalupanas celebration in Trenton, seen here, Bishop O’Connell and faithful took prayer petitions with them on pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine in Mexico. John Batkowski photo

Bisho

December 2-7, 2018

I think, maybe, my response is more than you Q&A with Bishop butbargained for when you asked the question!Â

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regularly. I realize that other U.S. dioceses are witnessing a similar downturn, but other areas of the country are happily trending in the other direction. I hear many reasons from the faithful for this decline â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some of which, frankly, are excuses rather than real reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but all of us in the Diocese need to confront this worrisome trend and try to turn it around. There is more to this issue than I can address adequately here but, believe me, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on my mind day and night. Â On a more personal level, the loss of my left leg due to a bone infection several years ago has changed so much of the way I do things. It has been challenging, at times, but I think I have adapted pretty well. Â It hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t affected my ability to get around. Â Another bishop similarly challenged once shared with me some words of encouragement given him by Pope John Paul II. Â He apologized to the Holy Father for his prosthetic leg and a noticeable limp to which the Pope responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Excellency, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lead the Diocese with your leg.â&#x20AC;? Â There are many other things that come to mind

THE MONITOR: YOU MENTIONED EARLIER BUILDING A â&#x20AC;&#x153;STABLE HOME AND FUTURE.â&#x20AC;?Â WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH IN OUR DIOCESE?Â BISHOP: As Catholics, we are people of hope.

Hope characterizes our Catholic outlook on life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in our â&#x20AC;&#x153;Catholic DNA.â&#x20AC;? Hope looks to the future. For the Catholic, all hope is rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ and his promise to be with us â&#x20AC;&#x153;all days, even to the end of time (Matthew 28:20).â&#x20AC;? Â That is something I never doubt. Â In these last few months the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting economic and financial hardships as well as the civil unrest and racial tensions that have taken hold of our nation have deepened both the worries and divisions that already seem to plague us in American society. We can DO better. We can BE better. We must. If ever there was a time for hope, it is now. Hope builds upon faith and faith leads to prayer and prayer leads to holiness. That is where the future begins. Â The future of the Church in our Diocese depends

upon our willingness â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of us, clergy, religious, faithful â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to take our faith seriously in our Diocese and to be convinced that Christ and his Church can and do make a difference. We need to be believers who are pray-ers and pray-ers who are doers. Â Being a Catholic is hard work. The Eucharist must be the center of our lives and not for just 17 percent of us. Â The Word of God and the teachings of the Church must be a way of life for us and not just a series of â&#x20AC;&#x153;doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and dontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;? as options on some cafeteria menu. We need to respect and affirm life in all its stages and not surrender to convenience, exceptions and excuses. Â We need to reach out to all people with respect and love and compassion and mercy and generosity as sisters and brothers, as children of one God and Father of us all. Â We need to embrace our identity as both the personal and communal call of the Lord Jesus. Â That is my vision for the future Church in our Diocese: to be full of faith, to be confident in hope, to be generous in love, mindful of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s words in Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. Â In the world you will have troubles but take heart I have overcome the world (John 16:33).â&#x20AC;? Â

~ Numbers 6:24-25 â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ God Bless You, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, thanks you for 10 years of dedicated service and commitment to the people of Trenton. Your ministry in Christ has been a living testimony of the Gospel and the Vincentian mission as you have led this Diocese through challenging times. May God bless you as you continue to live your motto- Ministrare non Ministrari. Ad Multos Annos! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Anniver

â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you.â&#x20AC;?

n behalf of the parishes of the Diocese, The Monitor extends heartfelt congratulations to Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., our Chief Shepherd and Publisher, on the 10th anniversary of his episcopal ordination.

Bisho

Prayers and warm wishes to Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell

YEARS Everyone here at St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, Toms River, are proud and happy to congratulate Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on the 10th anniversary of his episcopacy. We feel very blessed to have you as our Bishop! Keep on truckinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ MANY BLESSINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO MOST REVEREND DAVID M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;CONNELL, C.M., ON HIS 10th ANNIVERSARY TO THE EPISCOPACY From Rev. Eugene J. Roberts, Pastor and Staff at St. Gabrielâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church, Marlboro

Your Excellency, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, On behalf of our pastoral staff and parishioners of Incarnation-St. James, Ewing, we wish to congratulate you on your 10th Anniversary of your Ordination to the Episcopacy. As you continue to shepherd the Church of the Diocese of Trenton, may our prayers and support bring your strength, courage and good health. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Warmest Congratulations to our Good Shepherd, Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., on his 10th Episcopal Anniversary. Ad Multos Annos! Clergy and Parish of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, Whiting â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Many blessings and good wishes to Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on his 10th Anniversary. May you enjoy good health and happiness for many more years to come. Love and Prayers, Fr. J.C. Garrett, the Parishioners and Staff of Resurrection Parish, Delran Continued on 32

July 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192; ď&#x201A;Ąâ&#x20AC;&#x192; THE MONITOR MAGAZINEâ&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;31

Congratulations and best wishes to Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell Continued from 31

â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ St. Katharine Drexel Parish, Burlington, extends prayerful congratulations to our shepherd, Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, as he celebrates 10 years serving God and His people as bishop. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Visitation Parish, Brick, congratulates Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on his 10th Anniversary and prays that God will continue to bless his ministry. Ad Multos Annos! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ With Great Affection and Gratitude Holy Family Parish, Union Beach/Hazlet, Congratulates Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on the 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy. The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

The Parish Community of St. Catherine of Siena, Farmingdale, extends best wishes and congratulations on the 10th year anniversary of ordination to the Episcopacy. With immense gratitude for your pastoral care, and dedicated service to the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton. May Jesus the High Priest, bless your every effort in the days to come and keep you in His loving care. Rev. Angelito I. Anarcon, Pastor â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Dear Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, Congratulations on your 10-year anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. The people of St. Clement thank you for your dedication to the Catholic Church and for your leadership and guidance. May the Holy Spirit guide you, and may Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessings be with you as you continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Fr. Thomas Vala, Pastor, St. Clementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish in Matawan â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Thank you for your 10 years of Servant leadership for our Diocese. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you. Ad multos annos! Rev. Daniel E. Kirk, Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo in Cinnaminson â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Congratulations Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on your 10th Anniversary to the Episcopacy. From the parishioners of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Hainesport â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Dear Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, with much love, the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Lakewood is here to congratulate your 10 year anniversary. May God continue to bless you. Thank you for your leadership. Querido Obispo David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, con mucho cariĂąo la Parroquia de Nuestra SeĂąora de Guadalupe en Lakewood viene felicitarte por su aniversario de 10 aĂąos. Que Dios lo siga bendiciendo y muchas Gracias por su liderazgo. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell: St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish family of Barnegat-Manahawkin joyfully congratulates you on your 10th anniversary as our Bishop. With all our love and prayers. God bless! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choicest Blessings, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, on Your 10th Anniversary as Bishop of Trenton St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church and School, Medford Rev. Daniel F. Swift, Pastor Rev. Roy A. Ballacillo, Parochial Vicar Deacon Ken Motylinski Staff and Parishioners â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Congratulations and blessings Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on the occasion of your 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy! May God bless you. With prayers from the Parish Community of St. Joseph Church, Millstone Township â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Congratulations on your 10th anniversary of Episcopal Ordination, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell. Ad Multos Annos! Your flock at St. Mary Parish in Colts Neck â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Congratulations Bishop on your Anniversary weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re so glad you are our shepherd. Ad Multos Annos, St. Marthaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Point Pleasant

On behalf of the congregation of St. Catherine Laboure Church, Middletown, we would like to extend our warmest congratulations as you celebrate 10 years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Trenton. We pray fervently for you during this joyous time, that Almighty God would continue to bless all your endeavors and crown you with healthy spiritual enrichment.

â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ The Parish Communities of Saint Isaac Jogues, Marlton, and Saint John Neumann, Mount Laurel, wish to congratulate Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., on 10 years as the Head Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. We Pray and will continue to Pray for him and his Spiritual guidance as we navigate these interesting times. Very Rev. Phillip C. Pfleger, E.V.

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32â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;THE MONITOR MAGAZINEâ&#x20AC;&#x192; ď&#x201A;Ąâ&#x20AC;&#x192; July 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192;

On behalf of the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Assumption and Saint Joseph Parish,Trenton, we extend our sincere best wishes and congratulations to Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on the occasion of his 10th Anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. Thank you for your faithful service to God and the people of the Diocese of Trenton. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ On the occasion of your 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy, the people of Epiphany Church, Brick, pray that God continues to bless you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May He bless you with peace and joy in your ministry. Ad multos annos! Church of Epiphany, Brick Fr. Mike Santangelo, Pastor â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

With thanksgiving to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s providence for sending us Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell to guide the Church of Central New Jersey. You have been a faithful shepherd, leading us in the way of Christ. May God bless you for many years to come, and may the prayers of St Vincent and St Catherine Laboure accompany you in your ministry. From St Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown. â&#x20AC;˘ Very Rev. Daniel Hesko â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ DEO GRATIAS! The Church of Saint Rose, Saint Rose High School and Grammar School, Belmar, extends our prayerful and loving wishes and congratulations to you, Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., on your 10th Anniversary of Ordination as Bishop and Shepherd to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Trenton! Thank you for your leadership, dedication and pastoral zeal, and may Jesus, the Good Shepherd, continue to grant you good health and many more joyful years of ministry. AD MULTOS ANNOS! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Congratulations Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell on your 10th Anniversary of your Episcopal Ordination. You are a great gift from God to the Diocese of Trenton. Ministrare non Ministrari. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly in the years to come. Priests, Deacons, Parishioners of St. Mary, Mother of God Church, Middletown â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Thank you, Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, for the most excellent ministry you endow to the Diocese of Trenton. You are a source of inspiration to us. May the Holy Spirit always bless you with good health and wisdom as you shepherd your flock. Congratulations on your 10th year Anniversary! St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Prayerful congratulations, Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., JCD, DD, on your 10th anniversary. We are very grateful for your faithful ministry to Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people in the Diocese of Trenton. Remembering you in our prayers, Fr. Dennis Apoldite, Fr. Edward Kwoka, Fr. Thomas Kunnath, Fr. Charles Muorah, Staff and Parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Anniver ry

Bisho

With heartfelt gratitude for his steady guidance, unfailing faith, and noble friendship, the parish of St. Benedict in Holmdel extends to our beloved Bishop, David Michael Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., our prayers, best wishes, and highest regards on the 10th anniversary of his ordination as Bishop. Ad Multos Annos!

YEARS

Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, Congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of your service to the Church of Trenton. May God continue to bless you. Rev. Eugene Vavrick and the Parish of Saint Anselm in Tinton Falls â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, as you celebrate 10 years as Bishop, the priests, staff and parishioners of St. Joan of Arc, Marlton, offer you their prayerful best wishes and congratulations! God bless you! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Dear Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, Congratulations and best wishes to you on your 10th Anniversary. We have been blessed with the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shepherdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Careâ&#x20AC;? that you have given to us, especially during this difficult time. May God bless you and keep you in His care. The People of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly We at the Church of St. Catharine, Holmdel, are grateful for your 10 years of service as Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. Thank you for your willingness to give of yourself fully and be used where God has placed you. May God continue to bless you and our great Diocese.

La comunidad parroquial, junto a su nuevo pĂĄrroco Padre Carlos Aguirre, felicita a nuestro Obispo en su aniversario. Muchas gracias por su dedicaciĂłn y trabajo. Deseamos que Dios y nuestra Madre, la Virgen MarĂa, lo sigan iluminando en su misiĂłn. ÂĄMuchas felicidades! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

Congratulations on the occasion of your 10th Anniversary as Shepherd of the Diocese of Trenton. May God bless you and keep you, Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell. Rev. John T. Folchetti, Pastor and the Parish Family of Saint Leo the Great, Lincroft

Dear Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, Congratulations on the 10-year Anniversary of your ordination to the Episcopacy. Thank you for your leadership over the years. Our continued prayers are with you. God Bless, The Parish Family of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown

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Congratulations and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blessings on your 10th Anniversary, Bishop! The Parish and Schools of St. Joseph, Toms River, salute you and pray for you always! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ The Parish Family of St. William the Abbot, Howell, wishes to congratulate Bishop David on his 10th Anniversary at the Diocese of Trenton. We are grateful for your spiritual inspiration over these past 10 years and especially for your guidance during the last few months with the pandemic. â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

The priests, deacons, staff and parishioners of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, join in celebrating your 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton. We appreciate your dedication to ensure the needs of the faithful are met. May the love of God continue to guide you. Ad Multos Annos! â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

With praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God, we the clergy, administration, staff and volunteers of the Parish of St. Dominic, Brick, offer our prayers and support to Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell! Your leadership and prayerful example is truly a remarkable inspiration! Vivat Rex!

Congratulations and prayerful best wishes, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, on your 10th Anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton from St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Parish, Sea Girt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ad Multos Annosâ&#x20AC;?

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Congratulations and best wishes to the Most Rev. Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., as you celebrate the 10th anniversary of ordination to the episcopacy From Rev. Jacek W. Labinski, S.T.D., Pastor and the St. Hedwigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parish family, Trenton. God bless and best wishes!! AD MULTOS ANNOS! â&#x20AC;˘ STO LAT!

Congratulations and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessings to Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, C.M., 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, on your 10th anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy. Thank you for being our Bishop! With prayers and best wishes from the Priests, Staff, and Parishioners of St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Long Branch

From Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Trenton, The parish community together with its new pastor, Fr. Carlos Aguirre, congratulates our Bishop on his anniversary. Thank you so much for your dedication and your work. We pray that God and our Mother, the Virgin Mary, continue to illuminate you in your mission. Many congratulations!

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We extend our prayers and best wishes to our Shepherd, Bishop David Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell. May Our Lord continue to bless you. Father Mark Kreder and the people of St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘

The Church of the Nativity rejoices with the people of the Diocese of Trenton in honoring and celebrating Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell,Â C.M., on this anniversary of his episcopal leadership. May Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blessing continue to come upon him, as we are blessed to call him our Bishop! Father Jim Grogan and the People of Nativity Parish, Fair Haven â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ Congratulations, Bishop Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, on your 10th anniversary! We are grateful to God for the gift of your episcopal ministry. Thank you for shepherding our Diocese so well. Know of the Catholic Community of Princetonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prayers as you continue to follow Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call. St. Paul Parish, Princeton â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ With our greatest appreciation and in recognition of your dedication, faithfulness and compassion while shepherding Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flock, Father John Testa and the Parish Community of Corpus Christi Church in Willingboro wish you a Holy and Happy Anniversary. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ad Multos Annos!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘đ&#x;&#x2022;&#x2021;â&#x20AC;˘ The Parish of St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor, Rejoices with Bishop David M. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell On the 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton May God bless you today and always as you continue a life of service to the people of God in your special calling as Bishop. All our Prayers and Best Wishes.

July 2020â&#x20AC;&#x192; ď&#x201A;Ąâ&#x20AC;&#x192; THE MONITOR MAGAZINEâ&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;â&#x20AC;&#x192;33

Lives of Faith

For the People Father Amora’s legacy: living what he preaches BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

s Father Silvano “Ben” Amora prepares to retire after 43 years of active priestly ministry serving in the Philippines and in the Trenton Diocese, he happily reflects on what he considers to be one of his greatest accomplishments – “the ability to share my faith with others through teaching and preaching and my effort not to talk from the tip of the tongue, but from my heart.” “What I say is really what I believe, founded by reason, not high-sounding words. I go to the basics,” said Father Amora, parochial vicar of St. Dorothea Parish, Eatontown, explaining that he tries to live what he Father Silvano Amora believes and brings that to his relationships with parishioners, fellow priests and parish staff. “Our faith has a social dimension,” he said. “When people understand the

doctrines of Jesus Christ and the basic teachings of the Catholic Church, it creates love and commitment because … to know [him] is to love and to love is to commit oneself.” LEADING TO PRIESTHOOD Born in 1950 in Lawigan, Labason, in the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, Father Amora attended a school in Lawigan for primary grades 1-4 (1956-1960); Labason Central Elementary School for elementary grades 5-6 (19601962), and Ferrer High School, during which he lived in the parish rectory as a working student until his March 1966

34 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Prie

graduation. After high school, Father Amora became a municipal temporary worker cutting lawns and maintaining the local road in the township; worked in a plywood factory; was part of a crew on a fishing boat, and became a gardener and rice farmer. Deciding to become a priest, he moved back to the rectory in late 1967 as a sacristan, sexton, cook and housekeeper. He recalled assisting a missionary who visited the parish annually, accompanying him on visits to village chapels. Father Amora’s province officially became a diocese (Diocese of Dipolog – the capital city of Zamboanga del Norte) in October 1967, an occasion that coincided with his aspiration to become a priest. In June 1968, the young Silvano attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, where he studied philosophy. He then attended the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos, Cebu City, for theology, from 1973 to 1977. He was ordained a priest March 25, 1977, in St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Labason, by Bishop Felix S. Zafra, D.D.

t en

Courtesy photo

Retire m

Father Silvano “Ben” Amora says that during COVID-19, and always, it’s important to remember that “God is still in control.”

2020

“Be available to people; listen and talk to them.” He noted that he was the first man to be ordained a priest from his parish, adding proudly that in the past 43 years, the number has climbed to 37 men “and still counting.” EXAMPLES OF FAITH After holding a number of positions in the Diocese of Dipolog, including pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish (1978-1983), and St. Francis Xavier Parish (1983-1987), he took a leave of absence, then returned to ministry in California. He arrived to the Diocese of Trenton through the facility of a priest friend, and served in Visitation Parish, Brick, from 1987 to 1996. He was then named adjunct Continued on 37

Lives of Faith

With Grace and Gratitude Father José Fernández-Bangueses looks forward to active retirement after 50 years of priesthood BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

ather José Fernández-Bangueses reflects on his 50 years of priestly ministry as being an experience too fulfilling to simply ease out of parish life and into retirement.

2020

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“It’s been unforgettable,” he said of his seminary days, 31 years of ministry in his native Spain and nearly 20 years in New Jersey parishes. That’s why Father Fernández-Bangueses plans to remain in active ministry in Sea Girt’s St. Mark Parish, where he has served as parochial vicar for six years. Retire “I thank God t s from the moment I went into the seminary to now,” he said. “I YEARS am going to re-

iv e r s

Editor’s Note: Father José FernándezBangueses is also a golden jubilarian.

main here this coming year if my health is good and be a resident priest and do what I was doing.” HOPE AMID SORROW The only child of Jesus and Nicasa Fernández-Bangueses, the young José was born in 1945 in Arnoia, Ourense, Spain. He prepared for the priesthood in the diocesan seminary of Ourense and a year later in the University of Santiago de Compostela, where he earned degrees in both English and Spanish. “I entered the seminary at the age of 12,” he recalled. “We used to do things very early in those days.” Ordained Sept. 7, 1970, by Bishop Miguel A. Araujo Iglesias, he served in Spain as a parochial vicar, administrator and

Father José Fernández-Bangueses says his 50 years in ministry, including at St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt, have been unforgettable. Courtesy photo

pastor in several parishes. He also served as a teacher and director of the migration apostoFather José late and vocations Fernández-Bangueses in his diocese and taught in the diocesan seminary.

“Coming here called my attention to how much people appreciated a priest.” After three decades as a priest there, Father Fernández-Bangueses began his ministry in the United States in the Archdiocese of Newark on Sept. 10, 2001. Attracted by the vibrancy of faith that was so apparent on visits and teaching experiences in the United States, Father Fernández-Bangueses said he was anticipating a dynamic experience of faith. He remembers arriving that day with a sense of optimism and a lot of hope that “a wonderful experience” was about to begin. He settled in at St. John Parish, Orange, where he would serve as parochial vicar, never dreaming what the next day would bring. On the morning of Sept. 11, he described finding his new pastor, Msgr. Ricardo González, absorbed by a commotion on the television. He quickly realized something was terribly wrong. “I saw the towers smoking,” he said. Then, he and the pastor saw them fall, claiming the lives of thousands and

Continued on 37

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 35

Lives of Faith

A New Day Father Lukaszewski approaches retirement with trust in the Lord BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

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n the weeks leading up to July 1, the day he would retire as pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, Retire Bayville, Father t s Stanley P. Lukaszewski spent some time thinking about all he’s experienced in his 41 years of priesthood. One of many highlights was tallying the number of Sacraments he celebrated since his May 19, 1979, ordination day – 8,218. “I can see how God opened many doors for me so then I could open doors and help lead others to him,” he said, as he gave the breakdown of celebrating 1,650 Baptisms, 4,090 First Holy Communions, 707 marriages and journeying with some 1,771 women and men preparing to “open

2020

a new door called Resurrection and eternal life.” “I’ve been blessed,” he said. “All along I have had good mentors and good parishes where I loved and did my best to care for the people. What adds to the joy of my priesthood are the many friends I have made over the years, whether they are priests … or parishioners. To have good friendships that span many years is a remarkable gift that God has given to me.” A PRIEST IN THE MAKING Father Lukaszewski was born in 1950 in Trenton to Frank and Josephine Lukaszewski. Raised in a devout Catholic household, his family, which also includes his brother, John, worshiped in the city’s Holy Cross Parish (now part of Sacred Heart), where his priestly vocation was inspired. He recalled the priestly example set by Msgr. Thaddeus Wojciehowski, the longtime pastor, and other priests who served the parish during the years he was

a student in Holy Cross School and through his being an altar server. Any thoughts of the priesthood Father Lukaszewski may have had did not surface to the fore until well after Father Stanley P. he graduated from Lukaszewski Trenton Central High School. He was working as a supermarket manager when, to his surprise, he was asked by a customer if he had ever considered becoming a priest. When Father Lukaszewski did not respond with a definite no, the customer suggested he speak with his son, who was Msgr. James McManimon, a longtime priest of the Diocese.

“To have good friendships that span many years is a remarkable gift.” “And before I knew it, I found myself in St. Mary Seminary” in St. Mary, Ky., he said. His formation also included studies in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Darlington. VARIED RESPONSIBILITIES The years following his ordination by Bishop George W. Ahr led Father Lukaszewski to serve parish assignments in all four counties of the Diocese including two as parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, and St. Veronica Parish, Howell, and three as pastor in Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro, 1994-1999; St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, 1999-2012, and St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, from 2012 until his retirement. Each of the assignments, he said, provided great learning experiences, whether it was the administrative duties of running Continued on 37

Father Stanley Lukaszewski lights a candle with the help of an altar server at the 2018 Easter Vigil Mass in St. Barnabas Church, Bayville. John Blaine photo

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Lives of Faith

‘God is still in control,’ Father Amora says Continued from 34

priest to St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor. His 1996-2002 tenure there included six months as a temporary administrator. Father Amora’s next assignment was an adjunct priest in St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River, and then parochial vicar following his incardination into the Diocese in 2003. Five years later, he was appointed parochial vicar

of St. Ann Parish, Keansburg, and transferred to St. Dorothea Parish in 2012. In recent months, Father Amora said he has spent time during the coronavirus pandemic in prayerful reflection and visiting the Blessed Sacrament. He remains ever-faithful that “God is still in control,” noting that life before the pandemic was so busy that “many times, we couldn’t have quality time for reflection and see

our inner selves.” In retirement, Father Amora looks forward to returning to the Philippines and living near family. Offering some advice to prospective priests based on his own years of service, he said, “Be available to people; listen and talk to them. Let them know you care. … Give them the best example of faith.”

Father Fernández-Bangueses grateful for faithful friendships altering the lives of millions forever. The anthrax scare soon followed, adding to the fear and the upset of the times. “I was terrified and very sad. At least I had people around me. But I could never forget it,” he said. His spirit was uplifted by the genuine concern of his new community. “Coming here called my attention to how much people appreciated a priest,” he said. “In Europe, things are different. Here, they value the faith. That’s why I came, and I never [regretted] it.” POSITIVE STEP

harmonious blend of communities, which he considers a true American-Spanish experience. He said the festive, drive-by celebration for which the community united June 8 to celebrate his retirement and golden jubilee as well as the 45th anniversary of Msgr. Sean P. Flynn’s priestly ordination reflected that sense of togetherness admirably. Msgr. Flynn is pastor of St. Mark Parish. “To live as a priest on this landscape has been unique,” Father Fernández-Bangueses said. “I felt appreciated and loved.”

Retire m t en

Father Fernández-Bangueses went on to serve in St. Joseph of Palisades Parish, West New York. It was during that time that he visited Asbury Park and met

Bishop John M. Smith, who, impressed with his language skills, encouraged Fernández-Bangueses to consider coming to the Trenton Diocese, where the Hispanic population was growing. “I was very happy. You don’t forget a really wonderful experience,” he said of the invitation. Arriving in the Trenton Diocese in 2006, Father Fernández-Bangueses was incardinated in 2008. Assigned as a parochial vicar in Our Lady of Angels Parish, Trenton, he served there until June 2010. He then was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Red Bank, where he served before arriving to St. Mark in 2014. He is grateful for all the parishes in which he has served and is happy to be transitioning to retirement life as a resident priest in St. Mark Parish with its

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2020

Father Lukaszewski: Awareness of new doors is key Continued from 36

a parish or the more spiritual in nature. Father Lukaszewski also served in numerous diocesan positions, including as associate moderator and later moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; assistant director of the Priests’ Personnel Office for several terms; the Diocesan Building Commission; dean of Coastal Monmouth County, and the Educational Advisory Council Finance and Planning Committee. He appreciated his

appointment as episcopal vicar of Ocean County, and especially enjoyed having the opportunity to travel to parishes around the Diocese to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for young people. “I enjoyed being able to share messages about concrete things that were important to them,” he said. “I enjoyed meeting them at their level. The Confirmations will be something that I miss when I retire.” As he settles into retirement in Villa Vianney, the diocesan retirement facil-

ity for priests in Lawrenceville, Father Lukaszewski looks forward to assisting in parishes with Masses and other sacramental celebrations. He is also grateful to have more time to spend with his family, which includes his brother and sister-in-law, his nephew and wife and grandniece. “God wants to open doors for all of us, and if we trust in his love for us, we’ll know what to do,” he said. “We’ll know how to open the doors of life to let him in and lead us.” July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 37

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Lives of Faith

YEARS

‘My Heart Desires to Serve’ Msgr. Peter Kochery’s long priestly ministry continues to flourish in retirement BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

or Msgr. Peter Kochery, the seeds of his priestly vocation were planted at an early age – during Mass with his bishop as a young teenager in India.

“My vocation was very straightforward,” recalled Msgr. Kochery, who is celebrating his 50th priestly ordination this year. The priest, who retired last year as a parochial vicar from St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, continues to serve there as senior priest.

“There is still faith … I think we need to help revitalize it.” He shared that his family of six lived a religious life, dedicated to the belief that Christianity was brought to India by the Apostle Thomas. The four children – Peter, Abraham, Babby and Elizabeth – accompanied their parents, Thomas and Mary, to church every Sunday. They prayed as a family twice a day, morning and evening, he said. “We grew up in a tiny church. … It was

a small mission station, and priests used to visit every now and then. I was the only Catholic in a non-Catholic school,” he said. In 1957, the bishop of Msgr. Kochery’s diMsgr. Peter Kochery ocese came to visit a neighboring church, and young Peter was chosen to be an altar server. Afterward, he was told the bishop wanted to see him. “I had been playing and running around [with friends] and I got worried, but when I went to see the bishop, he was smiling.” “I liked your reading. Do you want to become a priest?” Msgr. Kochery remembers the bishop asking. The young Peter responded “Yes,” and the bishop, referencing the political climate of the time, said,

38 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Msgr. Kochery, who retired last year as a parochial vicar from St. Thomas More Parish, continues to serve the Manalapan community. Mike Ehrmann photo

“The communists are going to beat and persecute priests. Are you afraid?” “I said, ‘No,’” Msgr. Kochery recalled, and the bishop said, “Please come and see me after you finish high school.” “I knew and the family knew that I was going to be a priest,” he said. “I have never regretted that for one single moment. I believe it was God’s call.” JOURNEY OF MINISTRY Msgr. Kochery was born in 1943 in Thammanimattam, India. He completed his preparation for the priesthood in the Pontifical Athenaeum, Pune, India, where he received a licentiate in philosophy and theology. He was ordained in 1970 in Tiruvalla, India, by Bishop Zacharias Mar Athanasios. After 13 years as pastor serving in three different parishes, he was sent to pursue doctoral studies in theology at the Toronto School of Theology, Continued on 40

Lives of Faith

A Fulfilling Life Gratitude the operative feeling for Father Zec’s half-century vocation BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

ather John J. Zec happily admits that the people he has met during his ministry are among the best memories of his 50year priesthood.

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“I learned from the people what Church is all about,” he said. “I never thought 50 would come so quickly!” Father Zec was born n i n ve in Perth Amboy, the A r first child to John t and Mary Zec. He prepared for the priesthood in St. Charles YEARS College Seminary, Catonsville, Md., and St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. “I have always been grateful for the excellent education and “[I’m grateful to all [there] who have been so good to me,” Father John Zec says of his time teaching at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft. Courtesy photo

preparation received from the Sulpician Fathers at St. Mary Seminary and University,” he affirmed. He was ordained to the priesthood May 30, 1970, in Holy Spirit Church, Perth Amboy, by Bishop John C. Reiss, who, at the time was auxiliary bishop of Trenton. Along his journey, he admits there were many positive personal moments accompanied by challenging ones. “Life was difficult at times,” he said, noting that his paternal grandmother died right before he entered the seminary; his maternal grandmother died soon after his priestly ordination and his mother died just before he celebrated his 25th anni-

versary as a priest. “But I was grateful for all the opportunities.” MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS Following his ordination, Father Zec served as parochial vicar in Father John J. Zec St. James Parish, Red Bank; St. Mary Parish, Deal (now part of Our Lady of Hope Parish, West Long Branch); St. Ambrose Parish, Old Bridge; Holy Innocents Parish, Neptune; Nativity Parish, Fair Haven; Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, West Trenton, and St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. He also served as spiritual moderator of the Holy

“God has blessed me always with wonderful opportunities and insights into faith.” Innocents Society in Monmouth County. Further studies included The Juilliard School of Music at Lincoln Center, New York City; John XXIII Center at Fordham, where he received a master of arts degree in Eastern Christian Studies, and The Catholic University of America, Washington, where he received master of music and doctoral degrees in music and liturgical studies. “When I was in Washington for studies, I was greatly rewarded spiritually as chaplain for a small order of nuns, who taught me how to make the most out of very little,” Father Zec recalled. “They sewed vestments, and they would make afghans of the leftover fabric and give them to the poor to warm them in winter.” Continued on 40

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 39

Lives of Faith

Msgr. Peter Kochery hopeful for faith renewal after COVID headquarters. He recalled that there came a time when he had the option to return to India or remain in either Canada or the United States to teach or continue in pastoral ministry. “I liked everything here,” he said. “So I decided to continue here in parish work.” PRIESTLY JOURNEY

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Incardinated into the Trenton Diocese in 2007, Msgr. Kochery was assigned as parochial vicar of St. Thomas More Parish in 2008. In 2012, he was named a chaplain to His Holiness with the title of monsignor by Pope Benedict XVI. Now, as a senior priest in St. Thomas More Parish, his enthusiasm for his vocation and pastoral ministry remains strong. “The title has changed, but as long as

God gives me health and enthusiasm, my heart desires to serve. I thank God that I am able to do so,” Msgr. Kochery said. He added that he feels humbled to be where he is in this time of COVID-19, serving a community with strong commitment to the Catholic faith. “It is a hopeful place of Catholic faith,” Msgr. Kochery said, confident that when COVID-19 cases subside, there will be a great opportunity for rebirth and renewal in the Church. At that time, Msgr. Kochery said his focus will be on re-evangelization. “There is still faith, and according to my experience, I think we need to help revitalize it,” he said.

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Toronto, Canada. Upon his return to India in 1993, Msgr. Kochery, who also completed a three-month residential course in pastoral counseling in Vellore Christian Counseling Center in India, was appointed rector of the diocesan junior seminary and director of priestly formation in the Archdiocese of Tiruvalla. Msgr. Kochery was sent to the United States in 1997 as coordinator/president of Malankara Catholic Missions of North America to minister to the growing number of Indian Catholics. He was temporarily assigned as pastor of St. Mary Malankara in the Diocese of Dallas. His first assignment in the Trenton Diocese in 1999 was as parochial vicar in St. Veronica Parish, Howell, where the mission had a

Continued from 38

YEARS

Father Zec finds 50-year priesthood fulfilling Continued from 39

Highlights of Father Zec’s ministry included teaching, music ministry and directing the choir, especially in Red Bank Catholic High School, as well as directing bands and orchestras. He taught from 1977 to 1980 and then from 2015 to the present in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, instructing students in theology, introduction to philosophy and Latin. He remains at CBA as chaplain as well as a teacher, offering morning Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In his retirement years, Father Zec especially appreciates teaching at CBA. “I’m grateful to all [there] who have been so good to me … as well as the beloved students whom I treasure … and who have made these past five years so rewarding.” TEACHING & LEARNING In addition to CBA and RBC, Father Zec has had the opportunity to serve in a number of academic settings as a campus

minister and/or teacher in St. Rose High School, Belmar; Georgetown Preparatory, Rockville, Md.; Perth Amboy Catholic High School [grades K to 8], and Mount St. Mary’s College and Seminary, Emmitsburg. He was also assistant chaplain and an adjunct faculty member in the music department in Georgian Court University, Lakewood. In January 2015, Father Zec retired from Georgian Court University. He currently serves in several parishes locally and in the Metuchen Diocese; he also maintains his faculties to serve in the Eparchy of Passaic, in both Ruthenian Catholic Churches of St. Michael and St. Nicholas and others – for which he is thankful. “[It] has complemented my background in Western Latin Spirituality with Eastern Christian Spirituality,” he said. In addition to parochial duties, he continues his interest in music, as organist and composer, and musical studies in Eastern

40 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Christian and Byzantine music. He marked his 50th anniversary of ordination quietly, given the COVID-19 restrictions, with a video he submitted to the Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Perth Amboy. “When restrictions are lifted, maybe we’ll get together,” he noted, “but as a priest, I always thought of it as being a servant – and as a servant, you get a pat on the back, but I don’t need a big celebration.” While life as a priest has not always been easy, Father Zec said it has always been greatly fulfilling. “Whether in parishes, schools or academic studies, God has blessed me always with wonderful opportunities and insights into faith, ministry, Church and life,” he observed. He likened his ministry to that of Moses: “It’s like going before the burning bush – you take off your shoes, and God will show you something more.”

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Lives of Faith

Realizing God’s Plan With sights set on business, Father Santangelo instead follows faith

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Seton Hall University, South Orange. After time as a Carmelite, he changed his focus to the diocesan priesthood and was ordained by Bishop YEARS John C. Reiss on Sept. 9, 1995, BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. t’s easy when you look back on your life, and all the steps are After completing his first assignment in place, to see God’s plan,” Father Michael A. Santangelo as parochial vicar in St. Joan of Arc Parish, said as he reflected on his 25 years of priestly ministry. “It is a Marlton, Father Santangelo served as parochial vicar in St. Paul Parish, Princeton, graced moment.” before his 2003 assignment as adminisFather Santangelo, who serves as pas“If you want to be a trator, and later, pastor of St. Paul Parish, tor of Epiphany Parish, Brick, and as CathBurlington. Shortly after he arrived in real radical, olic Scouting chaplain for the Diocese of Trenton, has enjoyed many of those graced do what God wants Burlington, he underwent cancer surgery on his tongue. The priest credits his moments throughout his life, beginning you to do.” youthful training with his time as a third-grade chorister in in the choir as better diction. “I sang all the way through his Bayshore community parish. [St. Mary] high school [in South Amboy.]” helping to restore Born in 1967 in Montclair, young his diction after the Father Santangelo admitted he had Michael grew up as a member of Keanssurgery. He also big plans upon his 1990 graduation from burg’s St. Ann Parish with a bit of a vocal served as chaplain Rutgers University with a bachelor’s dedisadvantage. to the Serra Club gree in economics focused on finance and “I had a thick New York accent. accounting. “I thought I would be running International of Everyone in Keansburg did back then,” he the Big 8 [national accounting firms], but I Burlington County. said, explaining that rather than going to In 2008, Father became more involved with campus minisspeech therapy, one of the religious sisters Santangelo became try my last two years of school. recommended he join the choir to learn Father Michael A. parochial vicar in “I was heading toSantangelo St. Mary of the ward accounting and knew who I was going Lake Parish, Lakewood, before moving to St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford. to be,” he continued. His tenure at Epiphany Parish began “I had to let go and realize God’s plan was March 1, 2013. In Epiphany Parish, Father Santangelo better, though it was said there is a strong emphasis on evandifficult.” gelization, noting the parish livestreams FAMILY OF FAITH Mass each week and had finished a novena for the Holy Spirit just before Pentecost Father Santangethis year. Meetings and retreats with core lo prepared for the volunteers and the parish in general have priesthood in Washbeen put on hold due to the coronavirus, ington Theological but plans exist to resume in the fall. “We Union, Silver Spring, Md., and Immaculate need to fan the embers, renew the spark,” Conception Seminary, he said. Epiphany’s pastor expressed gratitude about how the family of faith have been Father Michael Santanreaching out to those in need during the gelo awards a Boy Scout pandemic. earlier this year during “We have volunteers to call everyone the annual Court of Honon our rolls to check on them, alert them or in Epiphany Church, Continued on 45 Brick. Rich Hundley photo

Lives of Faith

A Priest at Heart Father Sumanga reflects on service, fraternity, teachable moments

Father Oscar Sumanga distributes communion during in-car Mass at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Hightstown. Courtesy photo

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

sk Father Oscar B. Sumanga to pinpoint highlights of his 25 years as a priest, and he responds with one – everything.

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“I love being a priest,” said Father “I love to teach and Sumanga, explaining that it has been the serve the faithful. lived experiences – whether joyful or That is what gives challenging – that have shaped his priestly ministry. me joy.” The 51-year-old pastor of St. Anthoin the Philippines, ranging from a station ny of Padua Parish, Hightstown, says his manager for Radio Veritas, a philosophy vocation began as a child growing up in professor in Mater Salutis College Semihis native Philippines. As a third-grade altar server, he was inspired by the positive nary, as spiritual director of White Cross Orphanage and parochial vicar of the examples set by the priests in his home National Shrine Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. Having the support of family – his Parish, Makati. parents, a brother and three sisters – and Managing a commercial radio an unwavering desire to beAnniver station that was owned by the come a priest, he said, helped t Catholic Church gave Father him realize he was ready to Sumanga a greater appreciabegin formation at the age of tion for the communications 12 in a minor seminary. field, he said. That experience led to his YEARS He learned how radio was a studying at the Central Semikey evangelization tool, he said, nary of the Pontifical Univerexplaining how attending Mass sity of Santo Tomas, Manila, where in the Philippines is sometimes different he earned degrees in philosophy, theology than in the United States. and canon law. Because of the distance between EVANGELIZATION TOOLS villages and the limited availability of priests, there are times when the faithFather Sumanga was 26 when he was ful go months without attending Mass. ordained a priest June 3, 1995, by Bishop Transportation also can be challenging for José C. Sorra for the Diocese of Legazpi. priests – some walk miles or row a boat He went on to serve various ministries

to remote areas to celebrate Mass. In these cases, radio programs can help bring faith to people, he said. Keeping up with technology over the years has proved helpful in Father Oscar B. his assignments, inSumanga cluding livestream Masses during the COVID-19 lockdown. “Communications is a very powerful tool,” he said. RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME Father Sumanga’s 2002 arrival to the Diocese of Trenton came by way of what was supposed to be a monthlong visit to see relatives in Mount Holly. It was right before Easter when the Diocese gave him permission to assist with celebrating Holy Week liturgies in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton. Though Holy Week came to an end, the need for Father Sumanga’s assistance did not. Eventually, he discussed with diocesan officials and the diocesan Priest Personnel Office his desire to serve as a priest in the Diocese. “I extended my vacation from a month to now 18 years later,” he said. His assignments in the Diocese have included serving as an adjunct priest in Continued on 45

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 43

Lives of Faith

An Unfinished Project Father Valle continues to grow in his ‘forever priesthood’

“After 25 years since my ordination, I do not consider myself finished or having reached perfection. I am a priest who is in the process of formation and conversion,” said Father Valle, parochial vicar in St. Paul Parish, Princeton. Father Valle will mark his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination Aug. 19 – a journey that began many years ago in Colombia. SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS Born in 1962 in El Aguila Valle, Father Valle spent his childhood in the countryside, learning land cultivation from his father, Miguel Angel Valle. His mother, Alicia Echeverry, taught him “the most exquisite country-style peasant cuisine,” he recalled. Father Miguel D. Valle One of 10 sons, Father Valle remembered learning from a young age to adapt to needs of the moment. “Coming from a poor family, I often had to share clothes with my brothers regardless of color, size or if we liked it or not. … I learned that sharing is better than receiving.” As disagreements arose over his future – his father wanted him to become a farmer while his mother wanted him to get an education – Father Valle’s parents divorced He went on to receive an education in the village, completing high school there. Afterward, he began studies in social sciences in Risaralda, Pereira, where he was exposed to Marxism, socialism and street protests. Coming to realize the hypocrisy of these ideological groups was disconcerting for Father

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ather Miguel D. Valle views his priesthood as one in which he is constantly looking ahead.

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Valle. He recalls, “This caused me to turn away from them and spend a year thinking about how I can steer the ship of my life in another direction. YEARS “One day while I was meditating at church, I began to think to myself and said, ‘Miguel, if you want to serve the community and your people from the social sciences, why don’t you do it by preaching the Gospel? Will I become a Catholic priest? Impossible,’ I replied in the silence. At that moment, I realized it was God [speaking].” Father Valle said that he felt God’s love in his heart that super“[God] takes seded any prior plans. “He surus from our prisingly wrapped me in his arms and held me with tenderness, and place of said to me vigorously, ‘You will be comfort.” a priest forever.’”

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BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

TRUSTING IN GOD He began studying for the priesthood in Immaculate Conception Seminary, Bogota, Colombia. Father Valle was ordained Aug. 19, 1995, in Bogota, by Bishop Jorge Jiménez Carval. His assignments in Colombia included time as a teacher of dogmatic theology in Bogota, and as a teacher of Scripture in Catholic University, Pasto, Colombia. “I believe God always gets his way, just as he did with Paul, the Apostle,” Father Valle reflected. “He takes us from our place of comfort, and launches us into the experience of transforming tenderness, so that we can announce with the Gospel with joy.” Arriving in the United States in 2002, he served as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish, Toms River. He later served as an adjunct priest in St. Continued on 45

Father Miguel Valle celebrates Mass while on pilgrimage with parishioners in St. Teresa of Ávila Church, Spain. Courtesy photo

Lives of Faith

Community key part of Father Santangelo’s legacy

CHARACTER-BUILDING

discernment foster what is necessary for the priesthood: a surrender to God. “It is his journey to take,” Father Santangelo said of any man considering the priesthood. “God calls those he will make worthy and capable. We must surrender.” He added, “If you want to be a real radical, do what God wants you to do.”

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Himself an Eagle Scout, Father Santangelo has served since 1996 as diocesan Scouting chaplain, hosting a number of events each year for Scouts including the

annual Boy and Girl Scouting Awards Mass and Ceremony. Because of coronavirus conditions, Father Santangelo’s annual June trip to the Boy Scouts’ High Adventure Camp at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico has been canceled this year, but he is looking forward to attending next year. The excursion to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains, tests Scouts’ outdoor endurance, fosters leadership skills and builds character. Similar to how the camp can cultivate strong qualities in Scouts, so does a call to

to the livestreaming and our in-person Communion procedure,” Father Santangelo said. “Our Helping Hands Food Pantry was running low on supplies, so we put out an appeal on Facebook, and the response was overwhelming. The number of people they are helping has more than doubled.”

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YEARS

Service brings Father Sumanga joy Continued from 43

St. Anthony Parish and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, both Hamilton, both of which were merged into Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish. He has served as a judge in the diocesan Tribunal since 2004 and was incardinated as a priest of the Diocese in 2008. Father Sumanga says he is grateful for the fraternity he has developed with Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and other priests of the Diocese, including Msgr. Thomas N. Gervasio, pastor of Our

Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish and diocesan vicar general, whom he regards as a mentor. He says he learned much from Msgr. Gervasio about what it means to be a parish priest. That fraternity was also deeply appreciated during the four years Father Sumanga calls “the lowest point of my life.” It was during this time that he became ill and took a leave of absence. “They stood by me though,” he said with gratitude of Bishop O’Connell and his brother priests.

In the year he has been pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Father Sumanga said he finds himself feeling very much at home – a lot of which has to do with his parishioners. He enjoys serving the culturally diverse community of some 2,500 families who are Anglo as well as from the Latin American countries, the Philippines, India, Pakistan and Africa. “So you can see there are many highlights of my priesthood,” Father Sumanga said. “I love to teach and serve the faithful. That is what gives me joy.”

Father Valle ministers with ‘determined spirit’ Continued from 44

Anthony of Padua Parish, Hightstown, and was incardinated into the Diocese of Trenton Dec. 5, 2006. In 2007, he was again assigned as parochial vicar in St. Joseph Parish before being named parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Browns Mills. Father Valle was later assigned as parochial vicar in St. Mary of the Lake Parish, Lakewood, then returned to Hightstown to serve in Hispanic ministry before his current assignment in St. Paul.

“I had the opportunity to develop my priesthood ministry with a big heart and determined spirit,” he said. Father Valle said his most rewarding experience in priesthood was working as a teacher of dogmatic theology in Colombia. “I felt responsibility, but at the same time I was filled with joy, because I taught, guided and accompanied the seminarians for an entire eight years,” he explained.

His second love of ministry has been working in parishes throughout the Diocese. “I have met different communities and [helped] them understand that Jesus is not only present in the Bible, in the sacramental life or in Sunday Masses – but Jesus is present in the great book of their personal and community life,” he said. “It is my second-greatest reward as a priest to help people be connected to the earth and their own history.”

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 45

Lives of Faith

Priests of Diocese marking

special anniversaries The Diocese of Trenton is blessed to have a contingent of men who have committed to a priestly vocation. Following is a listing of those marking notable anniversaries to the priesthood in 2020.  Father Charles J. Flood, O.SS.T. (parochial vicar, Incarnation-St. James Parish, Ewing)

70 YEARS  Msgr. Frederick A. Valentino (Retired)

65 YEARS

Pries t

 Msgr. James H. Dubell (Retired)  Msgr. Eugene M. Rebeck (Retired)

Milestone YEARS

45 YEARS  Msgr. Sean P. Flynn (pastor, St. Mark Parish, Sea Girt)  Father Eugene J. Roberts (pastor, St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro)  Father Thomas J. Triggs (Retired)

40 YEARS  Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly (episcopal vicar for clergy and consecrated life and diocesan director of seminarians)

35 YEARS  Father Alex Enriquez (administrator, St. Monica Parish, Jackson)

ies

55 YEARS

niver

r sa

 Father William J. Bausch (Retired)

 Msgr. Joseph N. Rosie (pastor, St. James Parish, Red Bank)

20 YEARS  Father Paul Janvier (parochial vicar, Mother of Mercy Parish, Asbury Park)  Father John O. Chang (parochial vicar, St. Veronica Parish, Howell)

15 YEARS  Father Mark W. Crane (pastor, St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan)

10 YEARS  Father Michael Hall (pastor, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, and diocesan director of the Office of Worship)  Father Marcin D. Kania (parochial vicar, St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square)  Father Roberto Padilla (parochial vicar, St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral and St. Joseph Parish, both Trenton)

5 YEARS

 Father Thomas Kunnath (parochial vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton)

 Father James Grogan (pastor, Nativity Parish, Fair Haven)

30 YEARS

 Father John Large (pastor, St. Theresa Parish, Little Egg Harbor)

 Father Peter James Alindogan (pastor, St. Veronica Parish, Howell, and diocesan director of missions)

 Father Jason M. Parzynski (chaplain, Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, and diocesan director of vocations)

 Father Sheldon C. Amasa (parochial vicar, St. Dominic Parish, Brick)

 Father Jarlath Quinn (pastor, Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands)

46 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Congratulations and God’s Blessings!

The Staff and Parishioners of

St. Mark’s Church in Sea Girt

Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton

would like to extend our Congratulations

on your 10th Anniversary of Ordination to the Episcopacy!

Monsignor Sean P. Flynn

and blessings to our Pastor, on his 45th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood also to

Thank you for being our Bishop! The Priests, Staff, and Parishioners of St. Michael’s Church, Long Branch

Trinitarian Father, Charles J. Flood O.SS.T. as you celebrate your

30th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood on September 08, 2020.

God Bless! From Fr. Thomas Morris O.SS.T., Pastor, Priest, Deacons, Staff and Parishioners of

OIJIJIJIQ

Congratulations to

Incarnation~St. James EWING

Congratulations to all

priests and deacons celebrating a milestone anniversary and congratulations to Bishop David O’Connell on his 10th anniversary as Bishop of the Diocese of Trenton.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me. - St. Patrick

Reverend Jose Fernandez-Bangueses on his retirement.

Que el Señor los continúe bendiciéndoles abundantemente y manteniéndoles en su tierno cuidado.

The parish family of

St. Katharine Drexel

acknowledges our four Deacons for their many years of service: Deacon Al Pennise (21 years), Deacon Alex Punchello (15 years), Deacon Matthew Fung (13 years), and the newest “kid” on the block,

Deacon Walter Karpecik who has just celebrated his

10 year serving God and our parish. th

ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH • BURLINGTON

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 47

Lives of Faith

Special anniversaries observed by Diocese’s deacons

Ever since the permanent diaconate was established in the Diocese of Trenton in 1977, Catholic men have continuously responded to the call to ordained ministry through the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Today, there are more than 300 permanent deacons serving in most of the Diocese’s 98 parishes, fulfilling sacramental responsibilities such as proclaiming the Gospel, preaching the homily, presiding over Baptisms, and officiating at weddings, wakes and committals. Following is the list of permanent deacons who are marking 10, 25 and 40 years of service.

40 YEARS

10 YEARS

 Albert Paccitti (Retired, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Toms River)

Milestone YEARS

 James Walsh, Holy Innocents, Neptune

25 YEARS  Damian Ayers, St. Dominic, Brick  Michael Boehm, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade  John Clymore, St. Benedict, Holmdel  Salvatore Vicari, Jr., Visitation, Brick

CONGRATULATIONS

Deacon Damian Ayers

in celebration of your 25 year anniversary to the Diaconate

Parish Community of Saint Dominic, Brick 48 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

 Patrick Brannigan, St. James, Pennington, St. George, Titusville, St.

r ie s

 James McGrath (Retired, St. Mary of the Lake, Lakewood)

 Peter (Ilsoo)Barng, St. Dorothea, Eatontown

Anniver n

 Richard Johnston (Retired, Visitation, Brick)

Deaco

 John Allen (Retired, St. George, Titusville, St. James, Pennington, St. Alphonsus, Hopewell)

Alphonsus, Hopewell

 Bryan Davis, St. James, Red Bank  Robert Gay, St. Barnabas, Bayville

 Walter Karpecik, Jr., St. Katharine Drexel, Burlington

 Robert (Mike) McKenna, St. Rose of Lima, Freehold  Richard Morris, St. Benedict, Holmdel  Rodolfo Santos, St. Rose of Lima, Freehold  Andrew Smith, St. Robert Bellarmine CoCathedral, Freehold  Nichola (Nick) Stranieri, Visitation, Brick

Blessings Deacon Rich Morris Morris God bless you for on your for your your devoted ten years years of of Tenth service as Deacon, Deacon, for the many many ways ways Anniversary! and you serve our parish. parish. Rev. Rev. Garry Garry Koch, Koch, Pastor Pastor Rev. John.Michael Rev. John.Michael Patilla, Patilla, Parochial Parochial Vicar, Vicar, Deacons, Deacons, Staff, Staff, Faculty, Faculty, and and Parishioners Parishioners of of

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Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates vision for tomorrow. Heartfelt congratulations to the Priests, Deacons, and all the faithful of the Diocese of Trenton who are celebrating retirement and milestone anniversaries of devotion in 2020. We congratulate you on your everlasting devotion and service and may God’s grace continue to bless you all!

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July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 49

Decisión reciente da aire fresco al

programa DACA POR MATEO GREELEY  director asociado de comunicaciones

os sueños… frecuentemente vienen y se van de la mente tan pronto que se despierte. Pero el sueño de poder legalizar el estatus para personas que migraron a los Estados Unidos con sus padres cuando eran menores de edad siempre se queda muy pendiente y vivo. Entre noticias fuertes casi cada día sobre el racismo, la política y novedades de la pandemia del COVID-19, la decisión reciente de la Corte Suprema acerca el programa DACA (por sus cifras en inglés) llegó y parecía desaparecer. DACA es el programa federal que pretende dar un camino hacia la residencia permanente a personas que llegaron a los Estados Unidos cuando tenían menos de 16 años y que

prácticamente sean estadounidenses a pesar de tener raíces en otro país. La mayoría ni conocerían cómo es vivir en su país natal. La decisión de la Corte Suprema con una votación de 5-4 salió en contra de las acciones de la administración del presidente Trump de terminar con el programa. La Corte dijo que el intento de la administración en fin fue “arbitrario y caprichoso”. Los Dreamers, soñadores en inglés, por el momento deben seguir renovándose en el programa. Ellos pueden seguir estudiando o trabajando como participantes dignos de la sociedad estadounidense, pero solo por ahora, porque todavía el programa no está codificado como ley. Al explicar la decisión, el tribunal superior John Roberts dijo que esta decisión no rechaza futuros intentos si la administración de Trump desea terminar el programa. “Todos celebramos la decisión de la Corte Suprema. Llena a

50 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Julio 2020

Defensoras del migrante, Marlene Laó-Collins, derecho, conversa con la hermana Norma Pimentel, izquierdo, directora de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Brownsville, Tx., y su hermana, Irasema Pimentel, medio, durante un evento en noviembre, 2019. Foto por Dana DiFillippo muchos de nosotros con gran esperanza, especialmente a los Dreamers quienes ahora son adultos”, dijo Marlene LaoCollins, directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Trenton. “Pero… por ahora, los participantes viven en un limbo. Como grupo defensor, animamos y urgimos a la administración federal avanzar el programa” y hacer que sea ya permanente y fuera de riesgo. No es solo el gobierno federal que debe actuar sino también el estado de New Jersey dice Lao-Collins. “New Jersey puede hacer algunas cosas acerca de crear la posibilidad de obtener credenciales y licencias si el empleo se los requiere a los Dreamers. El estado de New Jersey puede defender y apoyarlos para que no se quedan con incertidumbre”, dijo la directora. Esa incertidumbre afecta directamente a los participantes comenta Roberto Hernández, director de El Centro de Recursos Humanos, una sede de Caridades Católicas en Trenton. “La gente hesita renovarse en DACA como antes por miedo”, dijo Hernández. “La decisión no cambia nada en el programa. Los participantes deben mantenerse actualizados en el

El Anzuelo

programa”. Pero, siguió el director, realmente da miedo entregar toda la información personal al gobierno durante este tiempo en que la comunidad migrante se siente tan atacada y vulnerable. Mónica Cabrera, coordinadora de inmigración para El Centro, añadió que la situación actual “tiene un impacto grande en las familias jóvenes. Los recipientes de DACA llegaron aquí cuando eran niños, pero ahora muchos tienen familias e hijos. Sus hijos son ciudadanos”. “Seguro” es la palabra clave para las familias y personas en DACA según Carmen Pagán, directora de la sede de Caridades Católicas en el condado de Ocean ubicado en Lakewood. Comentó de las disparidades en cuanto las respuestas legales o de las autoridades acerca crímenes o delitos, algo que se ve con más frecuencia estos días. “No es realidad de que todos vivamos bajo la misma ley. Personas de DACA deben esforzarse más tomar buenas decisiones” y no portarse de maneras que pueden poner a riesgo su situación. “Somos una comunidad tan diversa que tenemos la tendencia de molestar o maltratar a quienes parecen más débiles”. Como sociedad, dijo Pagán, “tenemos que examinar nuestros sentimientos y reconocer lo que nos pide Dios. Nuestra vista debe ser por nuestra fe”. “Debemos esforzarnos a conocernos”, dijo Lao-Collins. “Somos partes separadas pero un solo cuerpo en Cristo”. Ella compartió que piensa que muchas de las divisiones que se ve tienen que ver con pensar que alguien está quitándole algo que no merece. “Bajo Dios, todos estamos merecidos y creados semejantes a Dios. Nadie está quitando nada de nadie” con respecto a la comunidad migrante. Lao-Collins siguió, “Miremos a los datos, impuestos e impacto económico que brinda la comunidad inmigrante. Gracias a los inmigrantes, las comunidades en donde viven prosperan”. Mynor Gutiérrez, migrante de Guatemala lleva un balde decorado con una bandera estadounidense y el mensaje del ‘sueño americano’, un sueño compartido por los Dreamers. Foto CNS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Carmen Pagán, derecho, directora de programas en la sede de Caridades Católicas en el condado de Ocean, posa para una foto con Lisha Loo-Morgan, coordinadora de servicios parroquiales.

Pandemia pega fuerte mientras comunidad demuestra fuerza

na cosa que la sociedad ha visto claramente durante estos meses de cuarentena causada por el COVID-19 es que, sin sorpresa, las comunidades más vulnerables han sido más afectadas. En medio de la pandemia, el personal dedicado de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Trenton no ha parado. Pendientes de todas las medidas de precaución de salud, las sedes de la organización católica han acompañado y respondido a necesidades de las comunidades más vulnerables. Los equipos de trabajo usan toda manera sugerida de protección frente a la pandemia: máscaras, desinfectante, la distancia social, etc. El virus ha infiltrado a las comunidades urbanas dentro y alrededor de Trenton y Lakewood y en muchos otros pueblos de la Diócesis de Trenton. “He visto racimos significantes dentro de la población migrante”, dijo Marlene Lao-Collins, directora ejecutiva de Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis. “No me sorprende. Tienen poco acceso al cuidado de salud. Generalmente, la población ya suele tener resultados menos favorables de salud. Están más vulnerables porque muchos viven juntos en espacios compartidos, tal vez con varias familias en una sola casa. Entonces no hay manera de practicar la distancia social”. En el condado de Ocean en el pueblo

Foto cortesía de Dana DiFillippo

de Lakewood, se ha visto más de 10 veces más de casos positivos del COVID-19, según Carmen Pagán, directora de la sede de Caridades Católicas ahí. “En Lakewood, han resistido el mensaje”, dijo Pagán sobre la respuesta de parte de la comunidad que es mayormente judía ortodoxa.

 “He visto racimos significantes dentro de la población migrante.”  “La comunidad migrante coexiste con la comunidad judía ortodoxa. Todavía, los hispanos tenían que trabajar”. Pero los dueños de los negocios no parecían tomar en cuenta los materiales para protegerse de contagiar el virus. No daban máscaras ni facilitaron la distancia social en los lugares de trabajo. Entonces, todos empezaron a ver que surgieran más casos del coronavirus en la comunidad hispana por Lakewood. “Poco a poco vi a gente defenderse y decir que ya no iban al trabajo porque tenía que protegerse”. En un ejemplo de la fragilidad de la comunidad, Pagán compartió sobre Sigue en 52

Julio 2020  REVISTA EL MONITOR 51

El Anzuelo

Con gracia y gratitud PADRE JOSÉ FERNÁNDEZ-BANGUESES A JUBILARSE DESPUÉS DE 50 AÑOS DE SACERDOCIO POR LOIS ROGERS  Corresponsal

“ Aniver

tal

2020

o rd

a sido inolvidable”, dijo el padre José FernándezBangueses al reflexionar sobre sus 50 años de ministerio sacerdotal. Tan inolvidable que no sería posible que solo deje la vida parroquial y arranque su júbilo. Por eso, después de sus 31 años de ministerio en España, donde nació, y los casi 21 años en parroquias en New Jersey, el padre S rio ace Fernández-Bangueses espera seguir en el a s ministerio activo en la Parroquia San Marcos, Sea Girt, donde ha servido como vicario parroquial por los últimos seis años. AÑOS “Doy gracias a Dios por el momento cuando entré al seminario hasta ahora mismo”, dijo el padre. “Voy a seguir aquí el año que viene, si mi salud sigue bien, y ser sacerdote en residencia siguiendo lo que he estado haciendo”. El padre entró al seminario cuando tenía 12 años. Fue ordenado al sacerdocio por el obispo Miguel A. Araujo Iglesias el 7 de septiembre del 1970. Por sus años como sacerdote en España, el padre Fernández-Bangueses sirvió como vicario parroquial, administrador y párroco en varias parroquias. También enseñaba en el seminario diocesano y servía como el director del apostolado de migraciones y vocaciones en su diócesis. Durante unas visitas a los EE. UU., vio una vitalidad de fe que le atrajo a querer ministrar aquí. Llegó a los Estados Unidos para arrancar su ministerio aquí el 10 de septiembre del 2001. Dijo el padre que esperaba poder participar en una experiencia dinámica de la fe. Se levantó la próxima mañana e inmediatamente vio en la

Fuerza frente al COVID-19 Sigue de 51

la muerte de una mujer por el COVID. Su hermana acogió a sus dos hijos que tenían 11 y 4 años. La situación se hizo más difícil porque la hermana no tenía documentos, no era el guardián oficial de los niños, no calificaba para apoyo económico federal y no hablaba inglés, ni mencionar que las oficinas gubernamentales estaban cerradas a causa de la pandemia. La señora estaba “Cuando la tía llegó a nuestra oficina”, explicó Pagán, “justo habíamos recibido apoyo económico y, entonces, podíamos ayudar. Además, le pudimos dar acceso al almacén popular y también le dimos unas tarjetas para hacer sus propias compras”. Roberto Hernández, director de El Centro en Trenton, compartía historias semejantes de la comunidad vulnerable de Trenton. “Desde la perspectiva católica, hemos visto muchas injusticias” en medio de la cuarentena dijo Hernández. 52 REVISTA EL MONITOR  Julio 2020

El padre José Fernández-Bangueses, izquierdo, celebra a la Guadalupana con el padre Walter Quiceno, derecho, y fieles de San Marcos, Sea Girt. Foto de cortesía televisión que algo mal había ocurrido. “Vi el humo saliendo de las torres”, compartió el padre José. “Me sentía aterrorizado y asustado” dijo, pero también reconoció a toda la gente que le rodeaba. “Al venir aquí (a los Estados Unidos), mi di cuenta de lo tanto que la gente aprecia al sacerdote. En Europa, las cosas son diferentes. Aquí, se valora la fa. Por eso me vine y nunca lo he lamentado”. El padre José llegó a la Diócesis de Trenton en el 2006 y fue incardinado en el 2008. Ha servido como vicario parroquial en las Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, Trenton, hasta el 2010; San Antonio de Padua, Red Bank hasta el 2014; y San Marcos, Sea Girt, hasta el momento. Está agradecido por todas las comunidades parroquiales en quienes ha servido y feliz de empezar la transición a la vida de júbilo como sacerdote en residencia en San Marcos con su mezcla armoniosa de comunidades. “Vivir como sacerdote en este paisaje ha sido algo único”, dijo el padre Fernández-Bangueses. “Me siento apreciado y amado”. Para responder y defender a la comunidad hispana, la agencia ofrece consejería, apoyo médico, comida, ropa y más. “Apoyamos a la persona completa”, dijo Hernández. “Miramos a las personas a quienes acompañamos como nuestros hermanos y hermanas en Cristo”. Mónica Cabrera, coordinadora de inmigración de El Centro, ha sido una de las personas claves para ayudar a la comunidad de Trenton. “No hemos parado nuestro servicio a la comunidad (desde que

POR EMMALEE ITALIA  Contribuidora editorial

“

uestra seguridad está en el compartir y no el tener” es un refrán que se suele escuchar del padre Miguel Valle, vicario parroquial de la Parroquia San Pablo, Princeton, un principio que él sacerdote aprendió de niño en el departamento de Valle de Cauca, Colombia. El padre Valle aprendió ese mensaje cuando era niño con su familia campesina. “Mi infancia transcurrió en el campo en donde aprendí de mi padre, Miguel Ángel Valle, las técnicas para cultivar la tierra y de mi madre, Alicia Echeverry, las más exquisitas habilidades de la cocina campesina”, comparte el padre Valle. “Recuerdo también, que como éramos tantos hermanos en casa y al no haber ropa suficiente, todos terminábamos felices de compartir la misma ropa, sin importar si la talla o el color iban o no con nuestros gustos personales, pues de lo que se trataba era de satisfacer las necesidades del momento”. Ordenado al sacerdocio por el obispo Jorge Jiménez Carvajal el 19 de agosto del 1995, el padre Valle empezó su ministerio sacerdotal. Llegaría a servir en la Diócesis de Trenton en el 2002 a la Iglesia San José, Trenton, con el padre Javier Díaz. Ahora, el padre Valle celebra 25 años de sacerdocio. “Yo creo que la voluntad de Dios siempre sale, al igual que ocurrió con Pablo, el Apóstol”, reflexionó el padre Miguel. Dice que le ha encantado ministrar en las parroquias de la Diócesis. “He podido conocer a diferentes comunidades y [apoyarlas] a comprender que Jesús no está presente en la Biblia, la vida sacramental ni en las Misas dominicales solamente – sino que Jesús está presente en el gran libro de su vida personal y comunitaria”, dijo.

empezó la pandemia en marzo en esta zona). Personas tienen asuntos migratorios, necesitan comida”, dijo Cabrera. “Personas enfermas han venido aquí porque sus jefes no les daban máscaras ni cosas para protegerse de contratar el virus. Tienen miedo, pero a veces piden esas cosas y los jefes dicen que tienen que comprárselo ellos mismos”. Muchos en la comunidad hispana inmigrante no benefician de programas de apoyo que existen, pero tienen algo impresionante. “La resiliencia de la gente es increíble”, dijo Hernández. “Se les ha maltratado, se les ha pisado, y todavía el espíritu en ellos (la comunidad inmigrante) me conmueve… si uno no se emocionara al ver su fortaleza, tendría que ser hecho de piedra”. “Después de todas las dificultades que les afrontan”, dijo Hernández, “la gente todavía dice, ‘Primero Dios’. Eso nos motiva para poder cumplir con todo que tenemos que hacer”.

io Sace

25 AÑOS

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CELEBRANDO 25 AÑOS DE SACERDOCIO DEL PADRE MIGUEL VALLE

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Siempre en Formación

Aniver

El Anzuelo

Al reflexionar sobre los últimos 25 años y en los que le quedan por delante, el padre Valle compartió, “No sé en dónde me corresponderá terminar esta carrera de fe que el Señor ha tenido a bien en ofrecerme, solo sé que, ‘por la gracia de Dios, soy lo que soy’”.

En una peregrinación en 2017 con fieles de la Parroquia San Pablo, Princeton, el padre Valle celebró Misa en la Iglesia de Santa Teresa de Ávila en Ávila, España. En la foto, el padre Valle venera al Santísimo. Foto cortesía de Lililan Mauro

VISITA PECESDETRENTON.ORG PARA INFORMACIÓN ACTUALIZADA DE NUESTRA IGLESIA, REFLEXIONES Y OPORTUNIDADES PARA TI. Julio 2020  LA REVISTA MONITOR 53

Spiritual Life

Seeds of faith are thirsting JULY 5 • JESUS FREES US FROM THE POWER OF THE LAW Readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Zec. 9:9-10; Rom. 8: 9, 11-13; Mt. 11:25-30

or many contemporaries of Jesus, the Law of Moses was seen as a burden. It wasn’t so much the Law itself as it was the Law’s many interpretations and impositions that became burdensome. Many, especially those who tended to be more scrupulous, were obsessed with following the details and all its applications. Others tended to follow the Law to the minimum extent and were less concerned about the minutiae. We are hearing from Matthew’s Gospel where there is a growing conflict between Jesus and the Jewish authorities. Here, Jesus is not pointing out that God chooses not to reveal himself to the Pharisees and Sadducees, but emphasizing that they have set up mental blocks to the possibility of seeing or hearing the works of God in Jesus. Jesus presents an appeal to those whose lives are overwhelmed by the demands of the Law – “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

 “It is as though the entire world was under a spiritual drought.”  Jesus is calling out to the afflicted and those for whom the constraint of the Law was so heavy. Jesus, while he does not abandon the Law, eases the burden of the Law. Certainly, as we understand the mission of the Son, Jesus fulfills the Law, thus completing the sacrifices and the restrictions soon enough. While the disciples will slowly come to understand the role of the Law in the life of those who would follow them, it is not until St. Paul claims that they will come to understand that the burden of the law is lifted entirely and that they are free

to live guided by the Spirit. In the Letter to the Romans, Paul emphasizes this sense of freedom. Today we hear him say: “You are not in the flesh; on the contrary, you are in the spirit, if only the Spirit of God dwells in you. Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” JULY 12 • ALL PLANTS SEEK NOURISHMENT, EVEN THOSE ON ROCKY SOIL Readings for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Is. 55: 10-11; Rom. 8: 18-23; Mt. 13:1-23

e have come through some of the most challenging times that this generation has ever known. The suspension of the public celebration of Mass and Sacraments on such a scale is unprecedented and certainly will have many unintended consequences. While we cannot discount the importance of grace-at-work-in-theworld, the reality is that many people who were on the fringes of Mass attendance may never return. At the same time, there will be others who rediscovered their faith in this time of pandemic, quarantine and social unrest. Jesus tells a series of parables reflecting the encounter and experience of faith. One of the most well-known of these parables is that of the sower and the seed. As the sower throws the seed on the ground it lands on various types of terrain, some of them land in fertile areas while others land in more desolate places. No matter where a seed lands it will germinate and begin to grow. It is only when the proper conditions for maturation and the growth of blossoms is sufficiently met that the plant will produce its fruit. All of the planted seeds of faith have been put to the test through these past four months. Absent the ability to receive the Sacraments, the opportunity for proper nourishment, the seeds of faith have been thirsting. It is as though the entire world was under a spiritual drought. While op-

54 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

THE WORD

Father Garry Koch

portunities for other forms of nourishment and sustenance abounded – livestreamed Mass, on-line religious programming, and opportunities for prayer and reflection – not everyone took advantage of those offerings, and many did not find them to be nourishing enough. We believe that God’s grace is at work. The sacramental graces are present in the desire to receive those Sacraments even when they are not available. Like a deep rooted plant which has the ability to find enough nutrients and water to survive during drought, those who honestly sought the Lord and his grace could receive what they needed. It is times like this, though, that we see where the empty and hollow seedbeds are. It is sad to think that there are those who may not return to Mass until Christmas. We must continue to pray for them, and we must also work hard to nourish those who rediscovered their faith during these days. Opportunities for evangelization abound as we see more clearly now where the seeds are planted.

 TO READ expanded versions of Father Koch’s columns or TO LISTEN to Podcast messages on Catching The Word, visit TrentonMonitor.com

JULY 19 • GOD ALONE HAS THE LONG VIEW OF OUR LIVES Readings for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Wis. 12:13, 16-19; Rom. 8:26-27; Mt. 13, 24-43

ne of the greatest obstacles in ministry on any level is to expect that the work belongs to the minister or ministers alone. We can get very busy evaluating programs, attending seminars to develop new programs, and implementing plans, that we neglect the power and working of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the work. Doing all of the above is necessary, helpful and smart. At the same time, absent prayer and a deep sense of shared faith, the programing in parishes and schools can become show and not substance. Part of the struggle is that it is very difficult to fully understand the results of the work that we do. While at harvest time a farmer knows the difference between the crop and the weeds in the field, it can take a while before the distinction between some plants is clear. The farmer in the parable who doesn’t want the field hands to pull out the weeds for fear of disrupting the crop has the long view. We wonder why good things happen to bad people and why bad things happen to good people as though we have the long view. We make judgments about the moral life, or the faith life or the religious leanings of people from the short view, not the long view. The Holy Spirit – the wind that

breathes through the fields – and the grace of God at work in the world provides the time and the nourishment necessary for each one of us to bear the fruit we are called to bear. None of us can know when, where or how the Lord speaks to and calls anyone other than ourselves. JULY 26 • WISDOM IS NEEDED TO COME TO THE KINGDOM Readings for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time: 1Kgs 3:5, 7-12; Rom 8: 28-30; Mt. 13: 44-52

hile the familiar adage claims that wisdom comes with age, the greater truth is that wisdom comes to us as a gift of the Holy Spirit prompted by our desire for wisdom. The importance of wisdom as an attribute of discernment of God’s will for us goes back well into the ancient world. The Greeks – often known for their pursuit of wisdom (philosophy) – imagined wisdom embodied in one of their chief deities, Athena, after whom the city of Athens was named and in whose honor stood the great temple called the Parthenon. The Romans similarly honored Minerva and built many shrines and temples to her. The embodiment of wisdom in the ancient Jewish tradition gives some early understanding of the Holy Spirit: the wispiness of the breeze and the power of God rolled into one. Wisdom – first and foremost – is to seek to know the mind of

God. While none of us can actually ever accomplish that in itself, it might seem a futile effort, yet carefully wisdom directs our minds toward God while understanding how to live in this world. We see in the account of Solomon, the youngest son of King David who succeeds his father in spite having older brothers, this quest for wisdom when prompted by God to ask for whatever he desires. Clearly there was a desire already present in him to know, hence the seeds of wisdom were well planted, as he sought a deeper understanding of the Lord. Sadly, while he is known for his wisdom and understanding, he loses a sense of humility before the Lord, and he misuses this great gift for his own gratification and aggrandizement. Like all gifts, wisdom, too, must be nurtured with faith and humility. Of all of the gifts the Spirit bestows, this is probably the one that is easiest to take for granted as it comes with the temptation to use it unwisely. A man who discovers a great pearl in a field and buries it, then buys the field at less than the value of the pearl, is the gist of a parable that Jesus tells his disciples as we come to end of the section of successive parables of the kingdom in Matthew’s Gospel. While his actions might appear to us that he is committing an act of fraud against the landowner, Jesus holds him up as a man seeking the Kingdom of God. Indeed, patience and prudence are necessary as we seek the kingdom of God. Father Garry Koch is pastor of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.

This photo of a tractor plowing and sowing seeds in a field reflects the Gospel for July 12, which highlights the parable of the Sower and the Seed. Freepik.com photo

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 55

Spiritual Life

Which day is the Sabbath?; Mass obligation, emotional struggle Is it true that the Church changed the day of the Sabbath? I have always felt that the Sabbath occurred on Saturday, but I have learned that the early Church decided to celebrate the breaking of bread on Sunday because that was the day of Christ’s Resurrection. (Nigeria)

Technically, it is not true that the Christian Church changed the Sabbath day. The Sabbath is still on Saturday (or, more properly, from sundown on Friday), marking the fact that God rested from creation on the seventh day. In the very earliest days of Christianity, believers – who were mainly Jewish – observed the seventh-day Sabbath with prayer and rest; but very quickly (as Col 2:16 shows) Christians began to see this as no more obligatory than Jewish rules on food and drink. The followers of Jesus gathered instead to break the bread of the Eucharist on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7) – the day on which Jesus, completing a New Covenant, had made sacred by

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56 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

QUESTION CORNER Father Kenneth Doyle Catholic News Service

rising from the dead. The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the relationship between Sunday and the Sabbath: “Sunday is expressly distinguished from the Sabbath which it follows chronologically every week;  “Your for Christians its ceremonial observance replaces that of the Sabbath. In regular habit Christ’s Passover, Sunday fulfills the spiritual truth of the Jewish Sabbath of personal and announces man’s eternal rest in prayer is surely God” (No. 2175). The Catechism’s following section pleasing to the goes on to say that “the celebration of Sunday observes the moral comLord.”  mandment inscribed by nature in the human heart to render to God an outward, visible, public and regular worship” (No. 2176). My beloved husband of 35 years passed away two years ago, and I have had great difficulty attending Mass since his death – it invariably causes me to feel lightheaded and to cry. (I have usually had to sit down for the entire Mass, so as not to get dizzy.) My husband and I (we had no children) always went to Mass together, and it was the highlight of our weekend. I am 68 years old, and I often watch Sunday Mass on television – although even the television Mass fills me with memories and causes me to weep. Every day now, I listen to a sermon on my iPhone, and I read my Bible and pray to the saints daily. Each night, before I go to bed, I say one decade of the Rosary. And my sister-in-law, who is an extraordinary minister of holy Communion, often brings me holy Communion. My husband was a popular cantor at several different Churches; being present at Mass reminds me of him in the hardest ways imaginable and seems more than I can handle. So, my question is this: Is it still a sin if I do not attend Mass physically? (A friend told me it’s not a mortal sin to miss Mass after the age of 65.) (Cleveland)

Please relax and be at peace. In your situation, you are not committing a mortal sin – or any sin at all – by not going to Mass. Your emotional condition, which is as real as any physical illness, exempts you from the obligation to attend. And your regular habit of personal prayer is surely pleasing to the Lord. I do want to comment, though, on your friend’s contention that the obligation of Sunday Mass ceases at age 65; that is simply not true. If a person’s health enables him or her to be present, the responsibility of Sunday Mass attendance continues. Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, New York 12203.

Spiritual Life

Finding reason to sing in the midst of despair

any years ago while visiting Ocracoke Island, one of the barrier islands of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, I visited an old graveyard dating back to the time of the Civil War. The headstones were lined up in tight rows, almost touching one another. What caught my eye were the stones in the front row, all with the same surname. Several children from this large family had died just days apart from each other, most likely from a plague of some kind, and several more within a year or two. If I remember correctly, the mother lived to see the death of all her children and her husband. As a mother myself I wondered how this woman could survive such an ordeal. I stood for a long time in front of all those graves and prayed for that family which so long ago suffered such terrible losses. I’m not ashamed to say I cried, as well. There are many obstacles in life that can knock us off our feet, but none seems to have the power to undo us as the death of someone we love. It is then that the substance of our hearts and souls becomes visible as we become most vulnerable. Often we succumb to anger, despair and loneliness, unable to find any peace or consolation, even in the God we thought we knew. To endure multiple deaths close together, then, could easily be more than the fragile human spirit could handle.

THINGS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME Mary Clifford Morrell

This was the experience of my friend and fellow alto, Mary Beth, who, three weeks after the sudden death of her husband, would be singing the “Ave Maria” at her mom’s funeral Mass. I was deeply touched by the resilience that allowed her to sing this moving and emotional hymn following such deep loss, but I was not surprised. Her powerful love of her family and her devoted care of two ailing parents could only be fed from a deep spring of love for God. Though I didn’t know the mom from Ocracoke Island, it is not hard to imagine that she shared something special with Mary Beth – a similar substance of soul, an attachment to God woven so tightly into the fabric of their lives that nothing could keep them from gathering strength in the arms of their Father and moving forward in faith. Being with Mary Beth as she sang for her mom brought a new depth of

The choir from Holy Family Parish, Hazlet, leads the congregation in song during a 2017 Mass. Columnist Mary Morrell reflects on how faithful can seek comfort and solace through music, especially during times of despair. John Batkowski photo

meaning to my own favorite hymn, the traditional Shaker hymn, “How Can I Keep From Singing.” The refrain will always remind me of the power of her faith, her belief that death is not visited upon us by God but, rather, that God walks with us in our Garden of Gethsemene: “No storm can shake my inmost calm, while to that rock I’m clinging. Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, how can I keep from singing?” Today, as we all face often overwhelming losses brought about by this pandemic, or struggle with anxiety, anger, fear and despair, I pray the words of the final verse will soon reflect our own experience: “I lift my eyes, the clouds grow thin, I see the blue above it. And day by day this pathway clears, since first I learned to love it. The peace from love makes fresh my heart, a song of hope is ringing. All things are mine, since truth I’ve found. How can I keep from singing?” Mary Clifford Morrell is the author of “Things My Father Taught Me About Love,” and “Let Go and Live: Reclaiming your life by releasing your emotional clutter,” both available as ebooks on Amazon.com.

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 57

Family Life

Leading by Example Three generations take on altar server duties in Hopewell BY LOIS ROGERS  Correspondent

t St. Alphonsus Parish in Hopewell, members of three generations of McAlindens – Gerard, Patrick and Patrick Jr. – have served at the altar. If God is good, and the McAlindens don’t doubt that at all, before very long, Patrick Jr., 12, will resume that ministry. Like altar servers across numerous states, the young man hasn’t been able to fulfill that service since the coronavirus struck. The family has made a limited return to church, however – first to parking lot Masses and then inside, adhering to attendance limitations – but young Patrick still awaits the moment he can again serve. His mother, Kim, says the family – Patrick included – understands times are difficult right now, considering the circumstances. “It’s something we’ve never seen in our lifetime,” and utmost caution is called for, she said. But she also knows her son is eager to resume his ministry. After all, Patrick has been a steady churchgoer since he was two. EARLY START Kim McAlinden explains that she and her husband have been bringing their son to church regularly from the start, wanting to teach him about the Mass and instill in him a commitment to the Catholic faith. So as Patrick got older, he knew he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather and become an altar server. That was after he received his First Holy Communion five years ago. Ever since, Patrick has embraced the ministry that brought him into the Mystery of the Eucharist experienced by his elders. Patrick McAlinden Sr. participates in his cousin’s wedding as an altar server. Courtesy photos

 “I thought it was a real honor to be on the altar.” 

“I feel more happy helping,” Patrick Jr. says of altar serving.

“I wanted to help out at church,” he said, explaining that being an altar server, “gives me a completely different view of what it is like to be part of the Mass. I feel more happy helping.” Patrick, a rising seventh-grader, said it has been a gift to assist priests at Mass, as well as other liturgical celebrations. His duties include carrying the cross and candles during processions, holding the missal for the celebrant during Mass, assisting with incense and holy water, and ringing the altar bells during Mass. FAMILY SERVICE Gerard McAlinden, 87, was born near the parish, was baptized in St. Alphonsus Church, and served as an altar boy there until he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War. He was badly injured before deployment, and over the years, he shared stories with his son and grandson of how his abiding faith was key to getting his health back. He believes those stories have had an enduring impact on both Patrick and Patrick Jr. Their involvement in the Church is an example of that, he said. “I think it’s great that they could get up and show their reverence to God [by serving]. It’s a great experience.” Of seeing his grandson become a third-generation altar server, he said, “I had hoped for it, and it happened.” Patrick McAlinden, a lifelong parishioner, explained that he served as a youngster – as he only lived a block away and received all his Sacraments at the church. “My dad encouraged me, but it was something I wanted to do,” he said. “I thought it was a real honor to be on the altar.” As a teen, he stopped altar serving and became more active in the Civil Air Patrol, which is why he’s even prouder to see his son continue. “I think it is so important to share your faith all the time.” Faith-sharing happens quite often in the McAlinden family. Kim McAlinden says serving in the Church is something the family often talks about around the dinner table. The elder McAlindens, she said, discuss “what it was like when they were younger and served.” We would like to thank TOSHIBA, exclusive provider of copier services in the Diocese of Trenton Chancery building, for their sponsorship of this page.

58 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Young Catholics Best friends Megan Wright and Juienne Brown sit during a rally against racial inequality June 12 in Richmond, Va. CNS photo/Jay Paul, Reuters

does not have to be scary.” Prayers, too, abound, demonstrating that racism is not simply a political issue. “The USCCB issued its discussion on racism, ‘Open Wide Our Hearts,’ in 2018. [Talking about racism] is what our faith requires of us, to see people who live on the margins. … We are all together in this sacred work of building a beloved community,” Peddicord said, speaking of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism. Having conversations about racism is crucial, CFJ staff and volunteers say, and learning what others have already achieved can add to the conversation. “Discuss what you are learning or know about racism,” the CFJ advises. “Discuss what makes you uncomfortable, challenge each other to see things in a more just and equitable way. … Learning from new perspectives is important. Use social media as a tool for conversation with your peers. Look up authors, teachers, speakers and other influencers that have been doing this work … elevate their voices and the anti-racist work they have done.” Peddicord noted that racism has been a topic of discussion and advocacy for years, but that the death of George Floyd – a black man who died May 25 while being arrested by a white Minneapolis police officer – has brought it again to the forefront of public discourse. “It hasn’t been easy, but there is an openness among people who have never spoken about racism before,” she said. “This moment feels different. Let’s embrace it.”

Honest Conversations Collection of anti-racism resources can lead young people to open discussions, peaceful action BY CHRISTINA LESLIE  Correspondent

oung people have a valuable guide with which to spark conversations about anti-racism and the Catholic faith, thanks to some local social justice advocates.

“Our Catholic faith compels us to see injustice in the world and make it right,” said Stephanie Peddicord, president of the Center for FaithJustice, a Lawrenceville-based nonprofit that creates programs to serve those in need and educates youth and young adults on social justice in the Catholic tradition.

 “[Talking about racism] is what our faith requires of us.”  “Right now, conversations on justice are very focused on race, and young people have a lot to learn from and contribute to that dialogue,” she said. Those with the Center for FaithJustice have created a web page of resources that can foster dialogue on racism with people of all generations. “We have been compiling and sharing ways a young person might find a first point of entry into the conversation,” Peddicord said. Using the resources found

at faithjustice.org/antiracism-resources/, she continued, youth and young adults might engage one another or family members to “open our eyes to systemic racism, try to understand it within a larger context and talk about it.” The web page holds links to scores of resources designed to educate, engage and inspire conversation. Books, articles, speeches, podcasts, films and artistic works offer a diverse selection of views and impressions; opportunities to advocate, support black-owned businesses, donate to organizations and volunteer on the local, state or national level are also explored. “Many of these [resources] have helped our organization to learn more about and confront unconscious bias in our work and daily lives,” the web page reads. “Pick one or two that strike a chord with you, and then start a conversation. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.” Said Peddicord, “We really encourage youth and young adult groups to use these resources as a catalyst. Talking about racism and privilege is hard, but it

What You Can Do Visit the Center For FaithJustice for information such as: •B ooks, articles, shows, podcasts to learn more about racism and its history • Prayers and reflections •H ow to have open, honest conversations •A dvocacy, volunteerism opportunities Visit: http://faithjustice.org/antiracism-resources/

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 59

In the Parishes

Technology makes summer religious ed programs a

virtual reality BY EMMALEE ITALIA  Contributing Editor

ith continuing COVID-19 limitations in place, the Diocese of Trenton’s parish religious education programs had a decision to make: whether to go ahead with summer instruction, and if so, what that might look like. Following a virtual academic end-of-year semester, many parishes decided to follow suit and hold their religious summer academies online. The overall response was one of gratitude. “I was very pleased with the Virtual Summer Program,” said Jennifer Chiusano, parishioner of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, whose daughter attended the parish’s online academy. “I am grateful that this was offered since we are not sure of what the fall will bring.” Jean Berardi, catechist and parent  “I discovered of children also in St. Catharine’s that we can program, agreed. “They all definitely missed the social aspect of seeing take this other children in person and actual obstacle and classrooms in the church this summer, but given our current situation make it an in the pandemic, I think we had the best-case scenario,” she said. “I’m glad opportunity.”  our children could still learn religious education this summer.” Berardi taught third grade virtually, while her children attended religious education for third, sixth and seventh grades. ONLINE SHIFT Joining St. Catharine’s program as religious education coordinator in January, Michelle Angelo was looking forward to experiencing her first summer program at the parish. Then the pandemic hit. “I have served as a catechetical leader in parishes with summer programs before, so I was aware of how to plan and prepare for the program,” Angelo explained. “However, when we realized we would have to move to virtual learning, the first thought was ‘this cannot be done.’” After taking it to prayer, as well as discussions with the pastor and meetings with Denise Contino, diocesan director of the Department of Catechesis, and other catechetical leaders, “I

St. Catharine’s catechist Jean Berardi, whose children also attended the parish’s online summer religious education classes, made PicCollages of her students’ work. Courtesy photos felt supported and quickly switched gears to planning mode,” she continued. “Listening to [their] advice and ideas … I discovered that we can take this obstacle and make it an opportunity.” St. Catharine used the Catholic Brain religious education program, which provided an online classroom for all catechists as well as many additional Catholic resources to supplement the primary textbook curriculum. Berardi called the platform “an amazing way to post lessons on the calendar and communicate with parents by email. We could] supplement lesson plans with enrichment and extension activities … we all had webinar training for the website.” Catechists in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton – many of whom are teachers by profession – were poised to make the online switch. Although added to the challenge was the transition to a new online program from Sadlier Publishers, “Christ In Us,” there was ample help available from the publisher’s program representative. “[I attended] several online classes with my catechists and staff, showing us how it worked,” explained Linda Mueller, St. Joan of Arc’s director of religious education. “They talked us through the whole program, and they’re doing it now with other parish catechetical leaders as they are going online, too.” CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES Angelo believes the most difficult aspect of online religious education was the ability to adapt to a new model. Continued on 61

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Virtual summer catechesis Continued from 60

“As a catechetical leader, I understand the importance of covering the curriculum in the summer program and all the other opportunities you want to provide to the children during that time. I had to learn to be more flexible in my expectations and focus on what it is we really want the children to gain from this experience.” Other challenges were more logistical: what teaching platform to use, how to train catechists when in-parish meetings are not an option, and how to safely provide a curbside pick-up for materials.

Missions and COVID-19 Continued from 26

months, travel is discouraged and public transportation is prohibited. He said the fragile social protection programs often neglect the indigenous communities – and the majority of people in that diocese, one of the poorest in Central America, are indigenous. There, people suffer mostly from social inequality, historic racism and a weak public health system, he said. Under ordinary circumstances, health care, sanitary condition and clean water sources are very limited. “The missionaries are doing the best they can in challenging circumstances to accompany their people,” Msgr. Gartland said. The MCP is coordinated by the diocesan Missions Office, which arranges for missionaries from around the globe to visit the Diocese’s parishes each summer. They share the challenges their brethren worldwide face and offer them the opportunity to provide financial and spiritual support. Mission appeal funds may be used for formation of seminarians, catechists, children and youth as well as for providing food, medicine and shelter for those in war-torn territories. “It is unfortunate that we have to cancel MCP this year,” said Father Peter James Alindogan, diocesan missions director, and pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, in extending appreciation to the clergy and faithful of the Diocese who have “always opened their homes and churches to our missionaries every summer. “They feel connected with our needy brothers and sisters around the world, and the missionaries feel assured, comforted and encouraged by the help of our Diocese and parishes through the collection of funds,” he said. Father Alindogan said the assigned MCP missionaries for this year will have the same parish assignments next. “The COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath may have somehow slowed our missionary efforts,” he said, “but we need to look at the brighter side of things to come for our Church, when this is all over.” To read an expanded version of this article online, visit TrentonMonitor.com and click on News > Diocese.

Mueller found the change from in-person to online while simultaneously changing curriculum, especially with the coronavirus news in flux, made planning a challenge. “The hardest part for me was Google Meet!” she admitted. “But the parents and pastor were very supportive – that’s a big help right there. A hard situation became a very positive experience.” Success stories included parental and pastoral involvement as well as the communication tools for both St. Catharine and St. Joan of Arc Parishes. “We would start our day at 9 a.m., go to Mass on livestream with [St. Joan of Arc] pastor Msgr. Rich LaVerghetta and [parochial vicar] Father Jorge Bedoya,” Mueller said. “They would pick a quote out of the Gospel and talk about it in the homily, then ask kids to meditate on and talk about it in class.” Using staggered Google Meet times, children and catechists – and sometimes parents – would open in prayer, talk about the quote, then proceed to live online classes until 11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, parents could log in and check their students’ progress and grades, and request more time to work on specific assignments if needed. Angelo said the great success of St. Catharine’s program “is the involvement of parents in this format … they helped their child complete assignments in Catholic Brain platform.” St. Catharine’s classes were not live, but a combination of catechists’ uploaded videos, virtual bulletin boards and screencasts – allowing students and parents to access the assignments at their convenience. Some catechists did occasionally use Zoom-type meetings to meet as a live class, though not mandatory, Angelo explained.

THE DIOCESE OF TRENTON is committed to the initiatives outlined in the U.S. Bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and to its own policies and guidelines in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors. If you have been sexually abused as a minor by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan

ABUSE HOTLINE: 1-888-296-2965

or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org. The Diocese of Trenton reports any allegations of sexual abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agencies. Anyone with an allegation is also encouraged to provide that information to local law enforcement authorities. July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 61

In Memoriam FATHER JOHN FRANCIS MORLEY, ASSISTED IN SPRING LAKE PARISH Father John Francis Morley, a longtime weekend assistant in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake, died April 8 in St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell. A priest of the Archdiocese of Newark, Father Morley was born in Jersey City. His education and academic preparation for the priesthood included studies in Seton Hall University, South Orange; Immaculate Conception Seminary, located on the campus of Seton Hall University, from where he earned a degree in classical studies; and the American College at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology and a master of arts degree in religious education. He was ordained priest for the Newark Archdiocese by Bishop Honore van Waeyenburgh, rector of the Catholic University of Louvain. He was also awarded a doctorate in Jewish Studies

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N REMEMBRANCE, a listing of priests and deacons of the Diocese of Trenton  Iwho have died, can be found on TrentonMonitor.com>News>Obituaries

from New York University. Among his numerous assignments, Father Morley served as a weekend assistant in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish for 21 years, beginning in 1997, until his retirement in 2018. He is survived by two sisters, one brother and their spouses and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Memorial donations may be made to the Immaculate Conception Chapel of Seton Hall University, 400 S. Orange Ave., South Orange, NJ 07079, or St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, 7 Ryerson Place, Caldwell, NJ 07006. SISTER ALETTA DOROTHY DONAHUE, HAMILTON NATIVE Franciscan Sister Aletta Dorothy Donahue, formerly Sister Charles Francis, 97, died June 11 in Assisi House, Aston, Pa. A professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 71 years, Sister Dorothy was born in Trenton. She entered the congregation in 1946 and professed her first vows in 1949. She earned a bachelor of science degree in education from St. Mary College, Emmitsburg, Md., and ministered primarily in education and received several awards. Sister Aletta Dorothy served for 25 years in the Diocese of Trenton, teaching in St. Raphael School,

OBITUARY INFORMATION

Additional obituaries will be posted to TrentonMonitor.com as information becomes available.

62 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

Hamilton, and later served in local house ministry in St. Anthony Convent, also in Hamilton. Other archdioceses and dioceses where she served included Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington. Sister Aletta Dorothy is survived by two brothers, nieces and nephews and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014. FATHER LEO DUSHECK, MINISTERED IN DIOCESE FOR 20 YEARS Divine Word Father Leo Dusheck, who was a 20-year resident in the Divine Word Residence, Bordentown, from 1999 to 2019, died June 15 in Techny, Ill. He was 86. Born in 1933, in Hazleton, Pa., Father Dusheck began his studies with the Society of the Divine Word in 1947; professed religious vows in 1953, and was ordained a priest in 1961. Following his ordination, he pursued graduate studies in biology in The Catholic University of America, Washington, which prepared him for teaching mathematics and sciences in St. Mark Seminary, Erie, Pa., for 10 years and Divine Word Seminary, Bordentown, for eight. In 1979, he became a hospital chaplain in Pittsburgh. In 1985, he was chosen to lead the Divine Word community in Techny as rector. He returned to Pittsburgh where he served another six years as a hospital and prison chaplain, followed by another return to Techny to work in the infirmary. In 1999, he moved to the community’s residence in Bordentown and assisted in parishes around

the Trenton Diocese including St. Charles Borromeo, Cinnaminson. Because of health reasons, he returned to Techny in 2019. Along with his parents, Leo and Helen (Rentko) Dusheck, he was predeceased by two sisters, both of whom were Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters. He is survived by another sister from Northfield, Ill. Memorial donations may be made to the care of retired and infirmed missionaries. Send to Divine Word Residence, c/o The Rector, 1901 Waukegan Road, P.O. Box 6000, Techny, IL 60082-6000. FATHER CARMEN ANTHONY CARLONE, ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER CHAPLAIN Father Carmen Anthony Carlone, who was hailed as the “heart and soul” of St. Francis Medical Center as chaplain for the past 10 years, died May 29. He was 77. Born in 1943 in Penns Grove, Father Carlone prepared for the priesthood at the Pontifical North American College, Rome, and was ordained in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican Dec. 19, 1969, by Bishop James A. Hickey, who at the time was PNAC’s rector. Upon his return to the United States, Father Carlone served as parochial vicar in St. Ann Parish, Wildwood, and St. Stephen Parish, Pennsauken. He was named administrator, and then later pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Vineland. He then served three additional assignments as pastor in St. Mary Parish, Williamstown; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Berlin, and St. Joseph Parish, Hammonton, from where he retired in 2010. Continued on 67

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July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 63

Fun & Games SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for July 12, 2020 SCRIPTURE SEARCH

TEST YOUR CATHOLIC KNOWLEDGE

Matthew 13: 1-23

Answers on back page.

Gospel for July 12, 2020 • Matthew 13: 1-23

Following is a word search based on the Gospel 1 Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Sunday ininOrdinary Time, Cycle reading for15th the 15th Sunday Ordinary Time, A: A boat parable. The words can be found in all Cycle A: A boat parable. The words can be 8 in the puzzle. founddirections in all directions in the puzzle. JESUS JESUS AROUND HIM AROUND HIM PARABLES PARABLES ROCKY GROUND ROCKY GROUND SCORCHED SCORCHED SIXTY SIXTY BLESSED BLESSED

CROWDS CROWDS A A BOAT BOAT AA SOWER SOWER SOIL SOIL THORNS THORNS EARS EARS PROPHETS

GATHERED GATHERED STOOD STOOD

BIRDS CAME SUN ROSE SUN ROSE CHOKED CHOKED EYES EYES EVIL ONE

EVIL ONE

9 13

16 17

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ACROSS 2 “I am the way and the ___ and the life.” (Jn 14:6) 5 One of the two natures of Jesus 8 “___ have mercy” 9 Father of Abner, the general of Saul 11 “Light from light, ___ God from…” 13 “When we ___ this bread…” 14 Biblical measure 15 “___ and female he created them” (Gen 1:27) 16 ___1, papal license plate 17 Jewish priest who led Maccabees 20 Ark landing 22 Gentile prophet of the Old Testament 27 Catholic author of The Father Brown Mysteries 28 Palm product 29 “___ us this day our daily bread” 30 Father of King Ahab 32 Popular Franciscan cross 33 Diocese in Indiana 35 Number of Sacraments, in Roman numerals 36 The transept separates this from the nave

38 www.wordgawww.wordgamesforcatholics.com mesforcatholics.com

37 Place of the ___ 38 Sr. Prejean DOWN 1 Merton’s university 3 Savior 4 Housing for a patriarch 5 Tarsus, to Paul 6 Winter hours in the Diocese of Gallup 7 Assist at Mass 10 A collar 12 St. Therese of Lisieux is a patron of this country 18 He was charged with appointing presbyters in Crete 19 Religious garb 21 Symbol of hope 23 The whole earth had one before the Tower of Babel 24 “____ nobis” 25 Benedictine pope of the 9th century 26 “___ Lingua” 31 Jesus prepared this after his Resurrection 32 ___, talent, and treasure 34 “___ take away the sins of the world.”

We would like to thank WILLIS TOWERS WATSON, Property/Casualty broker for the Diocese of Trenton, for their sponsorship of this page. 64 THE MONITOR MAGAZINE  July 2020

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6 7

BIRDS CAME

PROPHETS

Arts & Media

Books are pictured in a cabinet in the Vatican Secret Archives. CNS photo/ Vatican Secret Archives

Authors debunk myths tied to Church controversies BY CAROL GLATZ  Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) • The Inquisition, the Crusades, the trial of the Knights Templar, the condemnation of Galileo Galilei and the role of Pope Pius XII during World War II are just a few “hot” historical events in the life of the Church that can still today ignite controversy and fiery debate. However, most people only have a vague notion of what those events were about, with facts colored or clouded by political censorship, social biases and urban legends fueled by fictionalized accounts made popular in film and other media. Grzegorz Gorny and Janusz Rosikon – two Polish journalists – wanted to debunk some of the myths and fill in the gaps with their illustrated book, “Vatican Secret Archives: Unknown Pages of Church History,” which was published in English by Ignatius Press. After co-authoring a number of books on such themes as St. Faustina Kowalska, the relics of Christ and the events at Fatima, “We decided to familiarize people with the turbulent history of this extraordinary institution [the Vatican archives] and with various controversial episodes regarding the history of the Church as seen through the prism of the documents,” Gorny said. To learn from and assess the past correctly, “one must first thoroughly and accurately ascertain the facts,” which is why the two journalists visited what are now

called the Vatican Apostolic Archives and others. They also met with numerous historians to look at controversial figures and events from a different point of view, they said in the book’s introduction. “We are against journalism of the Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V sort” that copies and pastes, Gorny said. “We are doubting Thomases,” who have to “touch everything” by spending years visiting the places they were writing  “We are about, talking to against witnesses and scholars and journalism spending time of the Ctrl-C, in archives, he said. Ctrl-V sort” Rosikon, who took most that copies of the photoand pastes.  graphs, said they wanted to give the reader the feeling of “finding himself in the places we described.” The book’s release was timed to coincide with the March opening of the Vatican archival material relating to the wartime period under Pope Pius XII. The last chapter is devoted to how the pope became the center of controversy with accusations he did not say enough publicly against Nazi atrocities and to what Jesuit historian, Father Peter Gumpel, and others have found in available archives. “There’s just no question that that Pope

has been terribly slandered,” said Vivian Dudro, senior editor at Ignatius Press. “But, how do you interpret his silence? How are you going to weigh the man’s actions when so many of them were deliberately kept secret for reasons of safety and security of the people he was trying to help? When someone’s been silent and his actions have been covered up, how are you supposed to know what he did?” she said. Historians expect it will take years of combing through the Vatican’s newly available documents to get a better and clearer understanding of what happened and why. “History teaches us that life is the art of making decisions,” Gorny said, so the book describes the people “responsible for the fate of large communities, people who had to make decisions between, for example, security and freedom, between a greater and a lesser evil.” Gorny finds inspiration from St. Luke, whose Gospel and Acts of the Apostles “are classic reportages.” St. Luke wrote that he wanted to depict events as faithfully as possible, on the basis of eyewitness accounts, supplemented with what he saw. People need accurate information to make good decisions, Dundro said. “If God didn’t want us to go to all this trouble to try to figure out what the truth is, he would have made us like the other animals and we would just be operating on instinct,” she said. “He gave us brains ... to try to apprehend the truth as best we can ... and that is an ongoing process that takes your whole life.”

July 2020  THE MONITOR MAGAZINE 65

Come to us for Come to the carethe you us for Come to us for need. Stay inE care you L IA IP C CLN CN PG PC P A A PN PA TLP T T T Athe A A IIO IIO IA G G G N IN ICN IPP IL S S S T T T T •O •IO •EH •UH SN S SLC P P P C C Ethe E E HN CC C C E E C C C DC D D A A A A U L W W W W EH O O O O Y N N N N • • • • E E E E E E E E F F F F need. Stay care you Y Y Y Y home you love. R R R R T T T T Continued from 20 N N N N E E E O O N N L in the in the to Regensburg June 18 to be with his ailing brother. CIA 9L need. Stay E home you P 0IA 1 S The two brothers attended the seminary together after 2 ! home you love.love. ER ySP1E, C 9 e World War II and were ordained to the priesthood together T 1 e IN nuEaRr th1,fr20 e! in 1951. Although priestly ministry took them in different W ’S reIJNaTmuoanry h fre Y directions, they continued to be close and to spend holidays t AR bYe’SfoW2rne dJan mon and vacations together, including at the Vatican and the papal M nR eo For more information ST. o. vMe Ai geint tbhef e 2nd summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Their sister, Maria, died about LIFE St. Francis, M ST nodve get th in 1991. aM d call 609-599-LIFE (5433) or visit Born at Pleiskirchen, Germany, in 1924, Msgr. Ratzinger an For more information www.stfrancismedical.org/LIFE.

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