Bishop, priests reminded to ‘stay the course’ when dealing with challenges

BY MARY STADNYK  Associate Editor

Growing in fortitude, a Gift of the Holy Spirit, in the exercise of priestly ministry was a focal point of reflection for Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and priests of the Diocese during their annual Lenten Spirituality Day March 9.

society and the opposition to the Gospel message, it’s easy for priests to become discouraged,” Father Pablo T. Gadenz said, referring to the keynote address given by Msgr. Thomas G. Bohlin, assistant vicar for the Prelature of Opus Dei (Work of God) for the United States. Instead, Msgr. Bohlin offered perspective saying that priests “must keep growing and try to go deeper in their mission,” said Father Gadenz, suggesting, “This is what we can try to do during Lent.

“We can begin by changing ourselves before we try to change the world. We should strive to be a role model, inspiring our parishioners. We should keep growing until we die, never reaching a plateau but challenging ourselves to go deeper.”

Father Gadenz, a priest of the Diocese who currently teaches in Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., was among the 100 priests to attend the spirituality day in St. Luke Church, Toms River, hosted by the diocesan Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life.

“As Bishop, I am always encouraged to be in the presence of our priests at Advent and Lenten Spirituality Days,” said Bishop O’Connell.

“They are a ‘pause that refreshes’ spiritually speaking. Our priests have the chance to focus their attention on some aspect of priestly life and ministry with their fellow priests,” the Bishop said, noting “It is so important in these days to share priestly fraternity and fellowship. It has a direct influence on building

“Because of the challenges in our From left, Father Genaro P. Daguplo, pastor of St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton; Father Carlo Calisin, parochial vicar of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and Father Angelito Anarcon, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Farmingdale, pose for a photo during a break.