Salute Spring 2015

SPRING / EASTER 2015

T H E M AG A Z I N E O F T H E A R C H D I O C E S E F O R T H E M I L I T A R Y S E RV I C E S , U S A

“Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the things you love, and do what you would do.”

— [Prayer Archbishop Dimino recited daily]

Most Reverend JJoseph oseph h T. T. Dimino 7 JJanuary anuary 1923 to 25 No November vember 2014

Dear Friends of the Archdiocese for the Military Services,

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n 25 November 2014 the Most Reverend Joseph T. Dimino, second Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, took his last labored breath. Just a few weeks shy of his 92nd birthday — and exactly 62 years to the day after receiving his commission in the U.S. Navy on 25 November 1952 — this gentle figure who led our Archdiocese for six years went to meet the Lord he had served faithfully.

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s we prepare to celebrate the central event of the liturgical year we remember a man whose life was dedicated to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, victorious over sin and death. While we continue to pray for his eternal rest, we want to recall his life and his unselfish service to others. This issue of Salute is dedicated to him.

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he Solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection will find all of the AMS bishops in various places to celebrate this triumph of divine love for us. In our hemisphere nature really is renewed and reborn. May our spiritual renewal also be in flower after the rigors of a good Lent.

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arly January found the Auxiliary Bishops and me once again at Bethany Retreat Center where Father Peter John Cameron, O.P., the editor of Magnificat, led us in a profound retreat. The camaraderie of our brother bishops from Regions IV and XIV, the beauty of the place, and the richness of the talks offered us time for renewal and growth.

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n addition to considering the life and legacy of Archbishop Dimino, this issue of the AMS quarterly publication will offer a brief look at the up-coming pastoral programs and events in the Archdiocese. With the collaboration of the Knights of Columbus, the International Military Pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine of Lourdes at the end of May will again bring many wounded warriors and other pilgrims to France.

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am especially grateful for the news that five co-sponsored deacons will be ordained priests this spring and a sixth soon after. There are also a few diaconate ordinations, as well. The Lord is indeed bountiful in His gifts to us! Please continue to beg the Master of the Harvest to send workers into the fields.

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njoy the following pages of Salute. As I wish you an abundance of Easter blessings, I pray that the Risen Lord will fill you and your loved ones with the serenity and peace that only He can give.

Sincerely in Christ,

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Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio Archbishop

THE MAGAZINE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA VOLUME 9. NUMBER 1 SPRING /EASTER 2015

TA B L E

of

CONTENTS

4 Letter on behalf of the Holy Father 6 Farewell & Welcome Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio 11 Until He Breathed His Last Monsignor Aloysius R. Callaghan 14 Thank You For Your Service Mary Lavin 16 “Come Blessed of My Father, Yours is the Kingdom Prepared for You.” Monsignor Ronald A. Newland 18 “The Ride that Changed My Life” Frank Calandra 22 To God Who Gives Joy to my Youth Father Aidan Logan 24 Archbishop Joseph Thomas Dimino Taylor Henry 26 The Final Years: Days in the Life of Archbishop Dimino with the Little Sisters of the Poor Taylor Henry 28 Child, Brother, & Student of Mary Taylor Henry The Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA publishes SALUTE for the nation’s bishops, active and retired military chaplains, and financial supporters of the Archdiocese.

ADDRESS CHANGES AND NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS: Please send title, name, address, and phone number to: support@milarch.org or call: 202.719.3600 or write: Development Office, Archdiocese for

the Military Services, P.O. Box 4469, Washington, D.C. 20017-0469 Feedback, letters to the editor, & advertising inquiries: editor@milarch.org | Website: www.milarch.org

CORRECTION: Christmas 2014 Salute — Bishop Higgin’s article — There was some confusion when Bishop Higgin’s article was being finalized. The website address caused the last sentence on page 9 to be truncated: Masses in my “home” church. May God Bless you and yours in this wonderful season.

The printed version had already gone to press when the error was discovered—we did however correct the version that exists on the AMS website. Please accept our sincerest apologies for this error.

ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO President

MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER How can we fix Editorial Director

JO ANN REDMOND thisEditor one?

ERIC NEUNER | RPISTUDIOS Design Director

© 2015 - A PUBLICATION OF THE ARCHDIOCESE FOR THE MILITARY SERVICES, USA - SERVING CATHOLICS IN THE ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD,VA MEDICAL CENTERS, AND GOVERNMENT SERVICES OVERSEAS.

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Letter on behalf of the Holy Father

letter on behalf of the holy father

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By ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO

FAREWELL &WELCOME

FATHER PARISI PRESENTING THE AMERICAN FLAG TO ARCHBISHOP DIMINO’S SISTER, MS. MARY STEPHENS.

wo very significant events coincided with the end of 2014. On November 25th I was called to the death watch of Archbishop Joseph T. Dimino. He was surrounded by the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jo Ann Redmond, and Loan Nguyen, faithful friends for decades. He had more difficulty breathing than usual.

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ARCHBISHOP DIMINO'S FINAL RESTING PLACE IS AT THE FOOT OF THE PIETÀ IN THE PRIESTS’ SECTION OF THE GATE OF HEAVEN CEMETERY.

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fter greeting him I remembered our brief meeting on November 13th. He knew that his earthly pilgrimage was drawing to a close.

Now the hour had come. We began to pray the prayers for the dying. One of the Sisters remembered that Archbishop Dimino enjoyed the psalm for Compline on Sundays, Psalm 90. Indeed as we prayed Compline, the Archbishop slipped away.

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is passing was so peaceful and the prayerful atmosphere was also reassuring for all of us gathered in his room. I silently thanked the Lord for the grace to accompany a brother bishop on his last journey. I called his surviving sister, Mary Stephens, to give her the news. They had been able to speak on the phone just an hour before his passing.

This quiet unassuming man had taken charge of the fledgling Archdiocese for the Military Services in 1991 and worked very diligently to make sure that it would be firmly established. He was charged with the governance of the Archdiocese for barely six years, but his prayerful support continued for another seventeen. His nieces told me about a man with wonderful stories and a

very generous heart, which enabled one to purchase a home, another to finish her education. Yet his actions were always very discreet.

I could not fail to recall his customary greeting to me: “How is that young fellow doing?” The young was good to hear and the usually cheerful prelate was happy to see you, especially if you did not stay very long.

The funeral Mass on December 2nd in the crypt of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception gave the Archdiocese an opportunity to continue our prayer for his eternal rest. The chalice that his parents and sister had given him for his ordination in 1949 was the one used for the funeral Mass. (continued on page 8) spring / easter 2015 |

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FAREWELL & WELCOME

(continued from page 7)

FAR LEFT: DONALD CARDINAL WUERL, ARCHBISHOP OF WASHINGTON. LEFT: ARCHBISHOP BROGLIO WITH LCPL KEVIN PAULING AND HIS PARENTS, BARBARA AND ALAN, AT THE HOSPITAL IN JAPAN. MIDDLE : L-R: FATHER DAVID HAMMOND, LCPL KEVIN PAULING AND ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO. RIGHT: MOST REVEREND CHAD ZIELINSKI.

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onald Cardinal Wuerl, the Archbishop of Washington participated in the funeral Mass and allowed the remains to be buried in a beautiful spot by the Pieta in the Priests’ Section of Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Bishop Francis X. Roque, who had been ordained an Auxiliary Bishop with Archbishop Dimino in 1983, offered some reflections after the reading of the Gospel. The Auxiliary Bishops, the Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, and Vocation Director, a number of chaplains, Chancellor Deacon Michael Yakir, some co-sponsored seminarians, and the staff of the Archdiocese participated in the funeral rites.

As usual, Monsignor Walter Rossi, Shrine Rector and Father Michael Weston, Director of Liturgy, made certain that the celebration was perfect in every detail.

Father Michael Parisi, a Navy Chaplain, presented the American Flag to Mrs. Stephens with the thanks of a grateful Nation for the late Archbishop’s devoted commitment to the Sea Services.

We pray that he will continue to intercede for us before the Throne of Grace.

Divine Providence and the Apostolic See willed that Archbishop Dimino’s passage from this life would coincide with the election and ordination of the new Bishop of Fairbanks, Alaska. Twelve days after having said farewell to Archbishop Dimino, I boarded

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a plane to welcome the Most Reverend Chad Zielinski into the episcopal ranks.

This fine Air Force chaplain accepted the invitation from Pope Francis to move down the street from Eielson Air Force Base to take the reins of the vast diocese that spans northern Alaska. The juxtaposition of a fond farewell with a warm welcome made me reflect on how provident Almighty God is.

An elderly prelate crossed the threshold that leads to life and a young bishop received the crosier to care for the faithful in the only US diocese that is still under the jurisdiction of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

The ordination in the Carlson Center was joyful and I was honored to join the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Schwietz of Anchorage; Bishop Raica of Gaylord, the home diocese of Bishop Zielinski; and the other bishops present in ordaining the new bishop. It was a precious gift from the Archdiocese for the Military Services, because we were losing a fine chaplain with a bright future. However, he will still continue to lend his service to the Air Force Reserve.

The snowy surroundings were beautiful, but it was dark most of the hours that I spent in Fairbanks. The cold temperatures contrasted with the immense warmth of the people who immediately made you feel welcome. So many told me how grateful they

were for a visit. Even in the waiting area of the Anchorage airport en route to the north, people greeted me and talked about the ordination.

Pope Francis also weighed in on the importance of the military chaplaincy and how that influenced his choice for the vast Diocese of Fairbanks. In his letter of appointment, the Holy Father said in part: “Indeed, we are not at all unaware of the physical stamina and the strength of soul necessary for a Bishop of this enormous Alaskan territory to build up the Christian faithful with the Word of God and nourish them with the sacraments of faith. And yet we hold no small hope that you, dear Son, who desired so ardently to look after the spiritual needs of your fellow citizens, that you enlisted in the military services a second time so as to dedicate yourself, even at the risk of your own life, to ensuring that the faithful serving to defend your country might not be deprived of the spiritual food they need to survive. For this reason, there is no doubt in Our mind that you have exercised the priestly ministry with the kind of solicitude fitting the episcopal office.”

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will not soon forget the esteem that the Successor of St. Peter nurtures for the military chaplaincy. It will also no doubt be a source of support for Bishop Zielinski during his long journeys and arduous tasks. He continues to look after the spiritual welfare of that portion of my flock that is located in his diocese!

Indeed we all continue the ministry of Archbishop Dimino. He strove to administer this Archdiocese and to serve her faithful.

That is now my charge. I returned from Fairbanks in time to repack and head out to Japan for pastoral visits there.

Japan hosts the largest contingent of US forces in Asia and, while I could not visit every installation, I was pleased to have the

opportunity to visit five of them and two ships. Many times people thanked me for coming and expressed their appreciation for the ministry of the priests and the efforts of the AMS. Even though the Christian population of Japan is a distinct minority, religious Christmas carols were played in all of the airports through which I passed. The Archbishop of Nagasaki welcomed me to his home for an elegant, yet familial meal. Three families invited one of the priests and me into their homes for a meal.

Fathers Norbert Karava, OFM, Cap., and Joseph Coffey (Philadelphia) assured a cordial welcome to Yokosuka and its thriving community. The first night Admiral and Mrs. Robert L. Thomas of the VII Fleet hosted a delightful informal evening in their home. There was also an opportunity to greet the skipper of the USS George Washington and to see Admiral Alexander of the Strike Force again. Most importantly, however, was the celebration of Mass in the ship’s chapel.

Once again I celebrated a birthday on an aircraft carrier.

This Christmas visit afforded me the opportunity to spend some time with two of the most recently arrived Navy priests and a few men who participated in the discernment retreat last fall. Father Luke Dundon of the Arlington Diocese welcomed me to Sasebo and the USS Bonhomme Richard. It was a splendid visit and included the celebration of confirmation for a sailor and an opportunity to see Ensign Patrick Costello again. During his years at Annapolis, he has been a regular figure in the chapel for Catholic celebrations.

After a quick train ride, Father David Hammond of the Albany Diocese welcomed me to Iwakuni where I would spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the Marines.

The celebrations were splendid and the hospitality superb. Again I was touched by how grateful the community was that I was spending the holidays with them. (continued on page 34)

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photos of Most Reverend Joseph T. Dimino through the years ...

By MONSIGNOR ALOYSIUS R. CALLAGHAN (FORMER VICAR GENERAL AMS)

UNTIL HE BREATHED HIS LAST

ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH T. DIMINO MILITARY FILE PHOTO

“Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love the things you love, and do what you would do.” (continued on page 12) spring / easter 2015 |

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UNTIL HE BREATHED HIS LAST (continued from page 11)

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o very often in his midmorning prayer, Archbishop Dimino would pray that MONISIGNOR ALOYSIUS R. CALLAGHAN prayer with love and devotion. That beautiful prayer somehow captures the way Joseph Dimino approached each day of his priestly life of service as he knelt before the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, and as he stood at the altar to offer sacrifice realizing that this was his life’s breath, the summit and source of all we are and do in persona Christi Capitis.

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am honored to be asked to pen a few lines about this extraordinary priest of God with whom I had the privilege of living for a decade when I served with the Archdiocese for the Military Services.

How does one find appropriate words to describe a humble, self-effacing, dutyminded, hardworking man of God who gave the greater part of his life in service to God and country as an officer, a gentleman, and a zealous shepherd of souls?

I take the words of Pope Francis in “Evangelii Gaudium.” Archbishop Dimino saw that “his mission was at once a passion for Jesus and a passion for his people. . .”

He was keenly aware “that Jesus walked with him, spoke to him, breathed with him, and worked with him – he sensed Jesus alive with him!”

For those who knew this good “Joe” personally, and for those who recognized him as a priest, monsignor, and archbishop, Joseph Dimino portrayed simply, vividly, and authentically the human face of Jesus.

To gaze on the human face of Joseph

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Dimino was to see someone at peace and in absolute touch with God. Photographs of this simple man reveal a gentle, kind, pleasant, smiling “other Christ,” but that is not my point here.

It was how Joseph Dimino lived and spoke and related to others that made him resemble Jesus. We often hear the expression, “He is a Christ-like priest.” That was our Archbishop Dimino! Let me flesh out this idea.

Think of the Gospel beatitudes. These were the Lord’s instructions over and above the commandments, to those who would follow him closely:

Poor in spirit – The Archbishop radically depended on God;

Meek and merciful – The Archbishop was the perfect Christian gentleman;

Pure of heart – He hungered for holiness.

From an immigrant family he inherited this land and now heaven. So clearly did

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“Archbishop Dimino saw that “his mission was at once a passion for Jesus and a passion for his people. . .”

He was keenly aware “that Jesus walked with him, spoke to him, breathed with him, and worked with him – he sensed Jesus alive with him!”

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Archbishop Dimino follow Christ in those blessed virtues these many long years, he grew to be like the Good Shepherd. He bore and wore the human face of Jesus.

To gaze on the face of Jesus is to see beauty itself. Like so many who knew Archbishop Dimino, I was touched by the beauty, gentleness, and charity of this priest of God. There was a unique beauty in his personality. It was warm and welcoming.

There was a lasting and never fading beauty in his faith and love for the Church.

And there was a holy beauty in which he gave himself totally as the shepherd of souls to that unique ecclesiastical circumscription known as the Archdiocese for the Military Services. In the words of his great mentor, John Cardinal O’Connor, Joseph Dimino was “always a priest and always present.”

On November 25, 2014, God called Archbishop Joseph T. Dimino to Himself by name. It was a moment known to God and fixed by Him for all eternity. It was a call to perfect life and truth and love. It was a call to a life that he will never tire of, that can never be improved, and which he can never lose.

On November 25, 2014, dear Archbishop Joseph responded with one final “yes” to the call of God, a “yes” so final that human frailty and infirmity can never reverse it.

I had the privilege of living with this humble man of God for ten beautiful years.

His love for his Church and for his Country can be seen in the life of noble service he gave to both all through the years as God’s priest.

If I could sum up in a stanza from an inspirational poem of Rudyard Kipling what I feel captures the mark of this officer, gen-

tleman, zealous shepherd of souls, these lines epitomize Joe Dimino: “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings – nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much; If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And – which is more – you’ll be a Man, my son!” And what a man of God he was “until he breathed his last!” ✞ Msgr. Aloysius R. Callaghan, Rector and Vice President.

The Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity of the University of St. Thomas, Saint Paul, MN

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By MARY LAVIN

Thank You FOR YOUR SERVICE

MOST REVEREND JOSEPH THOMAS DIMINO’S COAT OF ARMS

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he Most Reverend Joseph Thomas Dimino’s life was one of service – as a priest, a U.S. Navy Chaplain, a chancellor and auxiliary bishop of the Military Vicariate, and as the second Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS). He was also a loving brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. Archbishop Dimino’s service to the AMS continued long after his retirement through prayerful support as a thoughtful and generous donor for more than twenty years.

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P FATHER NICHOLAS REID, ORDAINED IN 2011 FOR THE DIOCESE OF JEFFERSON CITY, CURRENTLY SERVING IN THE AIR FORCE RESERVE. (FORMERLY AN AMS CO-SPONSORED SEMINARIAN)

rior to the establishment of legacy giving programs or donor recognition societies, Archbishop Dimino humbly made arrangements to include the Archdiocese in his will, an expression of his desire to continue giving to the Archdiocese. As Jo Ann Redmond, Director of Administration and close friend of Archbishop Dimino, said, “He felt it was important and wanted to make sure the AMS carried on.”

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ith a portion of the funds provided through his final gift to the AMS, and in recognition of His Excellency’s legacy of faithful service and generosity, the Most Reverend Joseph T. Dimino Endowed Co-Sponsored Seminarian Scholarship will be established to support the effort to build a self-sustaining foundation for seminarian formation for years to come. In just the next few years, the cost to the AMS for seminarian education and training alone is expected to exceed $2.7 million.

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he AMS Vocations Program is currently thriving with 30 co-sponsored seminarians from 25 dioceses; they study in 14 seminaries throughout the U.S. and in Rome. An additional 73 candidates have expressed interest in the Co-sponsored Seminarian Program and military chaplaincy and have participated in one or more of the discernment retreats.

In 2015, there will be as many as seven priestly ordinations and as many as three diaconate ordinations. Currently 13 priests serve in their home dioceses before they will go on to serve active-duty as military chaplains.

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ith continued prayers for vocations and support for the same, the AMS Vocations and Co-Sponsored Seminarian Programs will continue to provide full-time priests for home dioceses across the U.S.—and full-time military chaplains to serve the AMS faithful— for years to come. The AMS will carry on.

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emorial contributions to the Most Reverend Joseph T. Dimino Endowed CoSponsored Seminarian Scholarship can be made by including a note on the memo line of a check or in the message box at the bottom of the online gift form found at www.milarch.org/waystogive2. For information about establishing an annual or endowed scholarship, or to notify the AMS that you have named it as a beneficiary in your will or a life insurance policy, please contact Mary Lavin, Director of Major Gifts/ Development at mlavin@milarch.org or 440.223.6482.

Thank you for your service, Archbishop Dimino. May you rest in peace. spring / easter 2015 |

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By MONSIGNOR RONALD A. NEWLAND (FORMER AMS CHANCELLOR)

Blessed of My Father, “Come Yours is the Kingdom Prepared for You.”

MONSIGNOR RONALD A. NEWLAND

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quiet and unassuming priest, who led a simple life, but not an uncomplicated one.

He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of New York in June 1949 at the hands of Cardinal Spellman who was not only the Archbishop of New York, but also the “Military Vicar for the Armed Forces of the U.S.” A similar title was held by his predecessor Patrick Cardinal Hayes.

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t was shortly thereafter that Father Dimino applied for release to be a chaplain in the U.S. Navy. And in that capacity he served admirably from November 1952 through November 1977, retiring at the rank of Captain (O-6).

is return to civilian parish life was brief. In May 1983 he was ordained a bishop and auxiliary to Archbishop Joseph T. Ryan who was then the current “Military Vicar of U.S. Armed Forces” operating from the New York Chancery, and affectionately referred to by many as the M.O. (Military Ordinariate). It was also at this time, with John Cardinal O’Connor as the Archbishop of New York (and also a retired U.S. Navy Chief of Chaplains) that discussions were underway to have the military vicariate operate as a distinct and separate entity. The Apostolic See was already in the process of bringing about a document defining the national organization of military chaplaincies.

Spirituali Militum Curae was published and effected all Catholic military chaplaincies worldwide. Thus, Archbishop Ryan and Bishop Dimino canvassed the D.C. area believing that such a proximity of their operations would better reflect the extent of their responsibilities. Bishop Dimino was tasked with the logistics of the move from New York to Washington of furniture, file records, personnel, housing and office facilities. It was also the first time that computers were used! And with the advent of email, a single account was established.

In 1991, at Archbishop Ryan’s retirement, Joseph T. Dimino became the 2nd Archbishop of the newly created “Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA” (AMS). As a retired Navy chaplain, he now enjoyed venturing into the other branches of the Armed Services through visitations with his priest-chaplains at the annual convocations held in various parts

of the world. He masterfully maneuvered the operations of the AMS through very difficult financial times, reducing the staff to bare minimums and finding less expensive facilities to both house the resident clergy and to host the office operations. Rapidly approaching 75 years of age, he retired, remaining in D.C., and the responsibility for the AMS went to his successor and co-adjutor, Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien (who ultimately resolved these concerns with the purchase of the former Seminary and Headquarters of the Society of the Divine Word, at 1025 Michigan Avenue NE, wherein residences and offices have been consolidated under one roof since 2007). Archbishop Dimino was never able to move into the newly renovated facilities. While he and the other resident clergy staff were being housed at The Catholic University (2005-2007) following the sale of their previous residence on Varnum Street, his health began to deteriorate. When it became necessary for round-the-clock care, he took residence with the Little Sisters of the Poor across the street from The Catholic University of America (CUA). Occasional improvements were just enough so that he could move about the facility on his own, celebrating Mass in the chapel, and otherwise becoming a charming conversationalist with the other residents. And when we other priests would visit him, he always had some pithy comment, or even a small practical gift to present to us. I still retain, and use, a long handled shoe-horn. As I think he said “At our age we don't make profound bows!” He was always prepared for death. (continued on page 32) spring / easter 2015 |

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By FRANK CALANDRA (FORMER DIRECTOR OF SACRAMENTAL RECORDS)

Remembering Archbishop Dimino WITH

FRANK CALANDRA

“The Ride that Changed My Life” 18

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t had never occurred to me or crossed my mind that this particular day would be life changing and that I would forever be indebted to Archbishop Dimino.

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n a warm, sunny day in June 1985, Monsignor Joseph Ariano* instructed me to drive over to the Chancery in Manhattan to give then Bishop Dimino a ride back to the Fort Totten Chapel for the purpose of administering the Sacrament of Confirmation during Mass. [My assignment at Fort Totten as the 77th ARCOM’s Senior Enlisted Advisor provided me the opportunity to assist Monsignor Ariano before, during and after Mass on Sundays.] What made this day even more special was that my daughter was one of the candidates. She was able to recall that His Excellency had a calmness about him and a warm smile. WOW! It really had been an honor and a privilege for me to drive His Excellency on this eventful day. Needless to say, the Confirmation Mass was a beautiful and glorious celebration with His Excellency relaxing the Confirmandi and the congregation with his calm and warm smile, along with a little humor, too.

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n the ride from the Chancery to the post chapel, Bishop Dimino asked me what my intentions were once I retired from the Army. I explained that after 27 plus years, I had planned to complete 30 years of active service while keeping watch for job opportunities. He told me if I was interested in working at the Military Archdiocese to spend some time at the Vicariate and see what they had to offer. Accepting His Excellency’s kind invitation, during the next 4 months I spent several days at the Military Archdiocese with Monsignor Joseph Marbach (Chancellor) learning some of the ’ins’ and ’outs’ of Sacramental record keeping as well as their significance and necessity to the people they represented.

I do not know if it was Monsignor Ariano’s repeated comments of ‘Frank is coming to work for the Military Archdiocese!’ that encouraged Bishop Dimino to hire me; but on 1 November 1985, His Excellency called me into his office and offered me the position of Director of Sacramental Records, a position that I was very humble to accept and proudly held for 22 years and six months before retiring; owing it all to and being wholly indebted to Archbishop Dimino.

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rchbishop Dimino truly gave me, ‘the ride that changed my life‘. I am just one of many whose lives were greatly changed by this humble servant of God. In closing, prior to his passing, I had the opportunity to visit him on several occasions at the Little Sisters of the Poor. In his signature manner, he always greeted me with his ‘calm and warm’ smile! We enjoyed talking about the good old days and the accomplishments the AMS had made over the years under his leadership. He will be missed. ✞ *Vice Chancellor, Military Archdiocese and Auxiliary Chaplain at Fort Totten, NY

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By AL HENNESSEY, CAPT USN RET

FOND MEMORIES

LEFT: ARCHBISHOP JOSPEH T. DIMINO RIGHT: REAR ADMIRAL NEIL M. STEVENSON (IMAGE COURTESY OF THE U.S. NAVY - DEFENSE)

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rchbishop Joseph T. Dimino was a friend and colleague of mine for more than 40 years. We first met when he was a Navy Chaplain stationed in Newport, Rhode Island in 1971. Archbishop Dimino was the absolute embodiment of respect one has for a Catholic priest. He was always very thoughtful of all members of his flock in Navy, Marine and Coast Guard and their families. He was one of the most kind and considerate priests that I have ever met. We corresponded over many years that we served in the Navy and beyond. The writings of THOMAS A KEMPIS, a gift from Father Dimino, is something I will always cherish. We worked together while I was stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel and Father Dimino and Chaplain Neil Stevenson were on the staff of the Chief of the Chaplain Corps. A favorite humorous incident occurred some years later when the then Bishop Dimino, who was attending a conference, and dressed in his ecclesiastical attire encountered Chaplain Stevenson who was dressed in his military uniform. Approaching him from behind, Bishop Dimino asked: “Bellboy, can you please take my bags?” Chaplain Stevenson was quick to reply: “Certainly, Madam!” Father Dimino was always upbeat, always thinking of others and always ready to help. He approached all of his duties, both religious and military with joy. Requiescat in Pacem Padre. ✞

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By ALICE LECH LANING (FORMER U.S. NAVY NURSE)

TO KNOW ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH T. DIMINO was to know Goodness and Kindness in Abundance.

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hroughout his life Archbishop Dimino was known for his goodness and kindness to all. Wherever he went, he spread happiness and cheer. The Archbishop was very thoughtful of others and their needs. He was a good listener with an excellent memory. He was a holy and blessed priest.

After his retirement, while living at the Varnum Street residence in Washington, D.C., Archbishop Dimino regularly visited the residents of numerous nursing homes. (Carrol Manor and Little Sisters of the Poor, to name a few.) He was cognizant of the fact that there are many lonely people in these facilities, and he was considerate enough to schedule his time to bring some happiness into their lives.

Archbishop Dimino’s concern and caring for others was genuine. I first met then Chaplain (Lieutenant) Joseph T. Dimino when he was visiting a Navy chaplain who was a patient at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, Calif., where I was stationed as a Navy nurse.

His thoughtfulness and concern for the health of his fellow chaplain was obvious. From that point on, throughout our Navy careers, and afterward, over a period spanning more than 50 years, we managed to cross paths many times. And oh what a brilliant, intellectual person he was! For all of the years that I had known him, I always said to him that ‘you are so smart, I wish that I knew at least some of what you have forgotten! He would just smile

ARCHBISHOP DIMINO PREPARING FOR EASTER MASS AT THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

that infectious smile of his and give a chuckle.

He never wanted to have the spotlight on him or thought of more than just a simple priest.

There was no end to his kindness and thoughtfulness.

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n his very gentle manner, he was always able to find a way to come up with solutions to problems for friends or anyone who may have even casually hinted of a need for help or advice; and always in a humble and quite manner. I remember one bit of advice that he subscribed to, and that was: “When in doubt, do nothing.” Until this very day, that bit of sound advice echoes in my mind. (continued on page 32) spring / easter 2015 |

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By FATHER AIDAN LOGAN

To God Who Gives Joy

TO MY YOUTH

THE MEN OF 1ST ENGINEER BATTALION AT CHINA BEACH, VIETNAM

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rchbishop Dimino was a man of many stories and those who knew him will inevitably fall to recounting their favorites. In my case, the story begins at a gathering of Navy priest-chaplains at the home of Father Charlie Bourke, then Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Chaplains School in Newport, Rhode Island. My unit of reserve chaplains was there for annual training and the Archbishop was there to visit the school house to meet with us and the priests enrolled in the basic course.

As sailors will do, we began to swap sea stories about our experiences with Sailors and Marines. I am sure they were all fascinating but I recall only one, Archbishop Dimino’s.

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he setting was one of those idyllic beaches in Vietnam. The war seemed far away. Father Dimino and his chaplain’s assistants had organized a picnic for the Marines of their unit. The meat was on the grill and the Marines were swimming and horsing around in the surf when they came under attack from small arms fire. Marines being Marines, they quickly took the situation in hand, but not before several of them were wounded, one of them very seriously.

With the Marine in his arms, Father Dimino gave absolution and assured him that the corpsmen were on the way. The young man smiled at him and said: “You know, Father, I was an altar boy.” The future archbishop responded with those Latin words from Psalm 43 so familiar to any Catholic boy who grew up serving the traditional form of the Mass: “Introibo ad altare Dei (I will go to the altar of God.)”. The Marine replied: “Ad Deum qui laetificat juventutem meam (To God who gives joy to my youth.)”. And with those words on his lips he died.

I cannot do justice to the effect this story had on us all. Amid perfect silence there was not a dry eye in the house. Why does this story stand out among all those told that evening? Why do chaplains especially respond to it with such emotion? I think it is because this vignette from a war fought half a century ago goes CHAPLAIN (LT-JG) JOSEPH T. DIMINO to the heart of what it means to be a priest serving with our Armed Forces.

Recent films out of Hollywood have brought home as never before the horrors of war and those inner conflicts more deadly than any physical wound. This inner war, this battle to preserve our humanity amidst scenes of unimaginable barbarism and return our warriors to their homes with body and soul intact is the hand-to-hand combat of every priest-chaplain. And sometimes, as on that beach in Vietnam, a victory for the Good News of Salvation and for simple humanity is snatched from the jaws of apparent defeat.

The witness of Archbishop Dimino’s life as a chaplain, priest and bishop to countless men and women in uniform is summed up in this story. To the eyes of the world, that Marine’s death was tragic beyond words. In the light of faith it is a story of salvation, because in the providence of God, a priest answered God’s call.

I will go to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to my youth. Can we imagine the two of them meeting joyfully in heaven? I think we can. ✞ spring / easter 2015 |

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By TAYLOR HENRY

Archbishop Joseph Thomas Dimino Remembered as Humble Prelate Who Lived to Serve Others

PALL-DRAPED CASKET OF ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH T. DIMINO IN THE CRYPT CHURCH OF THE BASILICA OF THE NATIONAL SHRINE OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, WASHINGTON, D.C.

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he Most Reverend Joseph Thomas Dimino, deceased Archbishop-emeritus for the Military Services, USA, was eulogized on Tuesday 2 December as a “humble” man who was “always serving others.” The remarks came in the Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., during celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial for Archbishop Dimino, who went home to the Father on 25 November at the age of 91.

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LEFT: BISHOP FRANK ROQUE RIGHT: (LEFT TO RIGHT) FATHER AIDAN LOGAN, DEACON MICHAEL YAKIR, ARCHBISHOP TIMOTHY P. BROGLIO, AND MONSIGNOR JOHN J.M. FOSTER AT THE GRAVESIDE RITE OF COMMITTAL FOR ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH THOMAS DIMINO ON TUESDAY, DEC. 2, 2014, IN SILVER SPRING, MD

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uxiliary Bishop-emeritus Francis X. Roque, who served under Archbishop Dimino during his 1991-97 tenure as chief shepherd of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), recalled the time Archbishop Dimino went out of his way to assist an ill, paralyzed priest and retired Navy chaplain at the altar, celebrating a Mass in observance of the priest’s 25th anniversary of ordination. “It was a beautiful Mass,” Bishop Roque said from the pulpit, recalling the feeble condition of the priest-chaplain. “He couldn't move his arms.

The Archbishop raised the chalice for him.”

Bishop Roque added, “I thought that the priest in many ways represented the Archbishop himself, because all his life as a priest, he helped others. He did everything. He looked ahead. His desk was always clean. He was always ready, but especially for others, to help others. Very humble. You would hardly know sometimes that he was the Archbishop because he was always serving others.”

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop Dimino’s second successor at the AMS, was principal celebrant at the funeral Mass. His Eminence, Donald Cardinal Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, concelebrated.

Also concelebrating were AMS Auxiliary Bishops Richard B. Higgins, Neal J. Buckon, and Robert J. Coyle; Bishop Francis X. Roque; Monsignor John J.M. Foster, AMS Vicar General; Father Christopher R. Armstrong, AMS Judicial Vicar; Father Aidan Logan, O.C.S.O., AMS Vocations Director;

and Msgr. Aloysius Callaghan, former AMS Vicar General and now Rector of St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. The AMS Chancellor, Deacon Michael Yakir, assisted.

Just one week earlier, Archbishop Broglio was among those present when Archbishop Dimino passed away at Jeanne Jugan Residence, the retirement home operated by the Little Sisters of the Poor at 4200 Harewood Road in northeast Washington, D.C. “The end of his earthly pilgrimage last Tuesday was touchingly spiritual and deeply consoling for those of us privileged to share that moment with him,” Archbishop Broglio said at the funeral Mass in closing remarks. “We pray that he will continue to intercede for us before the Throne of Grace.”

Archbishop Dimino is survived by his sister, Ms. Mary Stephens of Delray Beach, Fla., and her three daughters: Ms. Teresa Lynn Levay and her husband, Mr. Stephen W. Levay, of Boca Raton, Fla., Ms. Arleen Mary Stephens of Wilmington, N.C., and Ms. Gayle Marie Stephens of Wilmington, N.C., all of whom sat in the front row at Mass. Archbishop Dimino is also survived by two grandnephews and one grandniece.

Archbishop Broglio extended his personal condolences: “In the name of all of those here present and on behalf of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, I express heartfelt condolences to Mary Stephens, the nieces and other family members of the late (continued on page 33) Archbishop. spring / easter 2015 |

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By TAYLOR HENRY

The Final Years: Days in the Life of Archbishop Dimino with the Little Sisters of the Poor

FRIENDS OF ARCHBISHOP DIMINO AT THE JEANNE JUGAN RETIREMENT HOME IN WASHINGTON, D.C. (LEFT TO RIGHT) MS. CHAU-LOAN NGUYEN, SISTER JANET MARY, L.S.P., MS. ANNE SPARICH, MR. LEONARD DONATELLI

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nder a canopy of tree shade, at the end of a quiet driveway off Harewood Road in Northeast Washington, D.C., a small patchwork of yellow brick buildings stands serene around a central courtyard. A few floors of arched balconies and scrubbed windows overlook a manicured lawn crisscrossed with brick paths between potted plants, benches, and statues. It was here—at the Jeanne Jugan Residence for the elderly poor—that Archbishop Joseph Thomas Dimino spent the last eight years of his storied life under the watchful care of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

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he Little Sisters welcomed Archbishop Dimino into their home and hearts in March 2006 at the age of 83, recuperating from a fall in his apartment at nearby Catholic University, far away in time and place from the mighty warships that tossed him about the high seas in his youth as a U.S. Navy chaplain. They say he was unsure where he was, and, with a Navy Captain’s pride and sense of duty—and a priest’s manner of order—reluctant to celebrate Mass on his own, concerned that he was not mentally alert enough to follow the rubrics.

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ister Janet Mary says that after about a week or so, one day the archbishop walked out on one of the porches, within eyesight of the university campus, when it dawned on him that he was living at the Jeanne Jugan Residence. She says the Mother Superior, Sister Benedict de la Passion, was with him at the time, “and he was just so happy, and it made her happy.” Gradually, the nuns nursed Archbishop Dimino back to health.

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nother Sister recalls how Archbishop Dimino regained his confidence behind the altar. “After a few months of getting to know him,” Sister Julie Marie of the Sacred Heart recalls, “I asked him if he would say a Mass in the convent chapel for just the postulants and me. He did it perfectly! And we kept it up once a month for the rest of the time that group of postulants was here. Once they left, he started celebrating Mass for the whole house, filling in for the chaplain on his day off or when he couldn’t be there.” She adds, “It was such a special grace to be with him for that first Mass, and so wonderful to see him regain his confidence and be able to exercise his priestly ministry in that way once again.”

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s Archbishop Dimino continued to improve, he settled into a routine of daily Mass, prayer, and Holy Hours.

“He was very warm and friendly but didn't want any attention drawn to him,” Sister Janet Mary says.“It was fine if you called him ‘father,’ and truthfully, at first, I didn’t know he was an archbishop, and when I found out, he didn’t want me to make a fuss over it.” But Sister Janet Mary says the archbishop made no secret of his passion for his vocation. “Anyone who knew him, you knew he loved the priesthood.

He loved the military. He loved the Blessed Mother.” She recalls him once asking her, “‘Did you pray today?’And ‘how did you pray?

How did you say that Hail Mary? Did you tell the Blessed Mother you loved her? Do you know she loves you? She’s your mother. Pray to her.’ And that was it — so simple.”

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friend and fellow resident, Mr. Leonard Donatelli, 93, a U.S. Army Air Force veteran who landed at Normandy, says Archbishop Dimino was as humble about his military career as he was his clerical status. “He would not brag about his rank in the church or in the Navy,” Mr. Donatelli says. But old sailors die hard. Mr. Donatelli recalls that as the Archbishop’s health began to deteriorate, he and others would bring communion to his room, and on their way out, he’d “tell me how much of the door to close. Each day was different. It was ‘follow orders.’ He was a Navy man!” (continued on page 33) spring / easter 2015 |

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By TAYLOR HENRY

Child, Brother, & Student of Mary

FATHER JOSEPH DIMINO, WITH HIS MOTHER AND FATHER, JOSEPH AND MARY.

oseph Thomas Dimino, Jr., grew up in and around New York City during the Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression. He was the oldest child—and the only boy—in a hard-working, Catholic family of four, descended from Italian, French, Irish, and German stock. Joseph Thomas Dimino, Sr., was a successful, career railroad executive on the commuter lines. His wife, Mary Helbig Dimino, stayed home to take care of Joseph, Jr., and his little sister, Mary. On a typical night after dinner, Mr. Dimino would play the piano while his wife and daughter washed the dishes. The daughter, now Ms. Mary Dimino Stephens of Delray, Fla., says both parents had a special reverence for the Virgin Mary. They attended weekly devotionals to the Miraculous Medal of the Immaculate Conception. Mrs. Dimino “always had a rosary in her hand.” Mr. Dimino prayed the rosary every night.

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LEFT: DEACON JOSEPH T. DIMINO RIGHT: CHAPLAIN DIMINO READYING FOR TAKE OFF.

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n the life of young Joseph, aside from his mother, his sister, and Mary, the Mother of God, a fourth “Mary” was to figure prominently. She was Sister Mary Edwards, his first grade teacher at Holy Rosary Elementary in the Bronx. Mrs. Stephens says it was Sister Mary to whom Joseph first declared his intention to pursue a vocation.

“That’s when he decided he wanted to be a priest,” she says. A 1983 article in Catholic New York recounts how it happened: one day in 1929, the article says, the future Archbishop “resolutely marched up to the nun who taught class and told her he planned to be a priest.” The article quoted him as saying, “First grade—that’s true. There was never any question.”

Holy Rosary School and the parish church were just a few blocks from the Dimino home in the working class neighborhood along Gun Hill Road. Mrs. Stephens recalls that it was a close-knit community where Catholic school boys and parish priests would seal off a neighborhood street with makeshift barricades to play ball. She says one of those priests, Father John Byrne, was, like Sister Mary Edwards, a mentor to her brother, further inspiring him to consider the priesthood.

Mrs. Stephens, now the family’s sole surviving member, was seven years younger than Joseph, whom his family lovingly called “Buddy” and his friends called “Joe.” “I never remember him being around much as a child,” Mrs. Stephens says, “because he was always up at the church being an altar boy.”

She says he was also outgoing. Joe had many friends, and they liked to play basketball, baseball, handball, and other sports.

As Joseph Dimino, Sr., progressed in his railroad career, climbing the ranks from motorman—who actually drove the trains— to stationmaster—in charge of the operations of an entire station—the family moved to Mount Vernon, N.Y., before settling in New Canaan, Conn. Prophetically, perhaps, they lived on Seminary Street. “Bud,” as his family began calling him the older he got, commuted to Cathedral Prep School and College in Manhattan.

Mrs. Stephens says he was a protective big brother. Their parents permitted her to go ice-skating in a local park at night only if Bud went along to keep an eye on his little sister. Mrs. Stephens recalls one time when she and some childhood friends attended a picture show at the New Canaan Playhouse.

She said, “I came out and saw my brother and (continued on page 30) spring / easter 2015 |

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Child, Brother, & Student of Mary his friends. I told him, ‘Don’t tell Mom I came to the movie!’ And what did he do? He went home and told Mom!” Their mother asked her not to do it again, and that was that. This caring and protective nature he carried with him all his life. Not only for his family but for his military family.

Mrs. Stephens says her parents had eloped when they were young, a not uncommon practice among couples of the era. Their early marriage led Mr. Dimino, who had graduated high school ahead of his peers at the age of 16, to give up studies in pre-medicine at New York University (NYU) and take work in his father’s grocery, restaurant, and taxicab businesses before embarking on his railroad career to support his young family.

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ud, like their father, took his responsibilities seriously. Mrs. Stephens remembers him as a “quiet and studious” teenager. Bud and their Dad would spend hours together in her brother’s upstairs bedroom studying Greek.

He was short for his age—so short that while taking driving lessons from his Dad, he required a pillow in the driver’s seat to sit high enough to see over the steering wheel.

His long-term vision for the future, however, was never in question. In due course, he headed off to Saint Joseph’s Seminary at Dunwoodie, N.Y. Although away from home, Bud kept his family close at heart. For his sister’s sixteenth birthday, he surprised her with a set of records

by Frank Sinatra, with whom she, like many girls her age, was enthralled.

His dream of being ordained a Catholic priest was realized on 4 June 1949, when he was 26, in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, at the hands of Francis Cardinal Spellman, Arch-

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(continued from page 29)

bishop of New York. Cardinal Spellman was then Military Vicar of the U.S. Armed Forces. From 1949 to 1952, Father Dimino worked in three parishes of the Archdiocese of New York: Saint Joseph’s in Spring Valley; Saint Teresa’s in Sleepy Hollow; and Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral in lower Manhattan.

When Cardinal Spellman called for volunteers to serve as active-duty chaplains, Father Dimino sought guidance from his old mentor, Father John Byrne, who had become a military chaplain during World War II and with whom he corresponded as a pen pal.

Mrs. Stephens says he also received advice from another former World War II chaplain – a priest at one of the New York parishes where he had worked. Father Dimino decided to answer the call. Mrs. Stephens recalls him asking their dad whether he should join the Army or the Navy. “My father said, ‘if you join the Navy, you’ll always have a bed to sleep in.’” And so, Father Dimino donned khakis and went to sea.

Chaplain Dimino thus embarked on a 25-year career in the U.S. Navy, an adventure that, from 1952 to 1977, took him by turn around the world, across the equator, and into the wild blue yonder as a licensed pilot in his own right. His first deployment alone, aboard USS CHEVALIER (DDR805), carried him from San Diego, to Pearl Harbor, Midway, Yokosuka, Okinawa, Hong Kong, Sasebo, Formosa, and all the way back.

When he developed an interest in flying, he went in with others to purchase their own small plane in San Diego, where he pursued his hobby.

Mrs. Stephens says it was not always easy for their parents or her to keep up with his adventuresome career, during which the chaplain would brave 50-foot seas and celebrate Mass aboard as many as six different

LEFT: USS CHEVALIER RIGHT: ARCHBISHOP DIMINO WITH HIS SISTER MARY

destroyers in one day, moving from ship to ship by rope over shark-infested waters. She recalls his 1954 home leave to New Canaan when her brother drove up in a rented, “swank” convertible. “My mother said a priest should not be driving that kind of car!” Later, Mrs. Stephens recalls, when Bud called home to inform his parents that he had been promoted from Commander to Captain, their Mom wondered, “Is that the same as Monsignor”?

All the while, Mrs. Stephens remembers her brother as a devout and holy man who, like his parents, nurtured a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. She says that whenever she visited her priest-brother, she would find rosaries in sitting areas throughout the home. And a portrait of the Madonna with Child hung over his bed.

So it came as no surprise that when Chaplain Dimino retired from the Navy in 1977 at the rank of Captain, having earned the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and China Service Medal—not to mention a Master’s degree in religious education from the Catholic University of America—he was tapped to become Chancellor, and later, Auxiliary Bishop, of the Military Vicariate.

After Pope John Paul II replaced the New York-based Vicariate with an independent Archdiocese in 1985—the Archdiocese for

the Military Services, USA (AMS), based in Washington, D.C.—the Holy Father appointed Bishop Dimino in 1991 to be its second Archbishop.

Archbishop Dimino is remembered at the AMS for the measures he took to streamline operations and ensure survival of the fledgling Archdiocese, even as he served actively as spiritual leader for more than one million Catholics in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, and civilian government service beyond U.S. borders. After six years as chief shepherd, he resigned for health reasons on 12 August 1997. Archbishop Dimino spent his remaining 17 years living in prayerful retirement in Washington.

Mary Dimino Stephens survives with great memories of her brother, his priesthood, and his service to those who serve. Not least is her recollection of his long-awaited ordination back in ‘49. Present, she says, were all four Marys in her brother’s life: herself, their mother, the Blessed Mother, and Sister Mary Edwards. It came as no coincidence, perhaps, that of the dozens of new priests ordained at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral that June day, Bud was among three who started out together as classmates in Sister Mary’s first-grade class at Holy Rosary in the Bronx. ✞ spring / easter 2015 |

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“Come Blessed of My Father, Yours is the Kingdom Prepared for You.” (continued from page 17)

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ven when I first met him in 2000 following my own retirement from the Air Force Chaplaincy chaplaincy and appointment as vice chancellor, he was living a frugal life in the Varnum Street residence.

But he was anything but maudlin! Many a time he would dominate the conversation quoting from his lengthy collection of written vignettes. He enjoyed discussing how he finally decided to sell his car, saying it was cheaper to “pay as you go” with an on-call taxi, than to pay for insurance, registration and license renewals for a vehicle that remained mostly parked at the curb. Another usual routine for us residents at that time (Bishop John [Jack] Kaising, Bishop Francis Roque, Bishop Joseph Madera, Monsignor Aloysius Callaghan and myself – such an august group!) was to watch the afternoon news in the TV room. Archbishop Dimino had the TV controller. Just shy of 6 p.m. he would call out that dinner was ready. The TV went blank, and we dutifully followed him to the basement dining room. And, in a similar manner to indicate that time had ended for this particular activity (eating), he would not so subtly fold his napkin and place it on the ledge under the table. By this time we had all observed the action and were prepared to stand and pray a closing thanksgiving.

He very much enjoyed being in the presence of priests. While residing at CUA, he would spirit the conversation with the other resident faculty clergy of CUA during the daily gathering in the Curley Hall clergy lounge prior to dinner. Members of the episcopacy were not regulars at that lounge, much less at dinner. But both he and Bishop Kaising changed that!

All of us who lived with him for those short years have moved on, or passed on. The current active staff continued to visit him at the Little Sisters up and until that evening of 25 November 2014 when the last sounds in his ears of human voices at prayer was replaced by the welcoming whisper: “Come blessed of my father, yours is the kingdom prepared for you.” ✞

May he rest in peace.

Joseph T. Dimino (June 1923 - November 2014)

To Know Archbishop Joseph T. Dimino was to know Goodness and Kindness in Abundance. (continued from page 21)

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y husband and I visited Archbishop Dimino over the years at the Little Sisters of the Poor. He would often express his concern for others around him even when he, himself, was in need of some assistance. He kept his door open to all of the residents, listening to confessions, suggesting books that would guide them on their spiritual journey, or just being present to share their lives. I am glad to have had the opportunity during my visits with the Archbishop to remind him that he was loved and appreciated by all who knew him. I learned so much from him! I count myself blessed to have been among those grateful and loving people. He will be sorely missed, but always remembered as a Holy and Blessed Priest. ✞

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Archbishop Joseph Thomas Dimino Remembered as Humble Prelate Who Lived to Serve Others (continued from page 25)

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o one will fill the void, but your brother and uncle and relative will continue to live in each one of you. His example, the stories, and the lessons he taught will not fade.”

Finally, Archbishop Broglio read a message sent on behalf of Pope Francis and signed

by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness.

After Mass, Archbishop Dimino was laid to rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Silver Spring, Md. Interment followed a graveside Rite of Committal celebrated by Archbishop Broglio. ✞ We ask you to join us in prayer for the repose of Archbishop Dimino’s soul:

“O God, who chose your servant Archbishop Joseph Dimino from among your Priests and endowed him with pontifical dignity in the apostolic priesthood, grant, we pray, that he may also be admitted to their company for ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.” — [ Prayer from the Mass for the Dead, The Roman Missal] You may also wish to offer a Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet or other prayer on his behalf.

The Final Years: Days in the Life of Archbishop Dimino with the Little Sisters of the Poor (continued from page 27)

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ister Julie Marie fondly recalls the day she passed Archbishop Dimino in the corridor and tried to show him a salute.

“He didn’t miss a beat,” she recalls. “As he passed by, he said to me, ‘thumb in,’ to let me know that I wasn’t quite in proper form.”

Sister Benedict recalls with equal fondness an anniversary party the sisters and a couple of his friends threw for the archbishop. “We planned a little celebration at dinner in the second floor dining room as a total surprise to him, and sisters and some residents marched in singing ‘Anchors Away.’ That made him so happy. He talked about it for months and he framed and hung in his room the spiritual bouquet we gave him. Every time I went in his room, he pointed it out to me.”

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hose who knew him say Archbishop Dimino never faded in his commitment to do the right thing, and to do things right. Mr. Donatelli says, “I had the honor of serving at two of his Masses, the last ones. And on the altar, he had a printed outline of how to say Mass. I didn't know this until he beckoned for me. I would stay at his right side, but away from him, and he said to me ‘come close,’ so I walked right next to his right arm, and he says, ‘There’s the outline.

Now if I make a mistake, poke me!’ Of course he didn't make any mistakes, you know.” ✞ For more information on the Little Sisters of the Poor please visit: www.littlesistersofthepoor.org

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Save the Dates 21 Annual Memorial Mass ST

SUNDAY, 17 MAY 2015 at 4:30 pm Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception | Washington, D.C.

7 Annual Benefit TH

THURSDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2015 at 7:00 pm Saint John Paul II National Shrine | Washington, D.C.

FAREWELL & WELCOME After the morning Mass and an abundant reception (the military families boast of great cooks), Father Hammond and I went to visit a young Marine who had been hospitalized. His parents were also there from Minnesota. It was a wonderful gift to be able to bring them Holy Communion on the Nativity of the Lord. He is ever so generous with us. He finds us in our need and comes to dwell with us.

From there on St. Stephen’s Day I went to Camp Zama where the MCCW is extremely vibrant. Their members and spouses ensured a festive atmosphere. It was a privilege to help Father Simon Obeng mark a quarter century of priestly ordination. The post was quiet, but the chapel community filled with life as the Catholics from Atsugi also were present for the celebration.

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(continued from page 9)

The final stop on the series of Christmas pastoral visits was to the Yakota Air Base where Father Oscar Fonseca assures ministry to the Catholics and others on base. That visit allowed me to see a former colleague, Archbishop Joseph Chennoth, the Apostolic Nuncio to Japan, and to pay my respects to the Commander, U.S. Forces Japan, Air Force Lieutenant General Sam Angelella.

Indeed in saying farewell to Archbishop Dimino I sense that he lives in the ministry of those who continue his work. A new and vibrant Bishop begins his ministry in northern Alaska and this Archdiocese continues to reach out and care for those entrusted to her pastoral care. Farewell and welcome are constants in our lives and in the ministry of this world-wide Archdiocese. ✞

— Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio

“I wish you an abundance of Easter blessings, I pray that the Risen Lord will fill you and your loved ones with the serenity and peace that only He can give.”

“Serving Those Who Serve”

P.O. Box 4469 Washington, DC 20017-0469

Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA