M ONITOR M ONITOR M Ordination 2016 ONITOR a Priest M Forever MONITOR ONITOR
Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.
A SUPPLEMENT OF
THE
Newspaper of the Diocese of Trenton
JUNE 16, 2016
THE
Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, N.J.
THE
THE
Meet Our New Priests
The newly ordained share their personal journeys and insights, beginning on page S6.
Six men pray reverently as they stand before Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., during their Ordination Mass June 4 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. The Bishop urged thenDeacons Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla, Christopher James Colavito, Augusto Lorenzo Gamalo, Richard Malcolm Osborn, John Michael Apelado Patilla and Daniel McKee Price to fulfill God’s promise of sending “shepherds, after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3: 15).” ORDINATION COVERAGE BEGINS ON PAGE S3.
Craig Pittelli photo
The Catholic Community of the
Church of the Ascension in Bradley Beach extends God’s Blessings to
Father Gregg Abadilla on the occasion of his
Ordination to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood. Fr. Jerome M. Nolan, Pastor
Father Joseph Jakub and The People of CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH Willingboro, New Jersey Ask God’s Blessings and Grace Upon REVEREND GREGG ABADILLA On His Ordination to The Holy Priesthood “May You Always Serve The Lord and His People With Compassion, Dignity and Honor”
St.St. Mary’s Seminary & University Mary’s Seminary & University 5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD MD 21210 5400 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, 21210
Our Our Nation’s First First Roman Catholic Seminary founded in 1791in 1791 Nation’s Roman Catholic Seminary founded
& &
Society of of St. St. Sulpice Society Sulpice Province of the States Province of United the United States
Celebrating 225 years of providing seminary formation in the in United States States Celebrating 225 years of providing seminary formation the United
Congratulate Congratulate
Rev. Gregg Abadilla Rev. Gregg Abadilla Rev. Chris Colavito Rev. Chris Colavito Rev. John Michael Patilla Rev. John Michael Patilla Rev. Daniel Price Rev. Daniel Price on their Priestly Ordination on their Priestly Ordination
We are most grateful for having a part in the We areformation most grateful for having a part in the priestly of these new priests. priestly formation of these new priests.
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Shepherds & servants
Diocese rejoices as Bishop O’Connell ordains six new priests Story by Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor Photos by Craig and Autumn Pittelli
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t was “a wonderful day” for the Diocese of Trenton, said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., as he opened the June 4 Mass of Ordination in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
And for the six men who were ordained priests, as well as for many of the hundreds of attendees and well-wishers who filled the pews, it was a day they will never forget. “We are here to celebrate the gift of you…and the gift you give to the Church,” the Bishop said to the six then-Deacons - Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla, Christopher James Colavito, Augusto Lorenzo Cortes Gamalo, Richard Malcolm Osborn, John Michael Apelado Patilla and Daniel McKee Price – he ordained to the priesthood. For the six ordinands, the June 4 date marked the culmination of years, and, in some cases, more than ‘A WONDERFUL DAY’ a decade of formation. Of the six, three are natives of • Chasubles and stoles for the Philippines, while one hails from Michigan and two each of the new priests lie have roots in central New Jersey. All have had varied folded on a table near the lives, schooling and work experiences prior to entering sanctuary, awaiting the their respective seminaries for the Diocese of Trenton. vesting of the ordinandi. Bishop O’Connell noted the date brought with it added significance – June 4 was the sixth anniversary since his arrival to the Trenton Diocese as a coadjutor bishop; it was the day the Universal Church observed the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and was one day after Pope Francis held a special gathering for priests at the Vatican in honor of the CONSECRATED FOR CHRIST • Bishop O’Connell anointJubilee of Mercy. ed the newly-ordained priests’ hands with the Oil of Chrism, Ordaining Servants, then wrapped them in a maniturgia, or linen cloth. Here, Father Richard Osborn receives the maniturgia. Shepherds
SOLEMNITY AND JOY • The six deacons about to be ordained processed into the Cathedral to the strains of ‘To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King.’ whom were classmates of the ordinands; St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., which are among the seminaries where men from the Diocese prepare for the priesthood; the Archdiocese of New York; the Diocese of Camden, and from several religious orders. The Rite of Ordination, based in Scripture and the rich tradition of the Church, confirmed, instructed and consecrated the six men as they began their new lives as priests. Bishop O’Connell reflected on the day’s Gospel message, which focused on how “A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (Jn. 10:11-16). “The history of our salvation has been built on the long line of shepherds, prophets and priests whom God has called by name, whom God has formed and fashioned after his own heart,” the Bishop said. Motioning to his heart, he said, “My brothers, love dwells in here. “God dwells in our hearts and he tells us shepherds to pour its contents out, to lay down our lives” for others, said Bishop O’Connell. He explained that when forming men for the priesthood seminaries have enhanced their curriculum in a number of areas such as Scripture, tradition, theology and canon law, the “things of our Church and of our ministry as shepherds and priests.” See Live • S4
The Diocesan Festival Choir – with full instrumental accompaniment – sang “To Jesus Christ Our Sovereign King,” as the procession of acolytes, deacons, some 80 priests and Bishop O’Connell made their way down the aisle. Joining priests of the Trenton Diocese were contingents from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, many of
BROTHER PRIESTS • The concelebrating priests followed the Bishop in laying their hands on the heads of the ordinands as a sign of fraternal solidarity. JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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Live for Others, Bishop exhorts Continued from • S3 While that enhanced understanding is important, the Bishop continued, “there is much more for you to know, more to understand, more to suffer. “That ‘more’ will come when you – when all of us – as shepherds and priests follow the advice of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, who said to us ‘walk alongside his sheep and call them by name,’” the Bishop said. It will come “when we allow ourselves to be ‘taken from among men and made their representative before God;’ when we ‘lay down our lives for our sheep,’ not so much by dying but, rather, by living for them.”
Becoming Priests Forever Father Dennis Apoldite, diocesan director of vocations and the House of Discernment, called the candidates forth, and Msgr. Mullelly attested that Deacons Abadilla, Colavito, Gamalo, Osborn, Patilla and Price were prepared and approved for Ordination. Each candidate affirmed that he came willingly and faithfully to the priesthood and promised his obedience to the Bishop and his successors.. The candidates then lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor, signifying their dependence on God as the congregation chanted the ancient Litany of the Saints, invoking the holy men and women – particularly the patron saints of the six men – to pray for the candidates, as well as all gathered in the Mother Church of the Diocese. As the choir sang “Veni Creator Spiritus,” the Bishop laid his hands upon the head of each candidate, invok-
ing the Holy Spirit and ordaining them priests. Concelebrating priests then followed suit, one-by-one, laying their hands upon the head of each man. The new priests were then clothed in the vestments of his priestly office, the stole and the chasuble, by fellow priests designated by the ordinands. Father Abadilla’s vesting priest was Father Nestor Chavenia, parochial vicar of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat; Msgr. William Hodge, pastor of St. Mary Parish, Gloucester, was Father Colavito’s vesting priest; Father John P. Bambrick, pastor of St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, vested Father Gamalo; Father Osborn was vested by Father Vincent T. Euk, pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell; Father Apoldite was the vesting priest for Father Patilla, and Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, pastor of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, and former diocesan director of vocations, vested Father Price. The newly-vested priests once again knelt before Bishop O’Connell, who anointed each man’s hands with sacred chrism and wrapped them with a linen cloth, called a “maniturgia,” which customarily is later given by the priest to his mother. The Bishop then presented each priest with a paten and chalice. The new priests exchanged the Kiss of Peace, first with the Bishop and then with their priest brothers. The Mass then continued, and the six new priests joined Bishop at the altar for the Eucharistic sacrifice. Near the end of Mass, the ordinandi offered their first blessings to Bishop O’Connell as a sign of fraternity and solidarity.
A Day of Rejoicing The joyful emotions of the day were clearly reflected in the happy faces of the six ordinandi, as, together, they left the sanctuary and moved down the center aisle to the jubilant reception of the congregation. The new priests were then stationed throughout the Cathedral nave where they were able to confer first blessings on loved ones and well-wishers. Tears, embraces and animated conversation were seen throughout the Cathedral as the hundreds of people who witnessed the Ordination expressed their elation and love for the new priests. See New • S16
‘THIS IS MY BODY’ • The six newly-ordained priests join Bishop O’Connell at the altar for the consecration of the Eucharist in their first act ‘in persona Christi.’
Visit TrentonMonitor.com for: • Video of the Ordination Mass • Slideshow and photo galleries from the Ordination • Photo galleries from each new priest’s first Mass
To order additional copies of this magazine supplement, call 609-403-7199, or e-mail Monitor-News@ dioceseoftrenton.org.
SIGN OF SUPPLICATION • The six candidates lay prostrate on the sanctuary floor, signifying their total dependence on God, while the Litany of Saints is chanted. S4 •
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Congratulations and God Bless Father John Michael Patilla
THE PARISH FAMILY OF ST. CATHARINE CHURCH HOLMDEL, NJ ASKS GOD’S BLESSINGS UPON
Rev. Daniel M. Price ON HIS ORDINATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD JUNE 4, 2016
Parishioners, Staff, and Students of St. Benedict Catholic Church and School www.stbenedictholmdel.org
We also congratulate
Rev. Richard Osborn Rev. Augusto Gamalo Rev. Gregg Abadilla Rev. John Patilla and Rev. Daniel Price on their ordination to the priesthood.
JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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With the People
For Father Abadilla, being present, showing compassion are hallmarks of priesthood
Father Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla By Christina Leslie, Staff Writer
A
s a young man in his early 20s, Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla was seriously pursuing a career as a merchant marine in the Philippines. But just a few months short of officially becoming a sailor, Father Abadilla journeyed far across other oceans to cast out his nets as a fisher of men in the Diocese of Trenton. Father Abadilla was one of six men who were ordained priests June 4 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Born in 1986 in Mabini, Jovellar Albay, Philippines, the priest and his two sisters, Frances Gay and Camille Rose, and brother, Gregorio, are the children of Cleofe Loreno Abadilla and the late Gregorio Sr. Father Abadilla was educated in the Philippines, first in Jovellar Central School in Jovellar Albay, then St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Panal, Tabaco City. Due to his father’s illness and the financial challenges his family endured, Father Abadilla reluctantly took a leave of absence from the seminary. He worked as a coffee barista in a Starbucks while attending classes in a local community college, the Mariners Polytechnic Col-
leges Foundation, Manila, earning a bachelor’s of science degree in marine transportation. “I had completed all the requirements, except the apprenticeship, to join the Merchant Marines,” he exclaimed. “I could have been a sailor!” While rooming with a high school classmate, the two learned the Diocese of Trenton was accepting seminarians from the Philippines. Father Abadilla moved to the U.S. in 2009 to enroll in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in humanities in 2011. (His high school classmate, Father Carlo Calisin, now serves the Diocese as parochial vicar in Our Lady of Perpetual HelpSt. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands.) Father Abadilla’s summer assignments have included Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton; Corpus Christi Parish, Willingboro; St. William the Abbot Parish, Howell; St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and Ascension Parish, Bradley Beach. He served his diaconate year in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and celebrated his first Mass the afternoon of June 5 in the parish’s St. Mary of the Pines Church in Manahawkin. Father Abadilla now serves as parochial vicar in St. Clement Parish, Matawan. Despite his seminary studies in both the Philippines and the U.S., and his parish work in the Diocese, Father Abadilla freely admitted, “I am still learning. Life in the parish is different. “In the seminary, all the scenarios are perfectly painted, but in real life, situations are different,” he continued. “We operate more on the pastoral side…. use the knowledge we learned in seminary and learn how to deal with issues in real life.” The new priest expressed gratitude for Bishop O’Connell’s clerkship program held last
“We have to deal with the whole person, one with feelings.” summer to prepare seminarians for the myriad, hands-on responsibilities that would be expected as a parish priest. He also acknowledged the valuable opportunity of speaking with priests about their experiences and insight. “Doctrines and dogmas are our foundation, but we have to deal with the whole person, one with feelings,” Father Abadilla said. “We cannot compromise what the Church teaches, but have to be God’s mercy to those people. “I have learned from other priests to deal with the people gently, with compassion. Now it is the real deal,” he continued, “Unlike the scenarios we learned in seminary, there is not a madeup name in front of you, but a real person.” Father Abadilla most anticipates “being with the people, facing the people, sharing the faith and a spiritual dimension, celebrating the Eucharist and giving them a real sense of the Sacraments,” he enumerated. “We must be servant leaders, express God’s love. “I am not putting myself on a pedestal; I am now more mature in my faith,” Father Abadilla reflected. Describing his priestly ministry as a gift to the people of God, he added, “It is a two-way train, I am gaining from them. They give back to you an even richer experience.” Father Abadilla had chosen Father Nestor Chavenia, parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, to serve as vesting priest during the Ordination. “He was from the Diocese of my high school in the Philippines, he took care of me, gave me advice and mentored me in Barnegat. He has been guiding me every step of the way. He is representing the Filipino clergy, and it is a proud moment for us.” Considering the guidance that he might offer to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood, Father Abadilla observed, “The image I use is that of a seed God planted.” He advised, “Nurture it, water it. Prayer is the most important thing.”
SERVANT LEADER • Father Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla smiles as he greets parishioners following his June 5 first Mass in St. Mary of the Pines Church, Manahawkin. The new priest most anticipates “being with the people [and] celebrating the Eucharist.” Jeff Bruno photo
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All Bets on Christ Father Colavito happily moves from political, government realms to priesthood By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor
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n the five years he worked as an assistant to a commissioner with the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, Father Christopher J. Colavito became very familiar with the glitz of Atlantic City attractions. He was a man in his 20s who enjoyed a fashionable lifestyle, living in a three-bedroom townhouse and other perks he could well afford. What his lucrative salary did not provide, he later learned, was the “something more” he found in St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, which was not far from his workplace and situated in the midst of an impoverished area impacted by hunger, homelessness, drug use, prostitution, gangs and violent crime. While driving past “St. Nick’s” was part of his commute to work, it wasn’t until he actually stopped the car, went inside and started attending regularly that he found his way back to the Church a number of years later. The experience would ultimately help him to recognize his desire to become a priest, and set him on a course that led to his ordination June 4 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for the Diocese of Trenton.
“This is where God is calling me. This is what God wants me to do.” Born in Toms River, Father Colavito is the son of Ernest and Nancy Colavito and has one brother, Michael. The new priest’s sacramental life took shape in Toms River, beginning with his Baptism in St. Justin the Martyr Church, followed by his First Holy Communion and Confirmation in St. Joseph Church. When he was in his late teens, Father Colavito stopped attending Mass altogether. “Life and other things became my priority,” said the 37-year-old. He cites the work and example of St. Nicholas Parish as instrumental in his return to the Church years later. Father Colavito explained that he enjoyed attending Mass there and appreciated all the parish did to provide outreach to the community – holding food and school supply drives and operating a food pantry and a religious articles shop. But it was witnessing the humble, yet strong leadership style of then-pastor, Msgr. William Hodge, that Father Colavito cites as a major factor in his discernment.
“He’s an amazing priest and he had a way of bringing people into the fold,” Father Colavito said, extending deep appreciation to Msgr. Hodge for his wisdom and insights. Even before knowing Msgr. Hodge and the community of St. Nicholas Parish, Father Colavito had shown signs of a possible call to the priesthood. He related that prior to his Atlantic City work, he had served as a political consultant for local and state campaigns and came to know well Ocean County politicos Tim Ryan and Delores Coulter. He recalled their telling him, “You’re not listening to what God is calling you to.” Father Colavito admitted, “All along I was resisting what I was hearing.” After more than 10 years in the workforce, which included a two-year stint managing the Manahawkin office of the New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles, the 31-year-old decided it was time for a lifestyle change and went from the political and business worlds to one of service as a priest. He traded his townhouse for a nine-foot by-nine-foot “dorm-style room with a shared bathroom down the hall” in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore. Father Colavito
Father Christopher J. Colavito remembers that living with about 80 other guys and sacrificing general independence took some getting used to. But the energetic, effervescent former public servant found seminary life to be “a blast.” “I’m an outgoing guy who loves to talk to everyone. I loved hearing the different seminarians share their stories and how God called them at this point in their life,” Father Colavito said. In the seminary, he was awarded a bachelor of sacred theology, master of divinity and master of theology degrees. This education adds to his previously earned associates degree in liberal arts from Ocean County College; bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University, and master’s degree in American History from Monmouth University, West Long Branch. Father Colavito looks forward to continuing his journey in Burlington County. He will serve as parochial vicar in the parishes of St. Isaac Jogues, Marlton, and St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel, and as chaplain of Holy Cross Academy, Delran. “This definitely isn’t a job,” he said. “This is more. This is where God is calling me. This is what God wants me to do.”
RIGHT AT HOME • Father Colavito celebrates his first Mass June 4 in St. Barnabas Church, Bayville. Father Colavito realized his priestly vocation after having spent many years in political and state government roles. Jeff Bruno photo JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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‘VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
hands on Father Christopher C rooted in Scripture, is used by th ral of the Holy Spirit, through wh those who serve in Holy Orders
‘LIVING FOR THEM’ • In his
WELCOMING NEW PRIESTS • Bishop O’Connell, center, poses for a post-ordination photo with the newly-ordained priests for the Trenton Diocese – from left, Father Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla, Father Augusto Lorenzo Gamalo, Father Christopher James Colavito, Father Daniel McKee Price, Father John Michael Apelado Patilla and Father Richard Malcolm Osborn. At far right is Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, episcopal vicar of clergy and consecrated life.
homily, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., encouraged the six ordinandi to call the sheep of their flock by name, as Christ had called them to their vocation.
GESTURE OF SOLIDARITY • After being ordained, the six new priests each offered their first blessing to Bishop O’Connell as a sign of fraternity and solidarity.
TIME OF PRAYER, PREPARATION • Before
the start of the Mass of Ordination, the six soonto-be priests gathered with Bishop O’Connell in the Cathedral dining room, where the Bishop led a prayer service and blessed the chalices that were given to the ordinands for use in the celebration of their future Masses. Mary Stadnyk photo
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PRECIOUS GIFTS • Nilda Frulio of St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, hands a chalice to Bishop O’Connell during the Presentation of the Gifts.
Photos by Craig and Autumn Pittelli
S’ • Bishop O’Connell lays his Colavito. The ancient gesture, he Church to signify the conferhose power the Church ordains s
A NEW LIFE IN CHRIST • Father Colavito, seen offering a blessing after the Ordination Mass, said the day of prayer, song, grace and sacrament was “exhilarating.”
Visit TrentonMonitor.com for: • Video of the Ordination Mass • Slideshow and photo galleries from the Ordination • Photo galleries from each new priest’s first Mass
FRATERNAL CONGRATULATIONS • Msgr. Michael J. Walsh, episcopal vicar of Mercer County and pastor of St. James Parish, Pennington, St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, and St. George Parish, Titusville, extends the Kiss of Peace to Father Abadilla.
‘MAY ALMIGHTY GOD BLESS YOU’ • Following
the Mass of Ordination, Lou and Sue Anne Locascio from St. Catharine of Genoa Parish, Holmdel, receive a blessing from Father Daniel Price.
A DAY OF BLESSINGS • A group of well-wishers bow their heads in prayer as they receive a blessing from Father John Michael Patilla.
PRAYERS AND WELL-WISHES • The nave of St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, was filled with smiles and applause as family members, friends and future parishioners celebrated the six newest priests of the Diocese of Trenton. JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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TRADITIONAL OFFERING •
Father Augusto Gamalo presents his mother, Fara, with the linen cloth from his Ordination during his first Mass in St. Aloysius Church, Jackson, June 5. Jay Mayer photo
Ministry of Presence Father Gamalo finds special meaning in accompanying people through joys and sorrows By Patrick T. Brown, Associate Editor
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or Father Augusto “Al” Gamalo, being a priest means many things. But one overriding element, to put it simply, is just being present. “For me,” said Father Gamalo, ordained a priest by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., June 4, “the priesthood is all about the ministry of presence, being with people in their joyous times, like for weddings and baptisms, but also in their saddest times, like funerals.” It requires a certain amount of empathy, Father Gamalo says, and an understanding that nothing can replace the human interaction that comes at times of life’s great joys and sorrows. “It’s the ministry of presence that I’ve really learned through my [formation]. You have to be there as a priest, because people
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“I felt like I was being pulled by the great High Priest.”
look up to you as their spiritual father of a sort.” It’s a role for which he has spent many years preparing, starting from entering a high school seminary in his hometown of Tacloban City, Philippines, where he was one of three children of Castor and Fara Gamalo, Sr. His parents never forced him to consider a vocation to the priesthood, but when he first heard the call, he says, they were “supportive and very, very prayerful.” “[In the Philippines,] it’s very common to enter the seminary in high school,” Father Gamalo said. “Of course you don’t want to be a priest when you’re 13 years old, but it kind of developed in there. The moment I became serious about it was when I finished college seminary…I felt like I was being pulled by the great High Priest to join the priesthood.” Father Gamalo recalled knowing “nothing” about America before leaving the Philippines for the first time and entering the seminary. He felt some reluctance about the unknown future, but also excitement about following the call to become “a priest forever.” “Everything happened so fast, and I considered it a blessing. I believe that the Church is universal, and if I’m being called to become a priest . . . I’m a priest in the universal, Catholic Church.” Now Father Gamalo, whose first assign-
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ment is serving as parochial vicar in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, says that blend of excitement and anticipation is still present as he prepares to begin his priestly ministry. “I’m just hoping that I will be effective in relating to the people, especially the youth,” he said. “I’m very anxious and excited and of course it takes a lot of preparation. There are so many things to keep in mind, but hopefully everything will be great.” Father Gamalo, a movie buff who particularly enjoys war stories of bravery and valor, looks forward to returning to the Philippines in the near future to celebrate his first Mass back in his home diocese with his parents and family members in attendance. But for the meantime, he says, embarking on the journey of priesthood encompasses the many parts of parish life and being present for people at all stages of life. “I’m really looking forward to hearing confessions,” he said, “because you never know as a priest how many lives you change and how many hearts you touch by hearing confessions or giving spiritual advice. You’re really called to be the face of Jesus’ mercy.” While a transitional deacon in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, Father Gamalo found a special meaning in celebrating the rites of Christian burial. “I’m very comfortable doing funerals, and talking to the people grieving - I somehow feel their pain,” Father Gamalo said. Father Gamalo shared that he “can’t count how many times I’ve been inspired and helped by the faithful” who have prayed for him and supported him on his journey toward ordination. Now, he says, by being present as a minister of accompaniment and a personal representative of God’s healing love and mercy, he hopes to inspire and help others to become closer to God.
Heartfelt Congratulations to
Fr. Gregg Abadilla We are proud of you! From the parish family of
ST. WILLIAM the ABBOT HOWELL
Congratulations to Reverend Augusto Gamalo and Reverend Richard Osborn
A CENTENARY OF GRACE
Congratulations to Fr. Richard Osborn
our 2014 summer seminarian.
1916
With Best wishes! Fr. PJ, Fr. Leo
and the Parish Community of
From everyone at
St. Charles Borromeo
St. Ann Church
Keansburg
Cinnaminson
2016
With Praise and Thanksgiving to Almighty God The Parish Community of
Saint Mary, Mother of God Church Middletown
Congratulates and welcomes
Father Richard Osborn
On the Occasion of his Ordination to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ
We are all so proud of you! God Bless You Father Richard! JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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‘Beyond what I ever expected’ Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI inspired Father Osborn’s vocation to priesthood By Patrick T. Brown, Associate Editor
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hrough his writings, travels and witness, Pope John Paul II inspired countless Catholic men to consider a vocation to the priesthood. But for Father Richard Osborn, it was the now-saint’s example in facing death, and the solemn ceremony of his funeral and ensuing conclave, that first opened his eyes to a life spent serving’s God’s people. “Seeing the coverage of his funeral,” Father Osborn remembers, “and the election of Pope Benedict XVI afterward, kind of made me realize . . . that [faith is] something alive and real, not just some sort of historical note.” Father Osborn grew up in West Long Branch, the son of Richard and Debra Osborn. While he was born and raised Catholic, he admits that “for many years, I didn’t really care that much about religion. There was never a time I’d consider myself having been an atheist, but I just didn’t care very much.” The events of April 2005 inspired Father Osborn to embark on a personal encounter with Christ, one that eventually led to his ordination June 4 by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. “In hindsight,” Father Osborn said, “[Pope John Paul II’s] life has had an impact on me, but in the more immediate moment, it was more about seeing his decline on TV, and his death, that whole month or so, was very impactful for me in a very powerful way. “It opened my eyes in a way they had never been opened before. And little by little after that, I tried to become more open to God and more serious about my faith.” Father Osborn graduated from Shore Regional High School, West Long Branch, and attended Brookdale Community College,
Lincroft, and Stockton University, Galloway Township, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in political science and took part in fencing. He initially thought he would become a
“God chose me, despite my own weaknesses...to cooperate with Him in this great work.” high school history teacher. But upon his college graduation, he realized “that wasn’t what I was being called to do, so I approached the Diocese about studying for the priesthood, and was accepted.” While studying in St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Wynnewood, Pa., Father Osborn had a chance to be up close and personal with another Bishop of Rome when Pope Francis stayed at the seminary during his September 2015 visit to the United States. “It’s a very surreal experience,” Father Osborn recalled, “to see someone you’re used to seeing on TV, having the successor to St. Peter in your presence like that. It was a very memorable time.” Now, Father Osborn, whose first assignment as a priest will be that of parochial vicar in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, says he looks forward to celebrating the Sacraments with the community.
‘A ZEAL FOR SOULS’ • Father Richard Osborn, center, celebrates his first Mass June 5 in St. Jerome Church, West Long Branch. The death and funeral of Pope St. John Paul II spurred the reawakening of Father Osborn’s Catholic faith, he says. Mike Ehrmann photo S12 •
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Father Richard Osborn He draws strength from knowing that “God chose me, despite my own weaknesses and limitations, me, as a unique person, with my unique personality and my unique strengths, to cooperate with Him in this great work of bringing souls to Christ.” The priests he most admires, he says, are the ones who have a real “joy in the priesthood, a zeal for souls, and a real love for serving God’s people and his Church.” One such example is Father Vincent Euk, currently pastor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, who was parochial vicar in St. Jerome Parish, West Long Branch, in which Father Osborn was raised. Father Osborn celebrated his first Mass in St. Jerome Church June 5. Father Euk was also the person that Father Osborn asked to serve as his vesting priest during the Ordination, though Father Osborn notes there are many others who have inspired him with their example as well. As a new priest, Father Osborn says he is looking forward to “helping people to experience God in their lives, and deepen their knowledge and relationship with him. “It’s been an amazing journey that’s gone above and beyond what I’ve ever expected, because God is good.”
LONGING FULFILLED • Father John Michael Patilla, center, celebrates his first Mass June 5 in St. James Church, Red Bank. The new priest was inspired to a life of service by his uncle and his cousin, both priests in the Philippines. Joe Moore photo
“I’m looking forward to ministering to the people of the Diocese of Trenton as a priest.”
Family Journey After long path to priesthood, Father Patilla is eager to serve By Mary Stadnyk, Associate Editor
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or Father John Michael Patilla, the journey to the priesthood has stretched over 13 years and multiple countries. So it might seem surprising that immediately after his ordination June 4 in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Trenton, and the celebration of his first Mass in St. James Church, Red Bank, Father Patilla wanted nothing more than to make another journey – this time, back home to the Philippines. It was to be the first time he would see his family as a newly ordained priest, and his family would all be present as he celebrated another Mass of Thanksgiving, this time in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, his home parish. By the time that Father Patilla knelt before Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and was ordained a priest, he had been praying and preparing for his vocation for more than a dozen years. “I started young, in high school at 13,” said the now 27-year-old Father Patilla. It was, he believes, time well spent. “I’m looking forward to ministering to the people of the Diocese of Trenton as a priest,” said Father Patilla, who has been assigned as parochial vicar in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel. “I look forward to celebrating the Sacraments, serving Mass and being with the people in good times and bad.” Reflecting on his vocation, Father Patilla, the son of Vic Maynard and Maria Apelado
Patilla, and brother to Monique Kirsten Patilla Mabag and Maureen Patilla, said his interest in the priesthood evolved through the examples set by his uncle and his cousin, both of whom are priests. “They inspired me,” he said, and even though he was a child at the time, Father Patilla recognized “something about them” whenever he was in their company. “I longed for what they had,” he said, adding, “even at my young age.” Following grammar school in Sulat Elementary School, Sulat, Eastern Samar, Father Patilla began his pursuit of seminary studies as a high school student in Seminario de Jesus Nazareno in Borongan Eastern Samar, where he graduated in 2006. He then entered St. Mary College/Nativity of Our Lady College Seminary where he had studied philosophy. Following his college graduation, however, he withdrew from priestly studies for a year to further discern if being a priest was what he was called to do. Although he found work and was content, he realized that “something” was missing from his life. He returned to the seminary to complete his studies. Father Patilla’s arrival to the United States and the Diocese of Trenton came by way of his good friend and fellow seminarian, Father Augusto Gamalo, who was preparing for the priesthood here. Though he admitted that it wasn’t easy to leave the Philippines and his family – his mother continuously reminded him that the United States was “thousands of miles away” – Father Patilla decided to continue studies as a seminarian for the Trenton Diocese. In 2011,
Father John Michael Patilla he enrolled in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he pursued a bachelor of sacred theology and master of divinity degrees. Adjusting to the American way of life, along with being so far from home, posed challenges for Father Patilla in the beginning. But as time progressed, he adapted to his new lifestyle and culture. Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan, former diocesan director of the Office of Vocations, and Father Dennis Apoldite, diocesan director of seminarians and pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Trenton, who was Father Patilla’s vesting priest at ordination, were two members of the clergy who made a special impact on smoothing his transition to the United States. As a seminarian, he served a summer assignment in Epiphany Parish, Brick, where he was active with liturgical events and vacation Bible school. During a requested pastoral year, Father Patilla served in St. James Parish, Red Bank, where he worked in the parish school as well as volunteered as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion in nearby Riverview Hospital. As a transitional deacon, he was assigned to St. James Parish. Reflecting on his ordination day, Father Patilla shared that what made it especially meaningful was having the opportunity to be ordained with fellow Filipino seminarians – Father Gamalo and Father Gregg Leo Loreno Abadilla – and preparing with them to serve as priests in the Trenton Diocese.
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Long Road Home Father Price’s varied journey leads to service in the Diocese of Trenton By Christina Leslie, Staff Writer
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or Father Daniel McKee Price, who spent much of his young adulthood in different careers and locations, discerning his vocation to the priesthood went hand-in-hand with a search for his spiritual home.
He happily found what he was looking for on both scores in the Diocese of Trenton, which was confirmed in a dramatic way June 4 when he was ordained a priest by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. Born in 1971 in Traverse City, Mich., Father Price and his sister Julie are the children of Charles and Patricia Price. When he was two years old, his family moved to Maryland where he attended Worton Elementary School, Worton, then Sts. Peter and Paul School, Easton, for junior high. He earned a high school diploma from Queen Anne’s County High School, Centreville, moving on to graduate from Towson University, Towson, Md., in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in history. Father Price explored a number of careers after college: in the banking industry as a teller and operations clerk; a life insurance salesman; a long-distance tractor trailer driver who drove between Pennsylvania and Florida, and a delivery driver of medical and industrial gas in the Hagerstown, Md., area. Despite these many experiences, he knew he had not yet found his true calling. Perceiving a call toward the priesthood while living in West Virginia, Father Price entered into seminary formation for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. “But I discerned West Virginia was not where I felt the call to serve,” he recalled. The young man spoke with other diocesan vocations offices on the East Coast, but was still unsure they were a spiritual fit. Visits to the Toms River home of friend and fellow seminarian, Father Christopher J. Colavito, “allowed me to see New Jersey and how beautiful a state it was,” he remembered. He made an appointment for a meeting with then-director of vocations for the Diocese of Trenton, Msgr. Gregory D. Vaughan. “I had spoken with the Diocese of Wilmington and the Archdiocese of Baltimore, near
where I had family, but when I sat down with [Msgr. Vaughan], something clicked,” Father Price recalled. The young man continued his priestly studies in St. Mary Seminary and University, Baltimore, where he earned his master of divinity degree. “Now that Msgr. Vaughan is pastor of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, I have made that my de facto home parish,” Father Price said. “Every time I come up, he invites me there. It’s been a great relationship; he is my mentor and friend,” the new priest declared. That close connection was reflected during the Ordination with Msgr. Vaughan serving as Father Price’s vesting priest. Father Price celebrated his first Mass in St. Catharine Church June 4. Father Price also served a summer assignment in St. Catharine Parish, as well as St. Paul Parish, Princeton, and Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport. He served his diaconate year in St. Catharine-St. Margaret Parish, Spring Lake. His first assignments as a priest will place him in St. Joseph Parish, Keyport, where he will serve as parochial vicar, and in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, where he will serve as chaplain. He welcomes the diversity that these ministries will provide, and looks forward to using some of the different
HOME AT LAST • Father Daniel McKee Price greets parishioners following his first Mass June 4 in his “de facto home parish,” St. Catharine, Holmdel. Mike Ehrmann photo S14 •
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Father Daniel McKee Price
“We are on the journey together. We are all disciples of Jesus Christ.” skills and insights that his long and varied journey cultivated. As to the role of parochial vicar, Father Price most anticipates “being with the people, helping them on their spiritual journey and them helping me on mine. We are on the journey together,” he asserted. “We are all disciples of Jesus Christ.” Looking ahead to his role as high school chaplain, Father Price anticipates the possibility of being asked for advice about pursuing a religious vocation. He would hope to convey something drawn from his own experience, he said. “I would talk about my own journey, and I would tell them, ‘You need to pray about it. “Don’t keep it to yourself, talk to your friends, your parents, people you trust, talk to a priest. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
A Time Apart Bishop, deacons spend week on retreat before priestly Ordination By Patrick T. Brown, Associate Editor ust a few weeks before they were to kneel before Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and be ordained to the priesthood, the Diocese’s six transitional deacons spent time in retreat on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean.
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Held May 23-27 in St. Joseph By the Sea spiritual center in South Mantoloking, the retreat was primarily focused on prayer. But it was also about taking a deep breath and finding space to relax amidst the flurry of preparations for a Sacrament that would indelibly change their lives. Bishop O’Connell, accompanied by Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, vicar for clergy and consecrated life and director of seminarians, led the six men in a week of talks, quiet reflection, and prayer and worship. It was a time, Bishop O’Connell said, “to anchor yourself for what’s ahead. “During these days, I hope that you are resting and using this [retreat] as a chance to relax…rest is an important thing in the spiritual life. We don’t always have to be active or running around,” the Bishop told the men in a brief reflection. “Canon law requires you to make a retreat each year, but I encourage you…even if it’s just time to get away with a good spiritual book, take some time to get away from all of your work and ministries, just as our Lord would do with his friends.” Then-Deacon Augusto Gamalo said that the time of “getting away” from the responsi-
FRATERNAL BONDS • From left, Deacons Daniel Price, Christopher Colavito and Richard Osborn share a meal and conversation during one retreat afternoon. Below, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., shared spiritual insight and practical advice with the soon-to-be priests. Craig Pittelli photos
bilities and last-minute planning for his impending Ordination was a great gift. “I’ve always found that retreats are a very important part of not just a priest’s life, but a Christian’s life. Every now and then we need our own moments of silence,” Deacon Gamalo said. “The Bishop encouraged us to find moments of solitude and silence, and he has some amazing talks. Yesterday he talked about intimacy and I learned a new perspective on being intimate with the Lord – it was amazing and insightful,” he said. Then-Deacon Richard Osborn, the only one of the six men who did not attend St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, said he enjoyed the time to deepen his relationship with Christ as well as with his soonto-be brother priests. “It definitely has a fraternal aspect to it,” Deacon Osborn said, “trying to stay calm with an even keel, so to speak, while also being excited. It lends itself to a time of reflection and prayer, which is essential for one preparing for something so important.” Msgr. Mullelly told The Monitor that this was the third consecutive year that the Diocese has provided this dedicated time away for the Ordination candidates. The small house, with its chapel, individual rooms and a boardwalk down to the ocean, provided the perfect chance to retreat from the hubbub of daily life. “It’s a beautiful, very peaceful and relaxing location to read and to rest and to pray,” Deacon Osborn said. The close quarters and time for contemplation as well as community allowed the men to share insights and camaraderie as they approached their momentous day.
“It’s a small group, just the six of us, so we eat all together. We have a very good connection and it’s becoming deeper as the week unfolds.” During his addresses throughout the week, Bishop O’Connell offered a blend of personal anecdotes, spiritual insights and practical suggestions for becoming holy and faithful priests of the Diocese of Trenton. He recommended entrusting themselves to the Blessed Mother after the Ordination, calling her “a powerful intercessor for priests.” “I can tell you without hesitation that if it wasn’t for the Blessed Mother in my life, there’s a lot that’s happened that wouldn’t have happened,” the Bishop said. He also recommended developing a routine of a regular prayer life early in their priesthood. “Make the Breviary your friend – don’t neglect it…Its purpose is to sanctify the day. You are men called to be sanctifiers, but you can’t give what you don’t have.” Then-Deacon Christopher Colavito reflected in a homily about Christ’s encouragment to his followers to give up everything they have, including their possessions and families, to follow him. “This is what we are called to be as priests,” now-Father Colavito said. “To give our whole selves to the Church and to his people.”
HEARTS FOR CHRIST • Bishop O’Connell, flanked
by then-Deacon Colavito and Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, celebrates Mass for the men on retreat.
TIME WITH GOD •
Bishop O’Connell and Deacon John Michael Patilla spend time in quiet prayer during the week-long retreat. JUNE 16, 2016 • TrentonMonitor.com •
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Congratulations
SACRED VESSELS •
Bishop O’Connell presents the paten and chalice to be used at the Mass of Ordination to Father John Michael Apelado Patilla.
Reverend Gregg Leo Abadilla
Congratulations on Congratulations your Ordination to the Holy Priesthood
Reverend Gregg Leo Abadilla Reverend Gregg Leo Abadilla on your Ordination toon the Holy Priesthood your Ordination to the Holy Priesthood
We share your joy and excitement as you begin this amazing, sacred and faithful journey.
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sacred journey. We amazing, appreciate yourand hardfaithful work and sacrifice WeGod appreciate your hard work and May continue to Bless you Always ! and are very proud of you ! sacrifice
andcontinue are very to proud of you Alway ! May Kenard God Bless s! Rev. Msgr. Tuzeneu, Rev. you Nestor Chavenia, May God continue to Bless you Always ! Rev. Msgr. Kenard Tuzeneu, Rev. Nestor Chavenia, Rev. Marcin Kania, All our Deacons, Staff Rev. Rev. Msgr.Marcin Kenard Tuzeneu, Rev. NestorStaff Chavenia, Kania, All our Deacons,
And the entire Parish
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The Parish of
St. Theresa, Little Egg Harbor rejoices with
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on his Ordination to the Priesthood.
new priests celebrated Continued from • S4 For Cleofe Abadilla, her determination to see her son, Gregg, ordained a priest was so strong that she happily got on a plane and travelled more than half-way around the world from the Philippines to Trenton – by herself. “This is my first time out of my country…and this is such a blessing for me – to be here,” she said through tears of joy. Among the many well-wishers were parishioners from communities where the men had served as deacons, or will now be assigned as priests. One group came from St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, to witness the Ordination of Father Patilla, who will become their new parochial vicar as of July 1. “We wanted to come and offer our support” to Father Patilla, said Margaret Roddy, parish secretary of St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel, whose members teamed up with neighboring St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, to charter a bus to Trenton for the day. Stephanie Simnor of St. Veronica Parish, Howell, met Father Osborn through the Catholic Centre at Monmouth University, West Long Branch. She said she was confident his priestly ministry would be blessed – “He is very compassionate with people and a very peaceful person.” Afterwards, a smiling Father Colavito reflected on his life-changing morning. “This has been exhilarating,” he said. “I’m overwhelmed by the many who came today to show their love and support,” he said. He shared that being a priest “hit me” when Bishop O’Connell and the other priests “laid their hands on my head.” “I realized that now I’ll be able to do that at the next Ordination – lay my hands on the head” of a man who is going to be ordained a priest, he said. “I’m going to be able to share that. I’ll be experiencing the priesthood from the other side.” For additional coverage of the June 4 Mass of Ordination, visit www. TrentonMonitor.com
The Parish Family of St. Gregory the Great
May God bless you today
Congratulates
Rev. Augusto Gamalo On his Ordination to the Priesthood
and always as you begin a life of service to the people of God in your special calling as a PRIEST. Wishes. t s e B d n a s r ye All our Pra S16 •
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MONITOR • JUNE 16, 2016
Welcome to our parish!
Church of St. Gregory the Great Rev. Michael McClane, Pastor StGregorytheGreatChurch.org