May 19, 2022

Coverage of annual Chrism Mass, pages 6-7

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF THE DIOCESE OF METUCHEN

MAY 19, 2022 • VOL. 27 NO. 4 • $2.00

Bishop James F. Checchio baptizes Rachel Albi, who became a new member of the Church during the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Asssisi, Metuchen. See coverage of the liturgy and photos from Holy Week Masses and prayer services on pages 13-16.

— John Batkowski photo

INSIDE 4

Perspectives Our Faith

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Kid’s Corner

26

Diocesan Events

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Table of the Lord

New altar is consecrated at East Brunswick church...3 This issue was mailed on May 17 Your next issue will be June 16

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May showers us with many faith-filled, moving moments

UP FRONT

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

and make clear His will for us, too, as He guides us all on our way back to our heavenly Father.

This month, I am also enjoying that daylight is earlier in the morning and stays longer into the evenings.

I still take my daily morning walk which gives me some exercise, but also allows me to plan the day and pray the rosary.Walking around Metuchen most mornings, it is nice to see differMay is one of my favorite months ent homes with statues of the Blessed of the year. Perhaps it is that May is Mother or St. Francis on their lawns, one of the months specially dedicated along with some homes with Divine to our Blessed Mother, to whom I and Mercy images in their windows. It many others have a special devotion. always lifts my spirits and turns my This is a time, too, when the Easter mind more fervently to the Lord roseason is in full sary. I always ask swing, and the readour Blessed Mother Walking around ings from the Acts of to assist me in my the Apostles about efforts of shepherdMetuchen most the early Church are ing our local flock. mornings, it is nice to In many ways, so inspiring. The Holy Spirit is seen images speak see different homes with those acting so clearly in volumes more about these readings, even statues of the Blessed what is believed in in the midst of such that house than the great challenges. Mother or St. Francis on different placards We know the Holy their lawns, along with with messages that Spirit has not left some homes have. us in our day, and I some homes with Divine Most weekday often wonder how evenings Mercy images in their this month, during the Holy Spirit is I am working right now our windows. It always lifts confirming in our Church and young adults at one world, even as we my spirits and turns my of our 90 parishes. face challenges of mind more fervently to These Masses are our own. No doubt, very moving, as our the Lord.

He is here with us, young brothers and but do we look for sisters receive the Him and expect Him Holy Spirit through to act in our lives, too? this special sacrament. How our young This month, we will conclude our need the Holy Spirit as they make listening sessions for the worldwide their way through the challenges they Synod that Pope Francis called. We face in growing up today! As I watch have had about 40 different listening my nieces and nephews and our youth sessions in our diocese and many have here, I often think that I had fewer contributed their prayerful observa- challenges as a young child and young tions on line or via letter. We pray that adult. Our faith gives them a good base the Holy Spirit will lead this process and center on which to focus their lives

Bishop James Checchio

and they also know that they are never alone, as our Lord is with them always to accompany them throughout their lives and lift them up in any challenge they face. What a great gift parents are able to share with their children, a gift that will last them a lifetime and lead them to heaven! Confirmations are a blessing for me as the young adults, their families and friends fill our churches for Mass and it reminds us all of the ongoing, direct presence of God so intimately in our lives.

Our priests and parish catechetical leaders are busy these days with First Communions, which are also such a joy. I always enjoy seeing our youngsters in their beautiful dresses and suits for their important day. The family gatherings after these Masses are always heartwarming, too.

Mother’s Day is another great May celebration as we gather to thank our mothers or remember in prayer those who have passed away. These moments of prayer and gatherings of family and friends are so important for us and give us blessed memories, too.

In our diocese May 14, we ordained 15 permanent deacons, all of whom are Latino, and we had their formation done in Spanish for them.

Their service to our parishes, particularly to our growing Latino community, is sorely needed and will be appreciated. What a blessing these

deacons will be to our pastors, associates and faithful. I thank God for their generosity in responding to God’s call.

We also have a visit of the relics of St. Bernadette to the diocese on May 17-20 and I will have Mass at our Cathedral on the evening of May 19 for the occasion. There are so many miracles that have taken place at Lourdes, and I pray that the relics of St. Bernadette sent from the Shrine in Southern France, will bring graces to us and those in need.

I hope you are enjoying this month, too, and as our weather warms up, I pray that our Blessed Mother whom we honor in a special way throughout this month, will shower upon us all the warmth of the love of her Son! Mary is another blessing of May, and many of our parishes and schools honor her this month with special displays and devotions. I look forward to praying with our school children at Immaculate Conception in Annandale, May 26, for a May procession.

Know of my prayers for you and my gratitude and love for you. Please pray for me too.

Most Reverend James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA Bishop of Metuchen

MEMORIAL DAY MASSES TO RESUME After a two-year absence because of the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, Mass will be celebrated at the diocese’s two burial parks at 10 a.m., Memorial Day, May 30.

Msgr. John N. Fell, director, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel, will preside at Mass at Holy Cross Cemetery, 840 Cranbury South River Road, Jamesburg; and Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish, Somerville, will preside at Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Hoes Lane and Park Avenue, Piscataway.

Catholic Spirit

MAY 19, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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Trip Highlight In April, Bishop James F. Checchio and his family traveled to Rome, where he visited Diocese of Metuchen seminarian Jose Lim and Father Timothy Eck II, who are studying at the Pontifical North American College. During his trip, the bishop also had an audience with Pope Francis, who promised the bishop his prayers for the Church of Metuchen. In turn, Bishop Checchio is asking the faithful to join him in praying for the Holy Father, especially as knee pain continues to limit his mobility.

— Vatican Media photo

3 OUR DIOCESE

Church’s ‘visible sign of the mystery of Christ’ blessed at Mass

By Christina Leslie Correspondent EAST BRUNSWICK — Calling it “an important and unique blessing in the Church,” Bishop James F. Checchio presided and gave the homily at Mass at St. Bartholomew Church, during which its new altar of sacrifice was consecrated.

Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor,

and Father James E. De Fillipps, parochial vicar, concelebrated the May 1 liturgy, marking the culmination of the parish’s $2.2 million capital campaign to mark its 60th anniversary.

Father Walsh said the genesis of the ambitious project began in October 2017 during a parish pilgrimage to California missions founded by St. Junipero Serra in the 18th century.

“We were struck both by their

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 19, 2022

Father Thomas J. Walsh, pastor, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick, lights a candle at the newly consecrated altar at Mass at St. Bartholomew Church May 1. During the rite of blessing, the altar is stripped of its candles, cross and linens so the platform, also known as the pedella, can be consecrated with holy chrism oil and incensed.

beauty and the overwhelming sense Incense fills the air as Bishop James F. of the presence of God,” Father Walsh Checchio prays during the consecrasaid. “Each of the missions had mag- tion of the new altar at St. Bartholomew nificent altars and shrines. I made a Church, East Brunswick, May 1. The promise that I would create a chapel smoke of burning incense symbolizes here in her honor in the alcove of our the prayers of the faithful rising towards church.” heaven. The altar is part of a $2.3 million The initial designs, drawn by the capital campaign program to mark the Evergreene Design Company, Brook- 60th anniversary of St. Bartholomew — John Batkowski photo lyn, N.Y., included a new marble altar Parish. of sacrifice, a new ambo and an altar of repose for the tabernacle. Throughout that $1.78 million had been pledged the major undertaking, Father Walsh to the campaign from 472 families. said, “Art, beauty The crème color and light were esfor the altar of sacsential components rifice’s marble was of our vision.” Furchosen to match the Plans to improve ther planned church parish’s existing the parish [St. improvements and baptismal font; all renovations were furnishings mensa Bartholomew] new energy-efficient [table] and antepenschool include church lighting, a dia niches are Binew porcelain flooranco Carrara Giola new windows, a ing, stained glass marble. “IHS” is windows, a new emblazoned on its kindergarten wing, confessional, and a face, as is the three a computer room, side chapel and alnails — the Glorious tar dedicated to Our Wounds of the Cross. two upper school Lady of Guadalupe.

In his homily, classrooms and a Plans to improve Bishop Checchio exthe parish school inplained the rite of principal’s office. clude new windows, blessing, noting he a kindergarten wing, would use the holy a computer room, chrism oil blessed two upper school at the Chrism Mass classrooms and a principal’s office. during Holy Week.

As of April 28, Father Walsh reported Continued on page 11

4 PERSPECTIVES

From abode of the dead, Jesus leads the just to heaven tory, the Kingship which they believed deem the people of their Sins and thereby Jesus would exercise reconcile them to God, to could not be further from put Satan at bay, and to free Jesus’ Ascension the dead from their captivity the images they conjured from the Scriptures. To marks the begin- in the nebulous underworld the contrary, their King that housed them until Jening of the real sus liberated them from would be condemned, flogged, crowned with “hell” (a netherworld Kingship of the this thorns, nailed to a Cross existence where the just and hung in public view Lord...Christ now awaited their liberation by for having been found the Messiah) and escorted guilty of blasphemy by brings all peoples them to the true land of milk the Jewish religious auinto submission and honey, the real paradise, thority, and as a threat the New Jerusalem. There, not by violence they witnessed the Father to civil peace by the Romans. crown Jesus, King of Kings but by love.

So much for the and Lord of Lords, granting earthly kingship of Jesus him sovereignty over all Christ. powers, thrones and principalities of the On the Ascension, we celebrate the universe. From this day forward, Jesus true Kingship of Christ inasmuch as our did usher in a new age—let us call it the Lord’s return to the Father as the place Age of Grace. And the mediator of all where God the Father would decorate grace would be henceforth the very one his only Son for having succeeded at the who saved us from ourselves, from our Mission for which he was sent to Earth— selfishness and sinful tendencies: Jesus. to make known the love of God, to reThis, my friends, is what we celebrate

on what would otherwise be the Seventh Sunday of Easter. This is why the Church summons us to gather in worship today. Jesus’ Ascension marks the beginning of the real Kingship of the Lord. From that day until the consummation of God’s saving plan with the Second Coming, Christ now brings all peoples into submission not by violence but by love. Concommitantly, he infuses and nourishes a real faith that lays latent in every soul—so that every person now has a vocation to salvation. Every person now has a chance to spend eternity in joy with the new humanity of the redeemed and in a relationship with the God who created them and saved them through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Imagine, how blessed we are then, to be in a relationship with a God who condescended to become one of us so that, in time and with grace, we could become more like Him. This, then, is a peak into the real nature of the God who is Love.

Father Comandini is managing editor of “The Catholic Spirit

traditions of which millions of Ukrai- miliar destinations, carrying their posnians were deprived of this Easter. The sessions in sacks and plastic bags. same author suggested that the making The worn, tear-stained faces of of Pysanky would be a these women follow good way for people “There is a tone and me throughout the day. around the world to Every day I see style of communica- media reports in show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. elders weep at tion to direct, person- which Although it’s a the loss of their sons little too late for me to-person storytelling and daughters, their to get started on a big homes and everything Pysanky project, it’s that no other medium they hold dear. After never too late to pray can replace. An older surviving the second and offer sacrifices for World War and a Soviperson, one who has et-inflicted famine in the suffering people of Ukraine. youth, they canlived a long time, and their It is often said that not believe that such receives the gift of a carnage is again visitwomen, children and I learned that Pysanky symbolizes the elderly are the first homeland. lucid and passionate ing their Christ’s resurrection, hope, new life victims of war.

In March, Pope and prosperity. They are traditionally As a Little Sister testimony of his or her Francis suggested that made during the last week of Lent by of the Poor, I naturally as much as they are the women of the village, who work at focus on the plight of history, is an irreplace- suffering, the elderly night as their children sleep. Prayers seniors. My heart aches have an invaluable able blessing.” are said as the intricate designs are as I think of the Ukraicontribution to make —Pope Francis drawn on eggs with beeswax, each nian grandmothers who during tragic times. line bearing an intention for the per- should have been busy Like Moses, he said, son destined to receive the egg. at home making Pysanky, Paska — “The elderly see history and pass on In this way, one author noted, the Easter bread — and other traditional history.” creation of Pysanky becomes a con- dishes for their families. I can’t imag“An old age that is granted this templative practice similar to praying ine where they find the strength to clarity is a precious gift for the genthe rosary. endure as they hide in basements or eration that is to follow. Listening Egg dyeing is just one of many board refugee buses bound for unfa- personally and directly to the story of lived faith, with all its highs and lows, is irreplaceable. Reading about it in books, watching it in films, consulting it on the Internet … will never be the If you were sexually abused by a member of the clergy or anyone representing the Catholic Church, or you same. There is a tone and style of comknow of someone who was, you are encouraged to report that abuse to local law enforcement, the New munication to direct, person-to-person Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency at 1-877-NJ ABUSE (652-2873) or 1-800-835-5510 storytelling that no other medium can (TTY/TDD for the deaf), and also the Diocesan Response Officer at (908) 930-4558 (24 hours/7 days a replace. An older person, one who has lived a long time, and receives the gift week). of a lucid and passionate testimony of

his or her history, is an irreplaceable blessing.”

The pope asserts that great social challenges and peace processes call for dialogue between the keepers of memory — the elderly — and the young, who move history forward.

“Each must be willing to make room for others ... Encounter and dialogue between generations should be the driving force behind a healthy politics.”

“I can give a personal testimony,” the pope said. “I learned hatred and anger for war from my grandfather, who fought at the Piave in 1914, and he passed on to me this rage for war.

Because he told me about the suffering of a war. And this isn’t learned in books or in other ways … it’s learned in this way, being passed down from grandparents to grandchildren. And this is irreplaceable. The transmission of life experience from grandparents to grandchildren. Today, unfortunately, this is not the case, and we think that grandparents are discarded material: No! They are the living memory of a people, and young people and children ought to listen to their grandparents.”

It is clear from the abundant media coverage that Ukrainians do not discard their elders. Families are suffering together and they will rise from the rubble together.

Let us thank God for their heroic example and pray that their resurrection may come as quickly as possible.

Sister Constance is communications director, Little Sisters of the Poor in the United States and an occupational therapist.

Body & Soul

By Father Glenn J. Comandini, STD If we recall the opening Gospel on Palm Sunday, we remember how the crowds placed Jesus on the back of a donkey and placed a purple robe around our Lord and waved palms at him as he entered Jerusalem. They, who did not fully understand Jesus, believed him to be the Messiah, long-promised by the Prophets. However, the King, who they anticipated, would be a “Warrior-King” who would usher in a new age in which all Israel’s enemies would submit to the truth, abandon their false gods and worship the One, True, God whose Ark of the Covenant linked the Jewish people to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in a bond of love because Israel was his Chosen People. As we know from salvation his-

How Ukrainians treat elderly is model for all families

MAY 19, 2021

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Many years ago, I watched an older woman making Ukrainian Easter eggs at an international crafts fair. The complex process, intricate patterns and bright colors fascinated me, so I purchased a kit and spent time during Lent trying to master the traditional art of “Pysanky,” as the eggs are called.

How to report abuse

5

Compiled from the Catholic News Service

Random detentions cast pall on high holy days Diocese’s golden jubilee held despite challenges

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — The statue of Jesus, blindfolded and cuffed, ubiquitous during Holy Week processions here, hit close to home for Gabriela Rivas. Like many women in El Salvador, Rivas spent Holy Week looking for help for her husband, detained without cause by government authorities April 10, Palm Sunday, she said. “We don’t know what condition he’s in, we have access to nothing, there’s no communication, no visits,” and no way to get him out, said Rivas, a Catholic mother of two, in an April 15 interview with Catholic News Service. Rivas’ husband is one of more than 12,000 Salvadorans the government has detained since March 27, the day legislators approved an emergency law that made detentions in the Central American country easier. Government authorities said the move was necessary to battle gang violence following a weekend that set a record number of homicides in late March. “More than 12,000 terrorists captured in just 21 days,” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele tweeted April 15. But Rivas said her husband was not a terrorist or a gang member. He was a bus driver trying to provide for his family

Handcuffed men climb out of a police pickup truck outside a detention center in San Salvador, El Salvador, March 31. More than 12,000 Salvadorans have been detained by the government since March 27 in an effort to battle gang violence, but one police union representative said officers have been pressured to give “false statements” in order to meet a quota of detentions.

— CNS photo/Jose Cabezas, Reuters

when the government unjustly detained him using the emergency law. The measure suspends for 30 days constitutional freedoms, such as the right to assemble, due process and privacy in communications, and it threatens to detain suspected gang “collaborators.”

Cardinal urges reflection on capital punishment

The collapsed roof of St. Louis Cathedral in Jérémie, Haiti, is pictured in an undated screenshot from video. The 1901 cathedral, considered a national heritage, has always been an emblem of the remote coastal outpost of Jérémie.

— CNS screenshot/YouTube

has always been an emblem of the remote coastal outpost of Jérémie. At one time the city was connected to the rest of the country only by boat or a rocky, mountainous winding dirt track prone to flooding. A new road connecting Jérémie to Les Cayes, 60 miles to the southeast, was completed in 2015. Today, the region is cut off from capital city, Port-au-Prince, by armed gangs who control Martissant, a poor suburb on the only road leading to Haiti’s southwestern peninsula.

Support of refugees follows Jesus’ teaching

— CNS photo/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard

Ukrainian nurse Iryna and Russian nursing student Albina, who are friends, hold a cross at the 13th station as Pope Francis leads the Way of the Cross outside the Colosseum in Rome April 15.

— CNS photo/Paul Haring

News April 11 that such friendships were common and many families are made up of the two nationalities, living in both or either country.

MAY 19, 2022

Washington Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory prays as he elevates the crucifix on Good Friday, April 15, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Washington, D.C., during the celebration of the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion. “On this day, when we must all acknowledge that we have all been set free through the death of one who was truly and perfectly innocent, should we not consider working for a society made more humane by disallowing yet one more act of violence?” Cardinal Gregory asked in his homily. He urged Catholics to contemplate the “weighty moral question” of capital punishment.

VATICAN CITY — More than 10,000 people gathered outside Rome’s Colosseum prayed with Pope Francis for peace in the world, while a Ukrainian and a Russian woman held a cross together during the nighttime Way of the Cross April 15. The pope had asked families to write the series of prayers and reflections for the 14 stations based on their actual experiences carrying difficult “crosses” in life, such as the loss of a family member, infertility, illness and disability as well as migration, but who also seek hope in their faith. The 13th station -- Jesus dies on cross -- had reflected on the tragedy of death, loss and war with a reflection written by a Ukrainian and a Russian family. The meditation was changed after some controversy when the meditations were published. The new meditation read April 15 called for a moment of silence: “In the face of death, silence is more eloquent than words. Let us pause in prayerful silence and each person pray in their hearts for peace in the world.” However, the cross was still held by a Ukrainian and a Russian. The two women met and became friends while studying nursing and working at a Rome medical university campus. They had told Vatican

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

WASHINGTON — Marking Good Friday, the most solemn day in the church calendar, Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington venerated the cross of Jesus and urged the faithful to “consider carefully the impact that capital punishment has on us as a society. On this day, when we must all acknowledge that we have all been set free through the death of one who was truly and perfectly innocent, should we not consider working for a society made more humane by disallowing yet one more act of violence?” he asked. Cardinal Gregory was the principal celebrant and homilist of the April 15 liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. He urged the faithful “to reflect in prayer on this weighty moral question” of capital punishment. “Taking the life of one who has taken another’s life is most assuredly just another link in the horror of violence of which there is far too much in our world,” the cardinal said. The pastors of the Church are challenging us all to consider other means to protect society that do not include the destruction of another life. “We are not seeking the wholesale release of murderers and dangerous criminals back into society,” he continued. “We are not urging our nation to neglect its obligation to protect its citizens. We are not suggesting that dangerous people are not dangerous people. We are, however, beseeching Catholics everywhere to consider carefully the impact that capital punishment has on us as a society.”

JÉRÉMIE, Haiti — The third shepherd of the Diocese of Jérémie might be the only Catholic bishop in the world whose cathedral roof has collapsed twice in earthquakes and was ripped off once by a Category 4 hurricane. “We are alive,” Bishop Joseph Gontrand Decoste told the Jérémie radio station JCOM in an April 14 video interview. “Depi tet ou pa koupe gen espwa mete chapo,” the 64-year-old bishop said with a smile, peppering the interview with Creole proverbs. “As long as your head’s still on your shoulders, you can hope to put a hat on it.” Many locals prepared their finest hats for the mid-April diocesan golden jubilee, which also honors Bishop Carl-Édouard Peters, the first bishop, whose heart failed in 1975 as he cheered on Jeremie’s winning soccer team. The St. Louis Cathedral, whose roof collapsed for a third time in the August 2021 earthquake, has been temporarily patched up for the occasion. “We cannot fail to celebrate,” said Bishop Decoste, as he waits for a recommendation by engineers engaged by PROCHE, Partnership for the Reconstruction of the Church in Haiti. The 1901 cathedral, considered a national heritage,

WORLD & NATION

WORLD & NATION

Bishop Checchio said. “Pope Francis reminds us that God chose to save us, not through a mighty, salvific gesture, but through service.”

Thanking the priests of the diocese who had given such witness of service, he continued, “Jesus lives in and through us especially because of the Eucharist. As we celebrate this

Chrism Mass and renew our priestly promises, thanks for the 40 years our diocese has shined by lighting hearts on fire with his love. May we truly keep our gaze on him and him alone.”

At the end of the homily, the bishop invited the priests to stand and reaffirm their vows. He asked them if Continued on next page

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Have YOU Been Heard?

Bishop James F. Checchio consecrates the Sacred Chrism, which is used to anoint the heads of the newly baptized and confirmed, the hands of a priest at his ordination, and the altar and walls of new churches. — John Batkowski photo

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6 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

with their bishop. The Mass, traditionally celebrated near the start of Holy Week, has origins stretching back to METUCHEN — Speaking from the about 250 A.D. During the Mass, oils ambo at the Cathedral of St. Francis are blessed and distributed to each of Assisi, Bishop James F. Checchio parish for use in its sacramental rites.

Bishop Checchio presided at the reminded the scores of priests in the congregation that the Eucharist is a liturgy and Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski and priests visible sign of the body, blood, soul, and “Whenever we are face of the diocese concelebrated. Seated in the divinity of the Savior. to face with suffering, sanctuary were clergy “Jesus did not establish the priestour natural instinct is celebrating milestone anniversaries of serhood and Eucharist to gather around the vice to the people of because he needed it to reach us, but rather Eucharist, cling to our God.In his homily, Jesus gave us sacraloving savior and not the bishop reflected ments because we upon the struggles need them to reach let go. Pope Francis of the past two years him,” the bishop said at the annual Chrism reminds us that God — the COVID-19 pandemic and the war Mass April 12. “Jechose to save us, not in Ukraine — dursus tied together the ing which millions Eucharist, the priestthrough a mighty, have suffered. Rely hood and service. Our salvific gesture, but upon the gift of the receiving of him is not Eucharist and serve only a graced moment through service.” your fellow man, he of prayer alone, but it —Bishop James F. Checchio advised the congregaconnects us with one tion. another, as it impels “Whenever we are face to face us to serve one another.”

At the Mass, clergy renew their with suffering, our natural instinct is priestly promises to guide and nurture to gather around the Eucharist, cling their people and serve in solidarity to our loving savior and not let go,”

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

est . 1 981

MAY 19, 2022

Chrism Mass unites clergy, laity of diocese in mission of service

Additional DIOCESAN LIST ENING SESSIONS for the Synod.

May 25, 2022 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM via ZOOM May 26, 2022 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, NJ REGIST RAT ION REQUIRED at www.diometuchen.org/synod2023 SCAN HERE to Register

of the newly baptized and confirmed, the hands of a priest at his ordination, and the altar and walls of new churches.

To consecrate the Chrism, Bishop Checchio poured a sweet-smelling balm perfume into the olive oil in the third vessel, then breathed over it. He invited his fellow priests to extend their right hands in blessing, and asked God to fill the chrism with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The bishop’s closing remarks paid tribute to the importance of each member of the diocese, each priest and deacon, as well as those in consecrated life, furthered the cause of “continuing to light a fire in the light of our Church of Metuchen,” he assured them.

“Forty years is a good thing, but it’s not enough,” Bishop Checchio said. “We have much more to do… I am so grateful to be on this road with you. We have an army of people in this diocese that we can depend on. As priests and laborers in the vineyard, it makes us sleep easier at night knowing we have all of you to labor with us.”

OUR DIOCESE

they were “resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and closely conformed to him… to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God… to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching… moved only by zeal for souls.” The priests replied as one, “I am.”

Bishop Checchio then addressed the congregation, imploring them to “pray for your priests that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them and keep them faithful as minister of Christ. “ “Pray also for me,” the shepherd beseeched them, “that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness.”

The rite, which gives the Chrism Mass its name, was the carrying of three vessels of oils to the sanctuary for the bishop to bless: the Oil of the Sick, to be used on the infirm during the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick; the Oil of Catechumens, used to baptize new Catholics, and the oil that would become Sacred Chrism.

Chrism is used to anoint the heads

7

Continued from previous page

Farewell Blessing Bishop James F. Checchio, left, blesses students who are graduating from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, and staff of The Catholic Center at Rutgers at Mass for graduates at St. Peter the Apostle University & Community Church May 1.

— John Batkowski photo

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Above, during the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, a deacon incenses Bishop Emeritus Paul G. Bootkoski. Right, Deacon Steven Fortier carries the Chrism to be blessed by Bishop James F. Checchio, who presided at the Mass. Below, the processional included two Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus, who stand next to priests present at the liturgy.

— John Batkowski photos

ANNOUNCING AN UPCOMING RETROUVAILLE

8 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 19, 2022

Healing hands of healthcare system’s nurses honored at liturgy but were called to be on the front lines in assisting people during this scary pandemic, when there was so much NEW BRUNSWICK — For the first unknown about it at the beginning.

“You no doubt at times just want23 years or so working as a registered nurse-first assistant in the operat- ed to be alone. You didn’t have the ing room at Saint Peter’s University luxury of stepping aside, or working Hospital, Felix Rivera was used to a from home, but put love into action regular schedule. In addition to assist- with complete selflessness. The nursing during surgeries, he and members es of St. Peter’s have been regularly of his team gave words of encourage- recognized as one of the things that ment and comfort to patients as they makes St. Peter’s such an outstanding place, so thank you!” waited in a holding area.

Despite the demands on him, JeBut since 2020, the COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic, Rivera and his sus persevered because he was driven co-workers have had the added stress by his intimate relationship with his of trying to avoid being infected by heavenly father, the bishop continued.

The theme of this year’s obsera virus that has sickened more than two million New Jersey residents and vance of Nurse’s Day and Week is “Rooted in Strength.” “Like our Lord, killed more than 33,000.

On May 2, Rivera served as lector you have been able to do what you at a Mass in the hospital’s conference were called to do for our good people who were sick, room honoring those who serve as nurses. “You [nurses] no doubt scared, often lonely and isolated, because National Nurses Day at times just wanted you were indeed is officially May 6 and National Nurses to be alone. You didn’t rooted in strength. So what a great theme Week is May 6-12. was picked.

Bishop James F. have the luxury of step- that You knew what was Checchio presided at ping aside, or working needed during this the Mass and gave the time and you stepped homily. from home, but put forward in faith with During the litlove into action with strength to meet that urgy, registered nurse Linda Carroll, vice complete selflessness.” need. You stepped forward to continue president of Patient — Bishop James F. Checchio the healing ministry Care Services and of Jesus as you cared chief nursing officer for the sick, calmed at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, led her colleagues in reciting “The fears and helped to heal, even dealing Florence Nightingale Pledge,” which not only with the sick, but their anxconcludes, “With loyalty will I en- ious and scared families…

“For me, you are a good reminder deavor to aid all practitioners in their work and devote myself to the welfare of this lesson by Jesus as you have been called in a very concrete way of those committed to my care.”

Afterwards, Bishop Checchio to put this mandate of Jesus into acgave a group blessing of the nurses’ tion by your loving service of our sick brothers and sisters.” hands.

Rivera, whose family worship In his homily, the bishop noted how busy Jesus was in his earthly at Mass at Immaculate Conception ministry as described in the Gospel Church, Somerville, said getting im(John 6:22-29), especially in heavily- munized and a booster shot, the propopulated Galilee. The region in Is- tective garb he wears, and Mass and rael is was where Jesus fed more than praying at holy hours helped him 5,000 people through the miracle of overcome any major stress or fear he the loaves and fishes, taught “great might have, especially when caring crowds” and healed the sick. When- for patients infected with the virus.

For two months in 2020, Gov. Phil ever Jesus tried to be alone or alone with his apostles, people found him, Murphy ordered the cessation of elective surgery, so Rivera was assigned to the bishop said.

“The amazing thing is that He the emergency room.

“It was kind of a challenge,” he never gets angry or upset, nor asks to be left alone. Rather, He sees the said. “During the height of COVID, people in need like sheep without a we were screening the patients who shepherd, and He responds in love,” had COVID and those who did not.”

The Mass at Saint Peter’s was Bishop Checchio said.

“As I was reflecting on this, I was also special, Rivera said, because he thinking of you nurses. I am sure in was one of 14 nurses at Saint Peter’s your work you might often feel like — the only one from the operating Jesus and His disciples, especially room — who was honored with the during these past two challenging facility’s 2021 Daisy Award for those years when you had nowhere to hide, “who make a difference.” Each reBy Chris Donahue Associate Editor

cipient received a statue representing Mary holding the baby Jesus.

“The operating room is very cold to prevent infection, so just bringing a warm blanket to a patient makes a dif-

ference. Something that simple,” Rivera said about one of the ways he and his teammates try to make someone comfortable or relieve their anxiety before surgery.

Above, Bishop James F. Checchio (center) poses with staff of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, including Leslie Hirsch (far left), president and chief executive officer, Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, after the bishop presided at a Mass honoring those who serve as nurses. Right, registered nurse-first assistant Felix Rivera holds a statue of Mary and the baby Jesus for being one of 14 nurses honored for those “who make a difference.”

— Michael Castronova and Chris Donahue photos

Avove, nurses from Saint Peter’s University Hospital recite “The Florence Nightingale Pledge” at Mass celebrated in the facility’s first-floor conference room May 2. The Mass was celebrated there instead of in the chapel on the third floor as a safety precaution for COVID-19. Left, Bishop Checchio raises the host.

iliary Bishop, Kyiv Archeparchy, wrote, you that the Giver of Peace in His Resur“We know that this year you are also suf- rection will bring true joy to your hearts fering together and homes,” the with Ukraine and auxiliary bishop “We know that, like Mary, the the Ukrainian continued. people. We know The March ‘sword of sorrow’ pierces your that, like Mary, 2 collection and heart when you see this horror Day of Prayer and the ‘sword of sorrow’ pierces your for Peace that is happening in our home- Fasting heart when you in Ukraine were land. We are infinitely grateful to immediately folsee this horror that is happening lowed by a March in our homeland. you for your generous support in 3 Divine Liturgy, We are infinitely our journey of suffering that ac- in which Bishop grateful to you Checchio parfor your gener- companies us to our Resurrection.” ticipated, held at ous support in our Ukrainian Catho—Bishop Josyf Milian, Auxiliary Bishop, journey of sufferlic Church of Kyiv Archeparchy ing that accomthe Assumption, panies us to our Perth Amboy.

Resurrection.”

Three weeks later, the bishop also joined “Bringing our gratitude, we wish the holy father in prayer, as he consecrated

Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary on the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, March 25.

“Even now, more than two months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we must remain committed to praying for and doing all we can to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, who are enduring these atrocities against humanity,” said Bishop Checchio. “While I am grateful for the many generous faithful and the people of goodwill who contributed to this collection for humanitarian aid, I urge the continuance of prayer for the people of Ukraine; for those in neighboring countries offering shelter, aid and refuge; and for an end to this senseless war. May Our Lady, Queen of Peace, protect and be near to them and intercede for us, that this cruel war will end in peaceful resolve.”

OUR DIOCESE

PISCATAWAY — Through its Ash Wednesday collection and other ongoing efforts, the diocese collected $415,521.67 in humanitarian aid for Ukraine, which is still under siege by Russian forces.

At the request of Bishop James F. Checchio, the special collection was taken up at parishes in the counties served by the diocese – Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren – on Ash Wednesday, within the first week of the war. The collection, which generated $385,462.67 in parishes and prompted $30,059 from individual donations, among them one $10,000 donation, was held on the Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace in Ukraine declared

by Pope Francis to encourage believers in a special way to dedicate themselves intensely to prayer and fasting on that day.

In a letter of gratitude to Bishop Checchio and the faithful of the Diocese of Metuchen, Bishop Josyf Milian, Aux-

9

Parishioners in diocese respond enthusiastically to assist Ukraine

— Tara Smith

Deacons honor ‘familiar face’ that greeted them on spiritual journeys

By Tara Smith

Deacon Stephen F. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate, shows Lorraine Mascher’s family one of the two stoles that was donated in her memory at Mass at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, where she worked as a security guard. Looking at the stole are, from left, Lorraine’s grandchildren, Gianna, Aryianna and Madison; her son-in-law, Cory; and her twin sister. Eileen.

— Tara Smith photo

was a friendly face. She was the go-to person for a light-hearted chat or an irreverent quip.”

“Pope Francis has emphasized, in the past, the word ‘accompaniment,’ how important it is that we as a Church accompany others on their spiritual journeys,” he said. “Lorraine, in her own way, certainly accompanied those men in their journey to be ordained deacons and so speaking for those deacons, who were ordained over the last 15 years, we miss Lorraine terribly, but we are grateful to God for her own unique brand of ministry: her ministry of presence.”

Smith is director, diocesan Office of Communications.

MAY 19, 2022

everybody in the diocesan center. She was a friend of everyone in the building, but she had a very special fondness for the deacon candidates, who came here so often throughout the time she was here and their five years of formation,” said Deacon Kern. “They were, in her words, ‘Her boys,’” he said with a laugh.

Reflecting on the diaconate formation process, which he acknowledged can be trying at times, Deacon Kern remembered Mascher. “Through all those years, through all the angst and distress over papers, exams and reading, through all the late nights and through all the bad weather, Lorraine

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Security guard Lorraine Mascher, the woman who for more than 15 years was the first person many saw when they visited the diocese’s St. John Neumann Pastoral Center, Piscataway, was a welcoming presence to all.

But for the men in formation for the permanent diaconate, who began their first year of meeting intermittently and then twice weekly met for four years at the pastoral center until their ordination, her face — warm and friendly with a kind smile — and quick wit that followed, was a constant presence, reminiscent of family.

“She meant so much to our diocesan family, but especially to those people whom she saw on a weekly basis, which was you,” said Father Timothy A. Christy, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, addressing the deacons who gathered in the pastoral center chapel for the March 31 blessing of liturgical stoles made in her memory.

The men, who came to know and befriended the security guard over the years, collected donations and purchased two deacon stoles, one white and one green, made at Holy Rood Guild in Massachusetts. Each with a tag on the inside in her remembrance, the stoles were donated to the diocese for use by its deacons who have occasion to assist at liturgies taking place in the pastoral center chapel, just steps away from the front desk where Mascher once sat, greeting visitors.

Since the donations collected exceeded the cost of the stoles, the deacons also presented the family with a gift and a Gregorian Mass card for the celebration of thirty Masses on thirty consecu-

tive days for the repose of her soul.

Mascher, a beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, died Dec. 12, 2020, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, through whom the diocese was consecrated only the year before. Fittingly, she was remembered under the banner of Our Lady, who was known to have said: “Let not your heart be disturbed…

Am I not here, who is your Mother?

Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything.”

Speaking to Mascher’s family members who were present for the blessing — among them her twin sister, Eileen, who also once worked as a security guard at the pastoral center; her sister, Barbara; her daughter Catherine; and her granddaughters — Father Christy said, “We certainly loved Lorraine and certainly you have suffered a great loss and so have we.

So, it’s appropriate that we gather for this blessing and for these words of memoriam because it’s so significant to recognize that in God’s Kingdom, nothing is lost. In fact, we discover each other more fully when we turn to the Lord in faith.”

In her time working at the pastoral center, it is estimated that Mascher saw nearly 150 candidates from eight different classes pass through the diaconate formation program for the diocese, said Deacon Stephen F. Kern, director, diocesan Office of the Diaconate.

Deacon Kern was one of the men who came to know Mascher during his own formation before he was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the diocese in June 2010.

“Lorraine really was a friend to

OUR DIOCESE

10

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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“We only use it for specific things in the life of the Church — on babies and converts at baptism, at confirmation, and to consecrate the hands of a priest and heads of bishops,” he said. “When we consecrate a new altar, the altar and church take on a personality. All these things, people and objects, become another Christ through consecration.”

The bishop continued, “Thanks to your work in this newly renovated, beautiful church, as long as it stands, will have Mass celebrated in it. The word of God will be proclaimed, and Jesus’ body and blood will be shared… As we use this Chrism oil today, we permanently set aside this place as special…

This is a great testimony of your faith, a great gift to generations and generations for those who come to this town, this church.”

The rite of consecration drew all present into a faith-filled feast of sight and sound and fragrance. The choir and congregation sang the “Litany of the Saints,” beseeching each holy man and woman named to, “Pray for us.”

Bishop Checchio invoked the names of important Biblical ancestors — Noah, Abraham, Moses and others — who had constructed an altar in God’s glory and

Christ’s fulfillment of his Pascal Mystery, and prayed, “Be a sign of Christ, a festive table where people might cast their troubles, a source of the Church’s unity, a center of praise and thanksgiving… Offer their gifts, unfold their intentions, pour out their prayers and echo every meaning of their faith and devotion.”

The bishop removed his ornate outer vestment, tied a simple white vestment atop his alb, rolled up his sleeves, poured the Sacred Chrism over the surface of the altar and spread it to every corner with his bare hands while praying, “May God in his power make it holy, a visible sign of the mystery of Christ, who offered himself for the light of the world.” Donning his outer vestments once again, he waved the thurible of incense over the altar and the congregation; wafting upwards, the smoke sliced in half a sunbeam shining through a skylight above the altar and slowly sending its sweet scent throughout the church. Father Walsh and congregant benefactors assisted in the drying of the altar, now redressed with cloths to resume the Mass and ready it for its first Pascal feast.

At the liturgy’s conclusion, Father Walsh expressed his gratitude for the

OUR DIOCESE

Continued from page 3

11

Parish’s renovation project reaches major milestone with dedication of altar

Bishop James F. Checchio rubs holy Chrism oil on the new altar at St. Bartholomew Church, East Brunswick, during the rite of comsecration at Mass May 1.

— John Batkowski photo

parishioners and benefactors and led a prayer to St. Joseph the Worker for the project’s continued success. Bishop Checchio elicited chuckles from the congregation as he recounted a recent visit with Pope Francis in Rome.

Explaining to the pontiff he needed

to leave his companions on the tour a day early in order to arrive in time for the St. Bartholomew altar consecration, the bishop shared the pope’s response: ‘What a great moment of grace.’

“I guess that counts as a papal blessing,” Bishop Checchio said.

Family helped develop director’s role of advancing Church’s mission

By Christina Leslie Correspondent

MAY 19, 2022

Considering his new mission to strengthen the many resources of programs which aid so many within the four counties, Lanahan reflected, “There are things we can do and things we can fix. There’s always room for growth.”

Then, echoing his days as a member of his high school and college lacrosse teams, he concluded with a sports analogy.

“It’s about who has the skill set to move the ball forward, to grow in faith.”

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Ask Richard Lanahan the reasons he sought the role of director, diocesan Office of Development, and you will learn of his tradition of service to the Church first kindled as a youth in South Jersey.

“It runs in the family,” Lanahan said with a smile, recounting his days as an altar server at St. Jude Parish, Blackwood, during the term of a certain young parochial vicar (and his future boss): thenFather, now-Bishop James F. Checchio.

Foreshadowing his own role in the life of the Church, Lanahan’s father, James, served as director of Development for the Dioceses of Trenton, then Camden, for many years.

Service to the Church also was instilled in his brothers, James and Matthew. “In the summer, mom would say to us, ‘Come on, boys, let’s go clean the church to get those confirmation hours,’” he recalled.

Lanahan attended Catholic schools throughout his entire educational career, first at his parish school, St. Jude Regional, then Paul VI High School, Haddonfield. He graduated from Kings College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa., in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in history and high school teaching certifications from both Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and earned a master’s degree in business administration with a specialization in business systems and analytics at La Salle

University, Philadelphia, in 2019.

Lanahan has a message to those Lanahan has served as major gifts Catholics who question donations to the officer at Kings College; the director, diocesan-level Bishop’s Annual Appeal Institutional Advancement, Lansdale when they already support their local (Pa.) Catholic High School, and senior parishes: it’s all about being a better director, Development, Lynch Develop- Catholic. ment Associates, “It, ultimately “It [director, diocesan Of- and overall, helps the Huntington, N.Y. His position counties (Somfice of Development] ties four in the diocese fits erset, Middlesex, within his faithHunterdon and Wardirectly to who I am as a based professional ren) served by the person with regards to be- diocese, especially choices.

“It ties directly ing a Catholic, what I have in feeding the hunto who I am as a gry and supporting done during my entire person with regards the poor,” he said. to being a Catholic, using charity career: attending Catholic “It’s what I have done as a way to become during my entire cahigh school and colleges, closer to God. reer: attending Cath“You can’t run olic high school and working for Catholic devel- any organization colleges, working opment firms, again build- without dollars,” for Catholic develhe continued. “It’s opment firms, again ing and driving the mission about building on building and driving mission of the of the Catholic Church.” the the mission of the Church and we can’t —Richard Lanahan Catholic Church,” do that without relahe said. tionships and money.

His new position includes work- It’s important to continue to ask our doing with the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, nors for that support, for if we don’t ask, aiding small parishes with their capital we don’t receive.” campaigns and reaching out to older Lanahan and his wife, Alissa, live Catholics to assist with estate gifts. in Doylestown, Pa., with their two chilGoals include increasing the Bishop’s dren, Brynne and Declan, and are eagerly Annual Appeal figures and finding more awaiting the birth of their third child this resources for seminarians and Catholic summer. Their home parish is Our Lady Charities. of Guadalupe, Buckingham Township, Pa.

12 OUR DIOCESE

Church, government leaders decry violence related to abortion opinion

By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — Biden administration officials issued a statement against violence May 9 following protests outside the homes of two Supreme Court justices in the Washington area as well as a spate of vandalism and disruptions targeting locales of groups that oppose abortion. Some of them include Catholic churches.

Referring to President Joe Biden by the Twitter handle for President of the United States, or @POTUS, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that he “strongly believes in the Constitutional right to protest.”

“But that should never include violence, threats, or vandalism. Judges perform an incredibly important function in our society, and they must be able to do their jobs without concern for their personal safety,” she tweeted.

The statement came after news agencies reported protests outside the home of Justice Brett Kavanaugh in Chevy Chase, Md., and the nearby home of Chief Justice John Roberts. Others said another justice and his family had to be taken to an undisclosed location because of threats, but it turned out to be unfounded.

After the online news site “Politico”

published a report May 2 from a leaked draft opinion signaling that the majority of Supreme Court justices seem set to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision legalizing abortion in all 50 states, those opposed to having it overturned have taken to the streets to protest. But vandalism showing discontent with the potential ruling, which would leave the legality of abortion up to the states, also seems to be on the rise.

In Madison, Wisc., police are investigating the firebombing of the Wisconsin Family Action Office. Two Molotov cocktails were found at the scene, which included graffiti that said, “If abortions aren’t Safe, then You aren’t either.”

Madison Bishop Donald J. Hying, in a May 9 statement, called the vandalism, “a brazen act of violence, which all citizens should condemn, as an attack on the respect and concern we owe to each other in seeking the common good.”

Officials from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ religious liberty office said they documented nine similar incidents on the weekend after the leak, stretching from New York to Los Angeles.

Most were disruptions or destruction of property such as the one report-

A threat is spray painted on the building wall near Wisconsin Family Action’s offices in Madison, Wis., May 8.

— CNS photo/Molly Beck, USA TODAY NETWORK via Reuters

ed by The Denver Channel in Colorado, an ABC affiliate, where Sacred Heart of Mary Church staff, in Boulder, removed graffiti, paint, and broken glass over Mother’s Day weekend.

Though the leaked draft is not final, Chief Justice Roberts confirmed its authenticity and has called for an investigation. The draft, according to the “Politico” report, shows five justices’ alignment against Roe v. Wade

— enough to overturn it. The court’s final decision could be announced in the next two months.

Authorities in Washington, wary after what happened during the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S Capitol nearby, have erected tall and difficultto-scale fencing around the Supreme Court, where some punches have been thrown and tensions grow among those who disagree.

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MAY 19, 2022

The 5:00 PM Vigil Mass will be celebrated by The Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA, Bishop of Metuchen

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THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

T h e CAT H E DRA L o f S T. F RA N CI S o f ASSI SI

OUR DIOCESE

Above, Deacon J.P. Saggese carries the Paschal Candle that Bishop James F. Checchio lit to begin the Easter Vigil, April 17, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The paschal candle is a symbol of the light of Christ, rising in glory scattering the darkness of the hearts and minds of the faithful. Right, Kristi Cordes, one of the cathedral’s candidates, leads one of the petitions in the Prayer of the Faithful. Cordes and the cathedral’s other elect proclaimed the prayer.

— John Batkowski photos

MAY 19, 2022

Above, Bishop Checchio poses with the Cathedral’s catechumens and candidates who became full members of the Church: (from left): Victoria Naranjo, Rachel Albi, Kristi Cordes, Cynthia Reif and Robert Reif.

At left, Sara Sharlow, director of the cathedral’s Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults formation process, presents the candidates and catechumens to the bishop.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

On a most sacred night when Catholics didates make an act of faith for their recall our Lord’s Resurrection, hundreds baptism and the reception of the other of the faithful filled the Cathedral of St. sacraments.”

Through our act of faith in Jesus’ Francis of Assisi for the Easter Vigil, April 16. Outside the cathedral, prior to Resurrection, Bishop Checchio assertthe Mass, Bishop James F. Checchio lit ed, “We have a hope and destiny that the paschal candle a symbol of Christ must illuminate everything we say and do. How our world in this day needs rising from the dead.

The paschal candle was then pro- this and our Church needs this witness cessed into the dark cathedral where of hope, too.

“May the Risen Christ fill our hearts it was used to light the candles held by the congregants standing at the end and minds with the peace the world canof the pews. They in turn shared their not give,” the bishop concluded. “May light with others until the light of Christ our act of faith today, ignite that fire in shined throughout the diocese’s Mother us, too, and deepen our own commitment to the practice of our faith just as Church. it did for the women in our When Bishop ChecGospel who came to the chio reached the sanctuary, he blessed the paschal can- Through our act empty tomb looking for Jedle with incense after which of faith in Jesus’ sus. It changed everything for them and everyone one the cantor sang, “This is Resurrection, they met, and it can be the the night…a truly blessed night.” When the song ‘We have a hope same for us. Jesus, indeed, wants us to make this act of finished, all were asked to extinguish their candles and and destiny that faith and to run, to share it all that we encounter the church was darkened must illuminate with each day.” He told his flock once again.

Readings from Scripeverything we that Jesus wants his love to be shared through us. ture and the singing of say and do.’

After the homily, Sara psalms, interspersed with Sharlow, director of the prayers by the bishop, fol—Bishop James F. cathedral’s Rite of Chrislowed. The last song proChecchio tian Initiation of Adults claimed, “Like a deer that (RCIA) process, presented longs for running streams, my soul longs for you, my God.” Then the elect, catechumens, Cynthia Reif Bishop Checchio prayed, “Grant that and Rachel Albi, who were to become we may comprehend your mercy so that members of the Roman Catholic comthe gifts that we receive this night may munity, receiving the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and first holy confirm our hope of the gifts to come.”

Bells began to ring; the lights were Communion. turned on and the candles in the sanctuWhile the Litany of Saints was sung, ary were lit while the Gloria was sung. the bishop processed to the baptismal A reading from Romans was then pro- font at the back of the cathedral, where claimed and trumpets played as Deacon he baptized Reif and Albi, who then Rick Fortune walked to the ambo to donned white baptismal garments. Back proclaim the Gospel. at the altar, when he introduced the new In his homily, Bishop Checchio members of the Church, whom he called referred to the Gospel and the women children of the Light to the congregation, who went to the tomb seeking Jesus, there was spontaneous applause. but he was not there. He said it led to Reif and Albi were then joined by a “thought-provoking reprimand, ‘Why the cathedral’s three RCIA candidates: do you seek the one who lives among Kristi Cordes, Victoria Naranjo and Robthe dead?’” The question provided im- ert Reif, and Bishop Checchio confirmed portant instruction for the women and all five. Again, there was applause while for all of us disciples who seek to find the bishop congratulated each newly Jesus, he added. confirmed.

The Church’s new members led the Not finding Jesus in the tomb, the women, who had stood at the foot prayer of the faithful and brought up the of Jesus’ cross, made an act of faith. offertory gifts. When it came time for “They believed that Jesus had risen holy Communion, the bishop started by and ran to share that news with others. giving the five Catholics the Eucharist.

Their act of faith changed absolutely In remarks at the end of the Mass, everything,” said the bishop. the bishop thanked those Catholics We, too, should not look for Jesus who entered into full communion that in our past experiences or we may fail night for their witness, and when the to recognize him now in a new way, or Easter Vigil ended, they led the recesfail to hear what the Lord is asking us sional, ready to share the good news of Christ’s Resurrection. As Bishop Checto do right now, he continued.

The diocese’s shepherd then told chio said earlier in his homily, “This the congregation, “This Easter you and is the day the Lord has made. Let us I are called to make an act of faith as rejoice and be glad.”

— Joanne Ward we watch our catechumens and can-

13

Bishop presides at Easter Vigil at Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi

14 OUR DIOCESE

Traditional Rites

MAY 19, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Above left, Bishop James F. Checchio raises the body and blood of Christ during the consecration at the Palm Sunday Vigil Mass at St. Charles Borromeo Church, Montgomery Township. Msgr. Gregory E.S. Malovetz (left), pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, concelebrated. Left, Bishop James F. Checchio blesses palms that were distributed Palm Sunday at The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Somerville. Msgr. Joseph G. Celano, pastor, assists the bishop. Below left, at Mass on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, Bishop Checchio washes the feet of a parishioner, which symbolizes Jesus ‘ washing the feet of his Apostles at the Last Supper. Below, the bishop carries a chalice containing the Blessed Sacrament to the side altar. Center, worshippers adore the Blessed Sacrament after the Mass. — Marlo Williamson and John Batkowski photos

15 OUR DIOCESE

Above, on Good Friday at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Bishop Checchio venerates the cross. At the conclusion of services recalling the passion of Jesus, the cross is placed in the sanctuary for the faithful to venerate. Above right, members of the parishes in Perth Amboy recreate the Via Crucis or stations of the cross through the streets of the Bay City. Re-enacting the role of Jesus is Claudio Sosa, a parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima Parish. At right, during the Solemn Liturgy of the Passion and Death of Our Lord on Good Friday, Deacon Guido Brossoni raises a cross for the faithful to adore. At right below, Bishop Checchio prays during Mass on Easter Sunday at Our Lady of Lourdes, Church Whitehouse Station. With the biship is Father Leonard F. A. Rusay, pastor of the parish. Below at left the bishop blesses the congregation with blessed palms at the beginning of the Mass.

— Marlo Williamson and Frank Wojciechowski photos

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 19, 2022

16 OUR DIOCESE

Parish celebrations

Above at left, Bishop James F. Checchio prays over Easter baskets at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, Sayreville.

Behind him is Father Kenneth R. Murphy, pastor. The blessing of food to be eaten on Easter is a Polish tradition.

At left a young boy adds his family’s basket for the blessing, and at right the bishop sprinkles the baskets with holy water. Above right, the parish’s First holy Communion class, pose , May 8, for a photo with the parish’s Director of Religious Education, their catetchists and Father Murphy.

MAY 19, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

— Marlo Williamson and Amy Fitzgerald photos

Father Thomas Serafin, pastor, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Three Bridges, blesses rosaries at a recent Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. On March 15, Nancy LaCorte, a member of the parish, learned of the effort of Bob Unanue, chief executive officer of Goya, to collect rosaries for Ukraine. Within a few weeks, 1,818 were donated and have been forwarded to Texas for their passage to Poland. Bishop James F. Checchio presided at Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church April 3 and blessed more than 1,700 of them. More than 100 were collected in the remaining three days and were blessed by Father Serafin.

— photo courtesy of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish

ing will benefit the Pier Luigi Fabbiani Nursery School, the Gianni Diurni Primary School and the Foyer de l’Enfance Paolo Di Nardo Orphanage, all run by the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in Goma, Democratic

Republic of Congo, Africa.

The Far Hills-based Caritas Chamber Chorale is dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor through the art of sacred music. Since its founding in 2005, the Chorale has sung for

the benefit of the Adorno Fathers’ St. Francis Caracciolo Mission in DRC, Africa.

For more information, please visit www.caritaschamberchorale.org or call (732) 718-0775.

OUR DIOCESE

Caritas Chamber Chorale, directed

by Barbara Sanderman, will present “Dancing Toward Paradise” for the benefit of Adorno Fathers’ African Mission, June 18, at 7:30 p.m., at the Shrine of St. Joseph, Stirling.

“Dancing Toward Paradise” is a program of sacred choral music and reflection honoring life’s journey. The program includes short readings and poetry with flutist Stefanie Santoro providing interludes. The choral music ranges from Anglican chant to original hymnody and contemporary choral anthems and spirituals. Frank Ticheli’s “Earth Song” is featured.

The concert will begin, weather permitting, at the Tower of Remembrance where Psalm 23 will be offered for those who have gone before us. A procession will then lead to the church, where the remainder of the concert will be held.

The concert is free and open to the public. The entirety of a free will offer-

17

Shrine to host concert of sacred music to benefit African mission

A member of the Adorno Fathers poses with children the order serves in the Democrat Republic of Congo, Africa, including a nursery school, a primary school and orphanage. Proceeds from the June 18 concert by the Far Hills-based Caritas Chamber Chorale, which includes many members from the diocese, will benefit the Adorno Fathers’ mission there.

— photo courtesy of the Adorno Fathers

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OUR FAITH

18

Adjusting to new pastor can take patience Pope Francis

AUDIENCE

April 17, 2022 Brothers and sisters, let us allow the peace of Christ to enter our lives, our homes, our countries! May there be peace for war-torn Ukraine, so sorely tried by the violence and destruction of the cruel and senseless war into which it was dragged. In this terrible night of suffering and death, may a new dawn of hope soon appear! Let there be a decision for peace. May there be an end to the flexing of muscles while people are suffering. Please, please, let us not get used to war! Let us all commit ourselves to imploring peace, from our balconies and in our streets! Peace! May the leaders of nations hear people’s plea for peace.

May they listen to that troubling question posed by scientists almost seventy years ago: “Shall we put an end to the human race, or shall mankind renounce war?”

(Russell-Einstein Manifesto, 9 July 1955).

I hold in my heart all the many Ukrainian victims, the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons, the divided families, the elderly left to themselves, the lives broken and the cities razed to the ground. I see the faces of the orphaned children fleeing from the war. As we look at them, we cannot help but hear their cry of pain, along with that of all those other children who suffer throughout our world: those dying of hunger or lack of medical care, those who are victims of abuse and violence, and those denied the right to be born. Amid the pain of the war, there are also encouraging signs, such as the open doors of all those families and communities that are welcoming migrants and refugees throughout Europe. May these numerous acts of charity become a blessing for our societies, at times debased by selfishness and individualism, and help to make them welcoming to all.

MAY 19, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Prayer to the Risen Christ

Heavenly Father and God of mercy, we no longer look for Jesus among the dead, for He is alive and has become the Lord of Life.

From the waters of death, you raise us with Him and renew your gift of life within us.

Increase in our minds and hearts the risen life we share with Christ and help us to grow as your people toward the fullness of eternal life with you.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Question Corner

By Father Kenneth Doyle Our parish had a change in pastors this year. Previous to his arrival, I had been attending daily Mass for 18 years. Now I go only on Sunday because I just do not like this priest; some of the things he does at Mass put me in such a bad mood that I feel that I am better off not going. I have prayed to God to help me accept him, but so far, I have been unable to do it. The first irritant is his failure ever to start on time — sometimes as much as 10 minutes late, while the congregation just sits and waits. Throughout his homily, he will make a few statements and then ask the congregation to guess what he is going to say next. All of this has added at least 20 minutes to what we had been used to for a weekday Mass. He gives the impression that we are there to watch his show, rather than to worship God. Am I wrong to let him

Q

I am sorry that your dissatisfaction has deprived you of the benefit — both spiritual and emotional — that you once gained every morning. More often than not, the arrival of a new pastor requires an adjustment on the part of parishioners, particularly those who have been most loyal.

From what you have told me, your situation seems to involve more than just the customary period of “getting used to.” First, unless the priest in question has other responsibilities just before daily Mass, to start several minutes late on a regular basis is inconsiderate. In most parishes, the congregation at weekday Mass includes not only retirees but some people who are on their way to work or have family obligations. For the same reason, to extend that weekday Mass by several minutes with a “dialogue homily” is usually neither practical nor popular.

A The easiest suggestion is for you to find another Catholic church nearby and, on weekday mornings, go there instead. My

guess, though, is that you live in a fairly rural area where that would be difficult — or else you would already have tried that. The most upfront thing to do would be to ask your new pastor for a few minutes of his time and explain to him your concerns. Be diplomatic, of course. Tell him how much you miss going, and highlight the fact that his style at the weekday Mass might also be discouraging other parishioners, also, because of its length. If you can, back it up with numbers of worshippers who attended Mass before and after his arrival. If you are reluctant to approach your pastor directly, perhaps you might find a priest-friend of his who would relay these concerns. Or, as a last resort, you might contact the director of priests’ personnel in your diocese and invite him to share your observations with the priest in question. But please do not continue to lose the great blessing of daily Mass. The Eucharist itself is far more important than the particular priest who offers it.

Questions may be sent to Father Kenneth Doyle at askfatherdoyle@gmail.com and 30 Columbia Circle Dr., Albany, NY 12203

tic and reformer, St. Teresa of Ávila; he created a high school in 1919 and led it for two years; he defended an avant-garde painter’s expressionist depiction of the Stations of the Cross, on which he wrote meditations; and in 1923 he became one of the founders of the Catholic University of Nijmegen. There, he served on the faculty, specializing in philosophy and the theology of mysticism, led the university for a year as Rector Magnificus and, in an era when the professoriate was often typically characterized by its hauteur and distance from mere students, he distinguished himself by his openness and receptivity.

In the midst of these various educational endeavors, Father Titus Brandsma tilled the fields of Catholic journalism, becoming chaplain to the National Union of [Dutch] Catholic Journalists in 1935. Interestingly enough, for a man depicted by a recent biographer as politically naïve and theoretically sympathetic to authoritarian forms of government, Father Brandsma was an unremitting foe of Nazi ideology, urging Catholic editors to avoid publishing propaganda pieces for National Socialism and taking a firm stand against the anti-Semitism deeply embedded in the Nazi project. His commitment to the truths of Catholic faith and to the independence of the press eventually led him to his own Via Crucis.

After the German conquest of Holland in 1940, Brandsma urged the Dutch bishops to speak out against Nazi human rights violations, including the persecution of Dutch Jews. This made him a target of the Occupation regime, and he was arrested after personally distributing a clandestine Dutch bishops’ letter to Dutch Catholic editors; the letter courageously instructed the journal-

ists to disregard a new regulation requiring Catholic newspapers and magazines to print official Nazi documents and articles. Arrested by the Gestapo Jan. 19, 1942, Titus Brandsma was imprisoned in three different Dutch locations before being transferred to the concentration camp at Dachau, just outside Munich.

Conditions at Dachau were beyond wretched, and the 61-year-old Carmelite’s health deteriorated rapidly. Consigned to the camp “hospital,” in July 1942, he was subjected to “medical experiments” before being killed by a lethal injection on July 26. Knowing that he was to be executed, he prayed that God would eventually touch the conscience of the nurse (a member of the SS) who was acting as infirmarian-executioner — and gave her his distinctive Carmelite rosary, although she protested that she was a “lost Catholic.” According to a pamphlet I picked up in the Carmelite church of S. Maria in Traspontina near the Vatican, that same nurse went to a Carmelite priory some years later to seek forgiveness and gave testimony at the beatification inquiry conducted in Rome in November 1985.

Public life today is too often a matter of the survival of the shrillest, and it is painful to note how that degradation of debate and commentary has seeped into the “new media” of Catholic websites, YouTube channels, Facebook posts and Twitter feeds.

The life and example of this Dutch Carmelite, a complex personality who sometimes displayed a short fuse but who wrote — and urged others to write — as if Catholic journalism could be a powerful form of Christian witness and evangelization, is welcome indeed. St. Titus Brandsma, O. Carm., pray for us.

upset me — to the extent of not getting the comfortable warmth that I used to experience each day from the Mass? (Arkansas)

A

Priest new patron saint for journalism ROME -- As of May 15, Catholic journalists around the world will be able to count one of their number among the saints, as Titus Brandsma, a Dutch Carmelite killed at the Dachau concentration camp in 1942, is canonized in St. Peter’s Square. At a moment when Catholic opinion journalism is in danger of falling victim to the ever-present dangers of trivialization, tribalism and hysteriamongering in this age of Internet and social media demagogy, St. Titus Brandsma’s example of courage and fidelity under great pressure is well worth pondering.

Anno Sjoerd Brandsma was born in the Dutch province of Friesland in 1881 to devoutly Catholic parents in what was then a dominantly Protestant area. At 17, young Anno entered the Carmelite novitiate at Boxmeer on the River Meuse, taking the religious name “Titus” in honor of his father, named for one of the companions of St. Paul: the early Church’s premier journalist, so to speak.

Ordained a priest June 7, 1905, Father Titus earned a doctoral degree at Rome’s Gregorian University in 1909 and then returned to the Netherlands, where he displayed remarkable energy in a variety of fields.

For 15 years, he worked as a Catholic writer, teacher and controversialist: he launched and led a project to translate into Dutch the works of the great Carmelite mys-

19

Holy Spirit reveals who Jesus is “If you truly loved me, you would rejoice to have me go to the Father” (Jn 14:28). The disciples must have been dumbfounded by Jesus’ words. How could he expect them, his closest friends and followers, to rejoice when he had just said he was about to leave them? He had earlier promised them that “I will not leave you orphaned” (Jn 14:18) and now he explained how he would fulfill that promise. Jesus’ physical presence, bounded as it was by space and time, was to be succeeded by his Presence in the Spirit, available and active forever. The disciples were to rejoice because Christ’s Presence, so dear to them, was about to fill the whole world even as it empowered them to remain faithful to his command and reap his blessings: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will

1412-1431 May 30

Crosiers

An illiterate but intelligent French peasant girl, Joan was thrust into the Hundred Years’ War by her “voices,” inner promptings urging her to save France from England and Burgundy. After meeting the French dauphin and being examined by theologians, she led the army to victories at Orleans and Patay. Captured later by the Burgundians, she was abandoned by the dauphin and sold to the English, who burned her at the stake for witchcraft and heresy. Joan was rehabilitated by a papal commission in 1456.

Saints

SCRIPTURE SEARCH® Gospel for May 22, 2022 John 14: 23-29

Following is a word search based on the Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Cycle C: Jesus prepares for his Ascension. The words can be found in all directions in the puzzle.

WILL KEEP WHOEVER SENT ME EVERYTHING LEAVE TROUBLED REJOICE

WORD LOVE ME ADVOCATE REMIND I GIVE HEARD GREATER

LOVE MINE HOLY SPIRIT PEACE HEARTS GOING AWAY BELIEVE

GOING AWAY T

J O B E L

E R E J O

I

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C E T K T E

C H O V K W L A P

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P G E U E D C D R O W E E M O V B O M E R A

I

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V L P E A C E Y

K E E D N S E N T M E T L

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L L G L A J A N R A O I

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W H O E V E R D A F E G C S T R A E H G T Y U H © 2022 TRI-C-A Publications; tri-c-a-publications.com

MAY 19, 2022

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Joan of Arc

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

the perfect unity of the Blessed Trinity, but even now we are called to be a dwelling for the Most Holy Trinity” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, par. 260).

The power of the indwelling Spirit is made manifest in this Sunday’s first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. The apostles began their formal instruction to the Gentiles, “it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us . . .” (Acts 15:28). Having gathered together to solve one of the key problems facing the early Church — the question of whether circumcision was required for Gentile converts to Christianity, the apostles realized their dependence upon the Holy Spirit as they sought to authentically guide the early Church. It was only through the continuing presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit that Jesus’ church could remain faithful to his teaching as the years progressed. In one of his general audience talks, St. John Paul II emphasized that “arriving at a deeper awareSCRIPTURE STUDY ness of Christ demands a deeper awareness of

By Msgr. John N. Fell the Holy Spirit. To know who Christ is and to know who the Spirit is are two indissolubly come to him and make our dwelling with him” linked requirements.” The “Catechism of the (Jn 14:23).

Catholic Church” states even more directly Jesus had promised that he would ask his “one cannot believe in Jesus Christ without Heavenly Father to send “another Paraclete.” sharing in his Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who Jesus himself had been the first Paraclete (see reveals to men who Jesus is” (par. 152).

1 John 2:1). He identified this second ParaJesus’ abiding presence is intended to clete as the Spirit of truth, that have as powerful an effect upon is, as the Holy Spirit who comThe world’s lack of the world throughout the centumunicates truth and guides his ries as it did in the lives of his faith often sadly followers in the way of truth. first disciples. To John’s comScripture scholars suggest that at the time of the writing blinds it to the pres- munity “Helper” is the best translation of his Gospel, Jesus’ promise for Paraclete; various passages ence and action of to never abandon those who in St. John’s Gospel indicate that loved and followed him must this other Paraclete will teach the Spirit. For those have been a supreme comfort. the disciples and remind them of with faith, however, The Helping Spirit ultimately what Jesus had taught, will bear sustained the faith of that early continuing witness to Jesus, will Jesus promises that Johannine community through point out the errors of the world, difficult times they were this Helper will be the and will render glory to Jesus. In experiencing (for example, the sum, the Paraclete will permapersecutions, the deaths of the visible because nently continue the presence of original apostles, etc.). Jesus he will dwell both continues to be just as present Jesus in this world; what Jesus had been, done, and taught over in each individual to his followers in our day, both several years, the Holy Spirit individually as well as collecChristian as well as tively in the Church. His preswould continue forever.

Like the Risen Jesus himence empowers us to share in in the Church. self, this other Paraclete will be the life and love of the Trinity, visible through the eyes of faith. assured of a permanent place in The world’s lack of faith often sadly blinds it the Heavenly Father’s Kingdom. His presence to the presence and action of the Spirit. For via the Spirit brings the offer of peace to our those with faith, however, Jesus promises that world, a peace which entails the totality of lovthis Helper will be visible because he will ing relations between God and his people. It dwell both in each individual Christian as well is this peace which uplifts all the followers of as in the Church. Jesus’ promise, “I will come Jesus, empowering and inspiring them to fulfill back to you,” was fulfilled when the indwell- his mission in the world in every age, that is, ing Spirit descended upon his first followers on to begin to build in this world the city forethe Day of Pentecost. Jesus states that the ulti- told in the Book of Revelation, a city that has mate goal of his abiding presence is that each “no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the Christian may be assumed into the life and glory of God [gives] it light, and its lamp [is] love shared between himself and his Heavenly the Lamb” (Rv 21:23).

Father; “the ultimate end of the whole divine Msgr. Fell is a Scripture scholar and dieconomy is the entry of God’s creatures into rector, diocesan Office for Priest Personnel

OUR FAITH

Sixth Sunday of Easter (C)

20 STEPPING UP IN CHARITY

Agency serves needy in diocese with works of mercy

“Come follow me” (Mark 10:21)

Is God calling you to serve as a priest, deacon, religious sister or brother?

MAY 19, 2022 THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

She stressed that while special care is taken with clients in need of PHILLIPSBURG – Nestled on South assistance, the same special care is Main Street in buildings 387 and 383 provided to general public shoppers in respectively, the Catholic Charities, the thrift store, which sells a variety of Diocese of Metuchen’s (CCDOM) goods, including gently used clothing, food pantry and thrift store are in the household items, shoes, accessories, business of carrying out the works of jewelry, books, toys and more. In turn, mercy, especially feeding the hungry the proceeds are used to provide assistance for the Warren Basic Material and clothing the naked.

The people who staff the opera- Needs Program.

“Encounter is a very important tions, a mix of employees and volunteers, said that while their work is piece here,” she said. “We ask how fulfilling, it is also fulfilling the works they’re doing and so on. One important thing is when they return, we of mercy. remember their names “I’ve been a Sister of Mercy for 60 “We not only feed the and that’s very, very years,” said Sister hungry or give drink important. We remember their names and Michaelita Popovice, program director, to the thirsty, but we we remember what said previously.

Phillipsburg Social comfort people, we they It’s more about the Service Center and Warren County Thrift comfort those who person’s life.”

The works of Store. “Our foundress are grieving... I think mercy being carried is from Ireland and her name was Catherine that’s how we’re go- out in the two locations, and through the McAuley. The most ing to be judged — many other services important thing she

by Catholic told her Sisters was to by how we treat other provided Charities, have a great practice the corporal and spiritual works people, so I’m happy impact on the lives of those they touch, of mercy and I am so privileged to be with to be here to be able even though they are Catholic Charities so I to carry them [works just a microcosm of the works of mercy can carry that out.” of mercy] out.” being carried out in Open Monday the counties served by through Friday, the — Mercy Sister CCDOM — Middlethrift store and food Michaelita Popovice sex, Somerset, Huntpantry work hand-inerdon and Warren. hand to assist indiIn special recognition of the 40th viduals and families suffering from food insecurity. They also provide anniversary of the establishment of them with essentials such as bedding, the diocese — and heeding the call weather-appropriate clothing and job by Bishop James F. Checchio in his second pastoral letter, “Answering the interview attire.

When a client comes through the Lord’s Call Through Prayer, Works of door, whether English- or Spanish- Mercy and Vocations,” “to pray and speaking, they are immediately greet- to consider how God’s gracious love ed, their needs assessed, and they are and mercy has impacted your own life, offered ongoing case management, so and then go out and do the same for they are best served now and into the others” — Catholics in the diocese are future. According to Sister Michaelita, more intentionally carrying out the the staff and volunteers make every ef- works of mercy in parishes, schools fort to get to know each individual, to and organizations.

“A ‘work of mercy’ is something hear their clients’ stories and to learn how they can help them, with many that every baptized member of the clients opting to continue the relation- Church can readily do, and it does not necessarily need to be a part of our ship.

By Tiffany Workman

If you think maybe...

Contact the

Office of Vocations: (732) 562-2453 or e-mail: vocations@diometuchen.org

formal ministry,” the bishop wrote in his pastoral letter. “Each day, we, as committed disciples, are offered opportunities to act in the name of Jesus, wherever we may find ourselves.”

Sister Michaelita said she is grateful her work with CCDOM provides her with ample opportunities to carry out the works of mercy but echoed the bishop, emphasizing that every person has opportunities to do the same, something she said she sees regularly through the generous donations they receive.

While the donations the food pantry and thrift store receive go a long way in helping the staff and volunteers carry out their mission, some of the more tangible works of mercy, Sister Michaelita said, like the efforts of the food pantry and thrift store extend far beyond.

“We not only feed the hungry or give drink to the thirsty, but we comfort people, we comfort those who are grieving,” she said. “I feel the most important work we can do is carry out the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. I think that’s how we’re going to be judged — by how we treat other people, so I’m happy to be here to be able to carry them out.”

To receive assistance from the food pantry and thrift store through the Warren Basic Material Needs Program call (908) 859-5447. To make a donation, please visit 383 South Main St., Phillipsburg, where donations of usable and functional articles are accepted during regular store hours.

Clothing should be tear, rip and stain free. Small appliances must be in complete working condition with no needed repairs.

To learn more about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy being carried out in the Diocese of Metuchen, and how your 40 acts can have an impact, visit: diometuchen. org/worksofmercy.

All are invited to share their impact by using the hashtag #FortyActImpact on social media or by sharing their photos and stories via email with communications@diometuchen.org.

Workman is the Communications Specialist in the Office of Communications and Public Relations

Journey of Faith

By Father John Gerard Hillier

creation (ccc 2415). One example includes animals that “are God’s creatures … By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus [we] owe them kindness” (ccc 2416) as did saints like Francis of Assisi and Philip Neri.

We are reminded that “God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image” (ccc 2417). Thus, it is acceptable “to use animals for food and clothing” and to help in our “work and leisure.”

As well, scientific experimentation on animals “is morally acceptable” if it is reasonable and contributes to “saving human lives” (ccc 2417). Still, animals should not be made “to suffer or die needlessly” (ccc 2418). Additionally, spending money on animals that should “go to the relief of human misery” is unacceptable. Although we may “love animals” as pets, the affection we give them is never the same as the affection we should give to another human being.

Our next article will be the second of three articles that will examine the Seventh Commandment.

Father Hillier is Director, diocesan Office of Pontifical Mission Societies, the Office for Persons with Disabilities, and Censor Luborum

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 19, 2022

This article examines the Seventh Commandment: “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15; Deuteronomy 5:19), which forbids unjustly taking or keeping the goods of one’s neighbors and wronging them in any way with respect to their goods” (ccc 2401). Does this include seemingly unimportant things like firewood or paper clips or copy paper or crabapples?

I recall, as a child, proudly returning home one day with a bag full of crabapples. My dad asked: “Where did you get them?” By the way I responded, he immediately knew that this was not a gift! (In fact, it took some effort to acquire the sour treats, obtained from a tree at the Governor’s House. I had to climb a chain-link fence, throw myself onto a tall tree, shimmy down the tree, tiptoe through a grassy knoll behind a greenhouse, then walk several feet to get to the crabapple tree.

After filling my brown paper bag, I had to retrace my steps back.)

Now tormented and dismayed, I had no choice but to return with my dad to the Governor’s mansion with the ill-gotten apples. I was surprised when the Governor himself answered the door. My dad explained what had occurred, and the Governor looked straight into my eyes saying, “If only you had knocked on my door and asked, I would have given you the apples.” With a wink directed toward my dad, he said: “You may keep them.”

My dad protested, “No, he may not.

These were stolen from your property and they are not my son’s to keep.”

I never forgot the lesson I learned that day about the Seventh Commandment. Things in life, no matter how sweet or sour, expensive or cheap, grand or cheesy, are not ours to keep if taken unjustly. The Catechism explains: “Any form of unjustly taking and keeping the property of others is against the Seventh Commandment” (ccc 2409). As a child, I was absolutely “guilty.” I was also guilty of trespassing onto private property.

The next theme examines the gift of earthly resources with which God so generously blessed us. The Catechism explains: “In the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to

the common stewardship of mankind a mortgage payment or something to take care of them, master them by similar. Such spending is no longer labor, and enjoy their fruits. The goods “recreational,” but becomes addictive of creation are destined for the whole behavior. human race” (ccc 2402) Human slavery is another imThat earthly resources are for the moral activity that breaks the Sevbenefit of all humanity is not meant to enth Commandment. The Catechism suggest that while some explains: Any activpeople do all the work, ity that “leads to the I recall, as a child, others can just sit back enslavement of human proudly returning and enjoy the benefits. beings, to their being The Catechism goes bought, sold and exhome one day on to state that “The changed like merchanwith a bag full of ownership of any propdise …is a sin against erty makes its holder a dignity of persons crabapples. My dad the steward of Providence, and their fundamental with the task of making asked: “Where did you rights” (ccc 2414). In it fruitful and commupresent times, such nicating its benefits to get them?” By the way enslavement exists others, first of all one’s worldwide, even at our I responded, he family” (ccc 2404). southern border where immediately knew cartels are responsible Here the Catechism emphasizes the right for enslaving many, that this was to “private property,” especially children while recognizing that and young women. not a gift! it was God’s property The final parafirst and continues to graphs in this section be. The property owner is now God’s deal with “respecting the integrity of faithful steward who must ensure “re- God’s creation.” In short, the world spect for human dignity” (ccc 2407) is ours to enjoy, but we also have an by providing “food, shelter, (and) obligation to the next generation to clothing” when legitimately needed hand over a world that is cared for so for the “disposal and use” of those in they, too, will enjoy the fruit of God’s need (ccc 2408).

Regarding the property of others, the following are listed as “contrary to the moral law and requiring reparation” (ccc 2409): — manipulating the price of goods artificially to gain an advantage to the detriment of others; — (influencing) the judgment of those who must make decisions according to law; — appropriation and use for private purposes of the common goods of an enterprise; — work poorly done; — tax evasion; — forgery of checks and invoices; — excessive expenses and waste; — willfully damaging private or public property A little later we are told: “Those who, directly or indirectly, have taken possession of the goods of another, are obliged to make restitution” (ccc 2412)…“Those who ordered [a theft], assisted in it, or received the stolen goods — are obliged to make restitution” (ccc 2412).

Concerning games of chance/ wagers, although they are “not in themselves” morally unacceptable, “they become [so] when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for their needs and those of others” (ccc 2413). This is especially the case when people go to a casino and spend money meant for monthly rent,

FAITH ALIVE

Article 162 — Catechism of the Catholic Church Series Seventh Commandment Paragraphs 2401-2418

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Taking things unjustly, wrongly requires restitution

MAY 19, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

OUR DIOCESE

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23 Eighth-graders at St. Helena School, Edison, recently posed with Hassam Hashmi of the Edison Police Department. The students had gathered for the annual class picture when Hashmi stopped and volunteered to take the photo to allow Sister Mary Charles and Mrs. Intartaglia (eighth-grade homeroom teacher) to be in it. Instead, Felician Sister Mary Charles, principal, thought it would be nicer to have him in the picture.

OUR DIOCESE

Special Guest

— photo courtesy of St. Helena School

Team Work

Saint Joseph High School, Metuchen, and Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, coordinated in an annual mathematics competition for seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls March 26. The top scoring school teams were: Warren Middle School, (first place); Immaculate Conception (second), Woodrow Wilson, Edison (third); and St. Helena, Edison, and Holy Trinity Interparochial School, Westfield (both Outstanding Achievement awards). The schools all received Mount Saint Mary Academy plaques to display at their schools. Individual students also received medals for first through third place and outstanding achievement. Posing for a photo, from left, are faculty and staff organizers of the competition: Christian Gonzalez (social studies teacher), Phillip Dequina (computer science teacher), Donna Toryak (director, Enrollment Management), Jacqueline Muratore (assistant directress for Faculty, Curriculum, and Planning), Steve Muratore (math teacher) and Julia Pierce (enrollment associate).

— photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s Life for a friend” -John 15:13

Daniel Mark Anderl

Born on July 13, 2000 Entered eternal life on July 19, 2020 offering his life for his mother and father

Daniel Mark Anderl’s home parish is Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Kendall Park

Judge Esther Salas

Mark Anderl

MAY 19, 2022

Eternal Rest grant unto him of Lord, and let perpetual light shine on him.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

Daniel Mark Anderl is buried at Resurrection Cemetery in the Holy Spirit Mausoleum, Piscataway in the wing dedicated to Saint John Paul II - �Do Not Be Afraid�

Lord Jesus Christ, we ask that Your will be revealed through the intercession of Daniel who devoted his time on this earth and ability to bear witness to Your word and love.

24 OUR DIOCESE

Student overcomes challenges to earn prestigious Scout award WATCHUNG — Gabriella Robinson, a senior at Mount Saint Mary Academy, earned a Gold Award from the Girl Scouts after completing more than 80 hours of community service in partnership with the Lower Raritan Partnership, the 4H Club, Jack and Jill of America, the Central New Jersey chapter, and the township of Piscataway and Middlesex County.

The nature of the Gold Award, which is presented to fewer than six percent of Girl Scouts annually, is to bring awareness to the water pollution of the Raritan River. Go Green Central New Jersey’s goal is to protect the Raritan River Watershed and educate residents about the importance of environment at Raritan via cleanups. Robinson helped create a rain

Board Certified Mercy Sister Lisa Gambacorto, center, directress, Mount Saint Mary Academy, Watchung, poses with members of the executive board of the institution’s Student Council April 29. The students presented Sister Lisa with balloons and a special card to thank her for her compassion, care and tireless work as directress to mark Principal’s Day, which was officially celebrated May 1.

Posing with Sister Lisa, from left: Caitlin Cotter, Arianna Salerno, Margaret Ferris, Hannah Cunniffe and Alexandrea Pace. A sponsored work of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Mount Saint Mary Academy is dedicated to the education of the entire person, with high academic standards, an emphasis on spiritual growth, and a multitude of extracurricular opportunities.

MAY 19, 2022

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

—

photo courtesy of Mount Saint Mary Academy

garden at Columbus Park, Piscataway. project without their help and my adviRobinson had to overcome some sor, Walter Andrews, who is a member adversity to earn the Gold of the Franklin Township Award since she began to She worked Environmental Commission work on the project in 2019. of Somerset County.” throughout She worked throughout the Robinson plans to study COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 at the School of Diplomacy Hurricane Ida flooded the and International Affairs, original site, so she had to pandemic and Seton Hall University, South move the location with the and hopes to make a Hurricane Ida Orange, assistance of the township of difference on a global scale.

Piscataway. flooded the She will receive her award “This award is imporduring the spring at the 2022 tant because it shows not original site [for GIRL Awards Ceremony. only the importance of each a rain garden]...

To view a video feaof us helping the environturing the rain garden and ment but why community Robinson discussing her partners are so important,” Robinson project on the Internet, https://youtu.be/ said. “I couldn’t have completed this Lnyt3CfpBZM.

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ACROSS 2 “My ___ I leave you” 6 Type of tribe Ephraim and Manasseh are 8 “…___ and female he created them” 9 One of the seven deadly sins 10 The ___ Office 11 Room in the Church where the priest vests for Mass 13 Describes the soul 15 Meal for Ezekiel?

17 Altar perfume 19 ___ of Columbus 22 Crib for Baby Jesus 24 A diocese in Virginia 27 Declare a saint 29 ___ on the Mount 31 One of the seven deadly sins 32 Husband of Eve 33 Marian color 34 Mother of Isaac

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DOWN 1 The three kings 2 Individual reading in the Lectionary 3 Season during which the Joyful Mysteries are prayed 4 Romans or Jude 5 Type of priest 6 Patron saint of the isle of Jersey 7 One of the seven deadly sins 10 Opus ___ 12 Brynner who played pharaoh in “The Ten Commandments” 14 Heavenly fare 16 Language of the Tridentine Mass 18 Religious ceremonies 20 Not Sodom 21 “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s ___” (Jn 15:13) 22 Catholic actor, Fred ____Murray 23 Patron saint of agricultural workers 25 One of 1D, traditionally 26 Tribe of Israel 28 Son of Adam 30 Patron saint of Norway

OUR DIOCESE

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Crossword Puzzle

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www.wordgamesforcatholics.com

CONTRACTORS

ETERNAL ADORATION

Answers can be found on page 27

EVANGELIZATION

Bob Stilo “Specializing in Asphalt Paving” STILOEXCAVATING,INC. GENERAL CONTRACTING 908-754-0776 • Fax: 908-754-0425

HEALTH CARE

THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT

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MAY 19, 2022

By Jennifer Ficcaglia Catholic News Service

One day, when Jesus and the apostles were in Jerusalem, they walked by a man who was born blind. Jesus used his saliva to moisten some dirt to make a clay that he spread on the man’s eyes. He told him to wash in the Pool of Siloam. The man did so, and when he came back, he was able to see. The man’s neighbors, who knew he was blind and now could see, brought him before the Pharisees. Some of the Pharisees said Jesus was sinful and not from God because he had healed the man on the Sabbath when no work was to be done. Other Pharisees said that a sinful man could not do such signs. The Pharisees questioned the man. They did not believe that he had been blind. They only believed once the man’s parents came and confirmed it.

“If he is a sinner, I do not know,” the man said of Jesus. “One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see. ... If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything.”

The Pharisees became angry and threw him out. Jesus approached the man.

“Do you believe in the Son of Man?” he asked. “Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” the man replied.

“You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he,” Jesus answered.

“I do believe, Lord,” the man said as he worshipped Jesus. “Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them,” Jesus said to the Pharisees. “I am the

gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture,” Jesus continued. “A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” The Pharisees again disagreed about Jesus because of his words. “He is possessed and out of his mind; why listen to him?” many of them said.

“These are not the words of one

— Artwork, courtesy of CNS

possessed; surely a demon cannot open the eyes of the blind, can he?” others countered.

Read more about it: John 9 & 10 Q&A 1. How did Jesus cure the blind man?

2. What did Jesus refer to himself as?

1. ___ The blind man thought Jesus was a rabbi. _______ (John 9:17)

PUZZLE: Using the hints provided, put a T next to the sentences that are true and an F next to the ones that are false. Put the correct answer at the end of the false sentences.

3. ___ The apostles asked if the man was born blind because of sin. _______ (John 9:2)

2. ___ Some people at the Temple wanted to stone Jesus. _______ (John 10:33)

4. ___ The blind man’s parents were afraid to answer the Pharisees’ questions. _______ (John 9:21-23) Answers: 1. F/prophet; 2. T; 3. T; 4. T

26 OUR DIOCESE

Kids Corner: Jesus calls himself a good shepherd

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5/25-26 Synod on Synodality, Two additional Synod Listening Sessions will be held for those individuals who have not yet had the opportunity to make their voices heard. A virtual session will be offered on Zoom from 7 to 9 pm and an in-person session will be offered the following day, May 26, at the St. John Neumann Pastoral Center in Piscataway from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All are invited to participate, but registration is required. To register go to: https://diometuchen.org/synod2023 6/4

Diocesan Pentecost Vigil, in-person at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen. The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop James F. Checchio. All are invited to attend and directly after Mass to join everyone for dinner in the community room. At 7:30 p.m., all will return to the Cathedral for prayer, worship and confession. There will also be an opportunity to hear many talks and witnesses throughout the evening. While the Pentecost Vigil will be from 5 p.m. until midnight, participants are welcome to come and leave at any time or to stay for the entire event. For more information visit the Diocesan website: https://www.diometuchen.org

DIOCESAN PROGRAMS Virtual Book Study for Women All ladies are invited to join in a study of Brandon Vogt’s “Return: How to Draw Your Child Back to the Church,” a book for anyone with family or friends separated from the Church. The group will meet each Sunday at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom, beginning on May 15th. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins, Director of Family Life, at cdaverso@diometuchen.org “The Chosen” Study Series All young adult engaged and married couples are invited to join in a virtual study series based on the hit series, “The Chosen.” A different episode will be discussed each meeting and virtual watch parties will be planned sporadically. Meetings will take place every other Monday evening at 7p.m. on Zoom beginning on January 24th. For details or to join, please contact Cristina D’Averso-Collins at cdaverso@diometuchen.org.

May 23, 7 to 8:30 p.m. - Fourth Tuesday of every month at Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, Watchung, and on Internet via Zoom. Men have unique roles in life -- husbands, fathers, grandfathers, the single life and religious life. Where can they find time to reflect on the loss and gain in their lives?

Join a group meeting over coffee or tea for life-affirming discussions and prayer to find God and to make a difference. Freewill offering. For more information or to register, see the website www.msmhope.org or call (908) 753-2091 or e-mail msmhope@ msmhope.org.

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CL ASSIFIED VOCATIONS

June 11, 6:30 p.m. -- Our Lady of Peace Knights of Columbus, Council 9199, Fords, is sponsoring “Trivia Night 4th Edition” at the parish Center, 25 Franklin St., Edison.

Admission is $25 and includes one sub sandwich, bag of chips and one soda or bottled water. Coffee, tea and desserts are available.

Reservations are requested for teams of six or eight. Prizes for top teams and door prizes.

For more information, call Rich Fetzer at (732) or Emil Ferlicchi at (732) 261-8280.

Crossword Puzzle Answers:

LECTIO DIVINA Mondays at 11 a.m. join faithful from around the diocese in a prayerful, virtual gathering of Lectio Divina, a method for praying with the Scriptures. As one reads and invites the Word to become a transforming lens that brings the events of daily living into focus, one can come to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. Start your week with prayer, community, and hope. To get the most out of these sessions, please remember to have your bible readily available. For the Zoom meeting information, please email: ssharlow@diometuchen.org

REAL ESTATE

Fundraiser

May 31, 7 to 9 p.m. -- Gather for fellowship and an experiential presentation on Lourdes where attendees will be given a glimpse into the worldwide Marian Sanctuary and learn about St. Bernadette, the messages given by Blessed Mother during the apparitions of 1858, and hear a firsthand witness of what it

WEEKLY PODCAST – Am I Not Here?

Produced by the staff of the Office of Communications, “Am I Not Here?” – a weekly podcast – highlights the good news within our local Church and those working to minister to the people of the Diocese of Metuchen. New episodes are released each Monday and once aired they are archived. To listen to any episode, or to learn more, please click the links on the diocesan Facebook page or lighting hearts on fire website

Phone: 732-529-7934

is like serving in the baths of Lourdes. Presentation given by Joanne Carey, a member of the Hospitality Notre Dame de Lourdes, France, and permanent volunteer for the Marian Sanctuary in the baths of Lourdes.

Opportunity for prayer and intercession is given. Fee is 20-$30 as able. For more information or to register, see the website www. msmhope.org or call (908) 753-2091 or email msmhope@msmhope.org.

Workshops

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DIOCESAN EVENTS

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AROUND THE DIOCESE

28 OUR DIOCESE THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT MAY 19, 2022

Eucharist is focus of traveling exhibition, talks, adoration at parish

By Deacon Patrick Cline FLEMINGTON — In November 2021, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document entitled “The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church.” The bishops intended for this document to help Catholics in the United States “to enter more deeply by faith and love into the Mystery of Mysteries, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist.”

A Eucharistic Congress held at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish on the last weekend in March supported that goal. The congress, sponsored by the parish’s Legion of Mary, featured “The Eucharistic Miracles of the World Exhibition.”

According to Father Kenneth D. Brighenti, pastor, St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, another goal of the Congress was to prepare the parish for the Eucharistic Congress that is scheduled to be held in Chicago in 2024. Through this national Eucharistic Congress, the Church hierarchy hopes to stem the decline in Mass attendance and the belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. So, on March 26, St. Magdalen’s Eucharistic Congress included a presentation on the Eucharistic presence, as well as Eucharistic Adoration with a guided meditation.

The worldwide traveling Eucharistic exhibition details more than 100 miraculous occurrences related to the Eucharist that have been reported in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said these miracles “…can help a person discover the mystery, the beauty, and the riches of the Eucharist.”

Attendees at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Parish’s Eucharistic Congress read about miracles attributed to the Eucharist. — Monika Szmul photo The idea of creating the exposition and developing its initial version is credited to Blessed Carlo Acutis. Although he died in 1991 at the age of 15, he had developed a passion for the computer and its potential for evangelization. Many people who knew him and his talents considered him to be a genius with his technical knowledge and use of the Internet.

Very devout from an early age, Blessed Carlo used his skills to assemble a database of all known Eucharistic miracles around the world and planned to visit each site.

However, he was diagnosed with leukemia and his health never permitted him to travel.

Blessed Carlo was also recognized for his daily devotion to the Eucharist and his willingness to reach out to family, friends

Above, Father Kenneth D. Brighenti (left) and Father John Trigilio lead a prayer during their presentation on the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist at the Eucharistic Congress. Left, a relic and photo of Blessed Carlo Acutis were among the items displayed at the two-day event in late March.

— Deacon Anthony Cozzi and Monika Szmul photos

and strangers in need. Shortly after his death, the cause for his beatification began.

In 2020, after Pope Francis recognized a miracle that occurred in Brazil through the intercession of Carlo, he declared him blessed. Throughout the weekend of the Congress, a relic of Blessed Carlo was available for veneration in the Church.

Even though Blessed Carlo never had the opportunity to visit the locations of the miracles he catalogued, the exposition was developed in his memory. It has journeyed to numerous locations on five continents. The entire exhibit consists of 170 displays, in English and Spanish, containing descriptions of the miracles as well as details of the events and the individuals who experienced the occurrences. Attendees at St. Magdalen de Pazzi’s Eucharistic Congress were able to learn about 140 of the miracles displayed throughout the weekend in the parish center.

Deacon Anthony Cozzi, who exercises his ministry at St. Magdalen and is spiritual director of the parish’s Legion of Mary, said a few members of the Legion had seen the exhibition and suggested the parish should consider hosting it. With the support of Father Brighenti and the assistance of the local Curia of the Legion, the Congress and exhibit were scheduled.

On Saturday, besides the exhibition of the Eucharistic miracles, Eucharistic Adoration was available in the Church. The day also included a presentation by Father Brighenti and Father John Trigilio, the pastor’s friend and his co-host on EWTN’s “Web of Faith 2.0” show. The priests offered a lively presentation using Old and New Testament citations along with sacred art to demonstrate how belief in the physical presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist has been a central tenet of Catholicism.

“We gave a Biblical foundation of the Eucharist,” noted Father Brighenti. After their talk, the priests answered questions from the attendees.

A guided meditative Holy Hour was then held in the church led by Brother Samuel Maria that concluded with Benediction

by Father Luke Mary Fletcher, members of

the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal.

In the afternoon Dr. Hernando Patino, a candidate for the diaconate in the diocese who was scheduled to be ordained May 10 at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, presented a talk in Spanish entitled “What the Medical Evidence concludes about Eucharistic Miracles.” The talk addressed recent medical studies of two modern, well-documented Eucharistic miracles in the Americas.

The congress concluded with a Holy Hour in Spanish, stations of the cross and reflections on the real presence. These meditations “Viacrucis Eucaristico” (Eucharistic stations of the cross) were inspired by the works of St. Peter Julian Eymard, known as the apostle of the Eucharist.

Lorraine Bello, a parishioner at St. Magdalen, described the Eucharistic Congress as, “Fantastic.”

“I learned so much about the real Presence of the Eucharist from the presentation

by Fathers Brighenti and Trigilio,” she said.

Deacon Cozzi said the Eucharist Congress was well attended and added, “I spoke to many parishioners from quite a number of different parishes in the diocese who told me they learned so much about Eucharistic Miracles and the True Presence of Christ in the Eucharist as a result of the various talks and exhibits.

“It was wonderful to take part in the reverence of the Blessed Sacrament,” he stated.

Reflecting on the day, Father Brighenti said, “We want to start getting the people prepared for the Eucharistic Congress in Chicago and thought this would be a great way to do so.”

He noted the parish already has Forty Hours Devotions annually and offers Eucharistic Adoration from 9 to11 p.m. daily which is also helping to prepare them for the National Congress.” He added, “Our congress was a proper way of getting people ready to hopefully revive Eucharistic devotion and attendance at Holy Mass.”

Deacon Cline exercises his ministry at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater.

Joanne Ward contributed to this article.