May 24, 2018 new york • ORDINATIONS 15

Ordinations 2018 PROFILES WRITTEN BY ARMANDO MACHADO, DAN PIETRAFESA, CHRISTIE L. CHICOINE AND JOHN WOODS PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRIS SHERIDAN

Graduates of the Class of 2018 from St. ’s Seminary in Dunwoodie will soon serve the faithful entrusted to their care as priests. Cardinal Dolan will ordain nine men at Mass at St. They Answered the Call Patrick’s Cathedral Saturday, May 26, at 9 a.m. Five will serve as priests of the Archdiocese of New York and four are Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. The ordination class includes Father To Bring Christ to Others Kareem Smith, who has been serving as a transitional at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; Father Carlos Limongi, who pursued priesthood studies at Theological College in Washington, D.C.; and Father Louis Masi, who studied at Pontifical North American College in . From left: Cardinal Dolan to Ordain Father Osvaldo Hernandez; Father Angelus Montgomery, C.F.R.; Father Kareem Smith; Father Guiteau, C.F.R.; Father Mark-Mary Maximilian Ames, C.F.R.; Father 9 Priests at Cathedral May 26 Connolly; and Father Francesco Gavazzi, C.F.R. 16 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018

Father Father Connolly will celebrate his first Mass at his home , St. Augustine Church in Michael Ossining, on Sunday, May 27, at noon. The homilist will be Father Robert M. Dunn, a former Connolly parochial vicar of St. Augustine parish and a mentor and friend of Father Connolly’s.

When Cardinal Dolan and talk Once there, he saw the cardinal de- bringing me back was like getting to show host and comedian Stephen scend the lobby stairs and cheerfully meet myself all over again.” Colbert appeared at Fordham Uni- greet people. “I just felt this complete Now, through the priesthood, versity six years ago to discuss faith joy come over me, because it just “robed with Him as my armor, I can and humor, neither could know how emanates from him. I thought, I have go back in and communicate that, the event encouraged then-Fordham to have that joy.” and sort of be like a missionary to student Michael Connolly to listen to He concedes that his devout prac- millennials,” Father Connolly said. a call deep within himself. tice of the faith, rooted in childhood, “But what’s so confusing for us “We were all abuzz about it in the “took a backseat” freshman year of millennials right now is that we’re dorms, and getting ready to get on college, at Fordham’s Lincoln Center being told from everywhere else that line and get our ticket,” Father Con- campus. Despite all the fun he was there’s no such thing as a mistake; nolly, now 25, recalled. Leading up to having, “I just got to this point where whatever you feel like doing, that’s ‘Missionary that, “all I heard was, ‘Oh, I’m going I was so lonely, sad and empty. what you should do, that’s the truth, to go see Colbert. Hey, are you going “God gave me a graced conversion that’s the good thing.” to Millennials’ to go to Colbert?’ moment and I just could see how Millennials are owed much more “I found myself thinking, I’m going horribly dark I felt.” Without think- credit than they’re given. “We can Thinks They Can to see the Cardinal. Then I thought ing, he went to the chapel. He apolo- take it, and, in fact, we want it,” Fa- Take It about that and was like, Why do I gized to God and asked him to show ther Connolly said. “We’re not going feel that way? I just had this reaction: him what he wanted him to do. to just fall apart if you tell me that no, I’m not going to see Colbert, I’m “At that point, it wasn’t even neces- there is such a thing as sin and poor going to see the Cardinal, and then sarily priesthood. The first step was choices. We want to know the truth.” wondered, Whoa. Why?” just coming back” to Church. “God continued on page 21

Father Father Hernandez will celebrate his first Mass at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Osvaldo Miguel Sunday, May 27, at 3 p.m. Father Luis Saldaña, spiritual director Hernandez at St. Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers, will deliver the homily.

At age 18, in his native land, the months of serious discernment, and English, in Washington Heights, Dominican Republic—those are the he decided on the priesthood and where many residents are originally “when and where” answers to the amicably broke up with his girl- from the Dominican Republic. question of Father Osvaldo Miguel friend, who supported his decision. In 2009, he entered St. John Neu- Hernandez’ decision to pursue the He had been a choir member during mann College Seminary on the priesthood. Father Hernandez, now high school, in the family’s parish, campus of St. Joseph’s Seminary. He 30, is prepared to make that aspira- San Pio X in Santiago, where he was graduated from St. John’s University tion a reality. born and raised. in Queens in 2014, with a bachelor’s “It was an invitation from my prin- When he was 19, his family immi- degree in philosophy and minors in cipal to attend a vocational retreat, grated to the Untied States, settling theology and Spanish. and I had a personal encounter with in Washington Heights in Manhattan “It is a calling, when you realize with God,” said Father Hernandez as he and later in . He worked certainty that God is calling you,” Fa- Priestly Calling described how the retreat cemented to learn English, and held a at a ther Hernandez said of the priesthood. Led Him to Do his decision to become a priest. factory and later at a restaurant to “You don’t know how to describe it… “I remember being in my room, in help his family financially. His desire We decide to do the will of God.” God’s Will my parents’ home in Santiago (in the to seek the priesthood, which had Father Hernandez’s apostolic as- Dominican Republic, before the re- begun to wane, was rekindled during signments included Jeanne Jugan treat). I was confused, asking myself, a Catholic Charismatic Renewal gath- Nursing Home in the Bronx, and the ‘What am I going to do?’ ering in the Bronx, when he was 21. Westchester County Department of Father Hernandez said his teenage Father Hernandez, who was Correction in Valhalla. His summer confusion stemmed from facing the ordained a transitional deacon last parish assignments included Immac- choice of whether to seek the path November at St. Joseph’s Seminary ulate Conception parish in Tucka- to the priesthood, or continue his in Dunwoodie, where he has done hoe, St. Patrick’s parish in Yorktown relationship with his girlfriend and his priestly formation, will celebrate Heights and Sacred Heart parish in study to become an engineer. After his first Mass as a priest, in Spanish continued on page 21 May 24, 2018 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS 17

Priesthood’s Draw Ruled Over Architecture

Father Carlos Limongi recalled being enthralled Father Louis Masi says the Lord has by the Communion line during Masses in his parish worked in “very ordinary ways” through- assignments as a seminarian. “There was something out his life, leaving “subtle signs that He about seeing the people coming to receive Christ was calling me to the priesthood.” that encouraged me to continue in my journey, so I He first expressed a desire to become a could also bring Christ to them,” he said. priest as a second-grader at St. Theresa of His call to the priesthood was gradual. Through the Infant Jesus School in his home parish a lay evangelization movement for the Hispanic in the Bronx before giving the idea serious community called Movimiento de Retiros Parro- consideration while attending Jesuit-run quiales Juan XXIII, which he joined at age 18, he Regis High School in Manhattan, where he was introduced to ministry and apostolic work. cited encouragement from Father Anthony “As I grew in the faith, I would go to Ado- Andreassi, C.O., a priest of the Oratory of ration and the typical prayer of someone St. Philip Neri, who taught history. “By his trying to live a faithful Catholic life be- example and our many conversations, he helped came my own: ‘Lord, I’ll go wherever you me to grow as a man of virtue and of prayer,” want me to go, I will do whatever you want Father Masi recalled. me to do, I’ll say whatever you want me Father In high school, he was greatly influenced by to say.’ It was in those moments of prayer the writings of Benedict XVI, and drew where I first heard a voice in my heart say, Louis inspiration from the Holy Father’s insistence that ‘Be a priest.’” “Catholicism is fundamentally about an encoun- At first, he brushed the call aside. “I Masi ter with a Person, the Lord Jesus, who gives life don’t think I was ready because I still had a new horizon and a decisive direction.” As a plans to be a huge, famous New York archi- senior, Father Masi decided to attend St. John tect,” he explained. Father Masi will offer Neumann college seminary, then on the grounds A few years later, in 2012, a friend of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. his first Mass at St. organized a silent retreat that included Father Masi’s background would fill the boxes on perpetual Adoration before the Blessed Theresa of the Infant a vocations director’s check- Sacrament. “It was in this retreat where Jesus Church in the list: practicing Catholic fam- God spoke to me again and I couldn’t deny ily with supportive parents; Seeking it anymore,” Father Limongi said. After- Bronx Sunday, May positive experiences with ward, he reached out to the vocations director of 27, at 2:15 p.m. Father priests throughout his life; to Foster the archdiocese. He entered the minor seminary, active personal faith driven Robert Grippo, ‘Authentic Father the Cathedral Seminary House of Formation in by pastoral experiences and Douglaston, Queens, in January 2013. of Annunciation-Our study; and a willingness to Encounter’ Carlos After completing his pre-theology coursework, Lady of Fatima parish consider and pursue the he was sent to study theology at the Theological priesthood. With the Limongi College in Washington, D.C., the national semi- in Crestwood and a Father Masi, 27, who has nary of The Catholic University of America. former longtime pastor done his priesthood forma- Lord “After I was able to accept the call, it never went tion at Pontifical North of St. Theresa, will away, but part of me still stares at beautiful or in- American College in Rome Father Limongi will teresting buildings when I see them,” said Father deliver the homily. for the past four years, said he hopes as a priest celebrate his first Limongi, 34. “I still comment on design features “to foster an authentic encounter between God with friends, so the architectural persona is still and His people.” Mass at St. Anselm’s alive in me.” “There are many in the world whose hearts Church, the Bronx, He holds a bachelor’s degree in architectural tech- are restless and I hope to calm the rough waters Sunday, May 27, nology from College of Technology. of restless hearts by bringing Christ to others He has studied graphic design, and he likes to through the sacraments of love and mercy, espe- at 2:30 p.m. The draw. “When I do human features, it allows me to cially the Eucharist and confession,” he said. homilist will be Father focus on the details and see God’s handiwork of Father Masi holds two degrees in philosophy creation. The contours of the hands, the depths of from The Catholic University of America in Christopher Bethge, the eyes, the expressiveness of mouths, they speak Washington, D.C., a bachelor’s as well as a licenti- parochial vicar of of God’s greatness in making everyone different ate in philosophy, which he earned when he was Incarnation parish and unique.” enrolled at Theological College Seminary. He Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he is the youngest earned a bachelor of sacred theology from Pon- in Queens Village, of six children of Barney and Jannette Limongi. tifical Gregorian University in Rome. He holds a Queens. He has three brothers: Barney Jr., Lisandro and master’s in Joseph Ratzinger Studies and Spiritu- Kevin, and two sisters: Veronica and Jill. He ality from the Pontifical Institute Augustinianum moved to New York with his family in 2003. He in Rome, where he is pursuing a licentiate in was 19. He became a naturalized citizen of the U.S. sacred theology. a decade later. Father Masi expects to have a summer assignment Father Limongi credits his family for forming in the archdiocese before he returns to Rome for a continued on page 21 continued on page 21 18 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018

His Interest in Priesthood Father Mark- Began at a Young Age Mary Maximilian

Father Kareem R. Smith first announced at the Ames, C.F.R. age of seven he wanted to become a priest. It seemed fitting. His parents, Rickford and Yvonne Lewis Smith, Father Ames will celebrate his first raised him in a Bronx home with a deep Catholic Mass at San Antonio parish in Anaheim faith, sending their son to St. Anthony’s School in the Bronx and Blessed Sacrament High School Hills, Calif., Saturday, June 16, at 5 in New Rochelle. His uncle, the late Father Floyd p.m. Father Seamus Glynn, the family’s Grace, was a priest of the archdiocese, and his longtime pastor in Anaheim Hills, who grandmother, Millicent Matthew-Grace, was a steady positive influence on his faith. is now retired, will deliver the homily. Father Smith, 28, will remember his uncle and grandmother when he is with family at his ordination Mass at St. Pat- rick’s Cathedral May 26 and his first Mass at the Church of the Holy in the Bronx the next day. He will be using his Growing up in Southern California, Father Mark-Mary Maximilian Ames, uncle’s chalice at his first Mass. C.F.R., attended Mass at San Antonio parish in Anaheim Hills, where his “(My first) Mass will be offered for my faith was nurtured by and staff, along with his parents, Dennis and uncle and my grandmother. I will be think- Brenda, who still live in the area. ing about them,” Father Smith said. “It is the church where I grew up,” Father Ames said, “where my relation- Father Smith said St. Joseph’s Seminary ship with God and the vocation were nurtured… Like it takes a village to and his parish assignments, including ones raise a child, it kind of takes a parish community to foster and nurture a vo- at Assumption in Peekskill and St. Pat- cation. There were many people, like Pam my youth minister, to my parents’ rick’s Cathedral, prepared him by offering influence, to my pastor. They were all playing a role.” extraordinary experiences. He said the Father Ames, 33, who has been a with the Franciscan Friars of the seminary offered him lifelong friendships, Renewal, added that he was 19 years old, a freshman in college, when he de- and parishioners of Assumption served the cided he wanted to seek joining the priesthood. “That’s when I gave myself parish and community because they knew to the faith and became very serious about it,” he said. “I was very inspired they were being “Christ-like.” by , and from her inspiration, I felt God calling me to be a The St. Patrick’s Cathedral staff offered missionary, to work with and serve the poorest of the poor.” something different because they were serving He said he began learning more about his Catholic faith, in particular parishioners as well as visitors to America’s Par- about reconciliation and all the sacraments. His desire to be a priest start- Father ish Church. ed to form, and his plans to major in business diminished. Later, he went “Every single person you encounter is looking on a yearlong mission to South Africa to teach math in a Zulu high school. Kareem for something, and our role is to be present for “I was only 20 when I did it. It was part of my discernment, a chance for them,” Father Smith said. “It has to be a positive me to test it out.” R. Smith experience and we have to do everything that we As for his general view of the priesthood, Father Ames noted that God can do when we encounter that person because loves the world, and He wants people to continue the mission of Jesus, “of who knows what they’re going through and if bringing and bringing unity, Father Smith will what you say to them will effect them for the rest bringing communion, bringing about celebrate his first of their life.” healing, and…the Lord has given us the Franciscan Friar Father Smith is looking to bring more young priesthood, as a particular way of con- Mass at his parish adults into parishes and to reach the children in tinuing the mission of Jesus, of guiding, Says It Takes a growing up, Holy the Catholic schools. of feeding and saving.” Rosary in the Bronx, “Catholic schools have played such a tremen- Father Ames holds a bachelor’s Parish to Nurture dous role in my life,” he said. “I had all lay teach- degree in philosophy from Franciscan Saturday, May 27, at ers at St. Anthony’s and they were all true Chris- University in Steubenville, Ohio, and a Vocation 4 p.m. Father John tians in every sense of the word. It wasn’t a job. graduated from Mater Dei High School It was a vocation for them. That is an experience in Santa Ana, Calif. His sister, Stacey Higgins, pastor of Holy every child we encounter should have, a similar Newman, lives in Anaheim. Cross parish in the situation meeting others who are faith-filled who His apostolic assignments included serving as assistant director of Padre Bronx who served at can help lead them to the faith by example.” Pio homeless shelter in the Bronx. He also did Friary House mission work Father Smith, who has a bachelor’s degree in in Comayagua, Honduras, for two years. “I loved the culture, the people, and Holy Rosary during theology and philosophy from St. John’s Univer- the work,” he said—and he serves as director of Catholic Underground, at Father Smith’s youth, sity, taught religion at John A. Coleman Catholic the international site based in Manhattan. High School in Hurley during a year’s break from Father Ames enjoys media evangelization, especially through music and will be the homilist. the seminary. videos, and he likes playing sports, especially basketball. He is fluent in “I came to first theology at the seminary and Spanish, learning it in middle school, high school, college and later in Hon- was having a difficult time. I came to the under- duras. He entered the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in 2009 and pro- standing with my spiritual director that this was fessed first vows in 2011 and final vows in 2014 at Our Lady of Good Counsel continued on page 21 Church in Manhattan. May 24, 2018 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS 19

Father Father Gavazzi will celebrate his first Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Manhattan Sunday, May 27, at 2 p.m. The homilist will be Father Emmanuel Francesco Mansford, C.F.R., the community’s vocations director who resides at St. Joseph Gavazzi, C.F.R. Friary in .

Just before he went to World Youth “‘God gives us just enough light to He later thought, “If I really am be- Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany, take the next step.’” ing called to the priesthood, maybe I Francesco Gavazzi of Sydney, Austra- Francesco was accepted to Francis- could live it this way.” lia, applied to Franciscan University can University and entered in Janu- On another occasion, the World in Steubenville, Ohio, primarily to ary 2006. Youth Day pilgrims were chatting discern a vocation to the priesthood. For Francesco, another pivotal among themselves while waiting for “I wasn’t sure whether I would get in takeaway from that World Youth Day the next event outside a church. One or whether that’s where I was being was the fun and courteous disposi- of the CFRs ushered them inside the led,” he said. tion of the Franciscan Friars of the church and said, “The bishop is about Flash forward to the pilgrim gift Renewal (CFRs) he encountered for to speak.” exchange in Marian Field at World the first time. “His respect and love for the bish- Youth Day. Two random peers ap- The catechetical site to which op was evident,” said Father Gavazzi, A Flashlight proached Francesco. He presented Francesco and his Sydney compan- 34, who entered the Renewal Friars in them with a toy koala from Australia. ions were assigned was facilitated 2006 and made final vows in 2011. Pointed Him They gave him their gift and walked by the CFRs. As he walked onto “I came away with this combina- away. “It was wild,” he recalled. the grounds of the church, he was tion of these guys who seemed to re- Toward “They had given me a little flashlight instantly struck by their presence. “I ally enjoy life—there was joy in them that said Franciscan University. I saw remember seeing one of them kneel- and there was something youthful Priesthood it as a sign.” ing in prayer,” he said, and “another and normal about them—but they A Redemptorist priest he met at one, with two guitars in his hand, get also seemed to really love God, the his parish’s mission in Sydney had down on both knees and genuflect to Church, Our Lady, the Eucharist, told him a couple months earlier that the tabernacle.” continued on page 21

Father Pierre Father Guiteau will celebrate first Mass at his home parish, Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport, Sunday, June 3, at 5 p.m. Father Joseph Toussaint Fitzgerald, his spiritual adviser and vocations director of the Diocese of Guiteau, C.F.R. Rockville Centre, will be the homilist.

Father Pierre Toussaint Guiteau, at home. It was something where I , including one to assist Hai- C.F.R., realized as a student at Ave knew the Lord was asking me to try tians after the earthquake in 2010. Maria University in Florida he could this life out to see if this is what he He would return to Haiti with the be giving more. wanted me to do. Ever since I entered, friars to bring medical supplies, “I was a happy-go-lucky guy but there is no place I would rather be.” build homes and visit with his rela- knew deep down there was something Father Guiteau remembered another tives, when time permitted. more I could be doing and giving,” aspect of his weekend vocation visit. “It was a joy to be there,” the friar Father Guiteau said. “It started to click “They were sitting around the table said. “These people have nothing for me that my life is more than just and conversation turned to normal and are able to be happy and joyful myself. It could be this beautiful gift things like sports and video games. It amidst their suffering. It was a reality for God and what he wants me to do.” was if I lived there and I was coming check for me in how I live as a friar After graduating from Ave Maria back from a long journey,” he said. or a normal person in New York.” Sports-minded with a bachelor’s degree in econom- Sports are a big part of Father Father Guiteau’s family will be ics, he entered the Franciscan Friars Guiteau’s life. He grew up in Free- present at his ordination Mass at St. Friar Enjoys of the Renewal in 2008 and professed port, Long Island, and attended St. Patrick’s Cathedral. “Pierre Toussaint Working With final vows in 2013. Christopher’s School in Baldwin and is buried in the crypt at St. Patrick’s Father Guiteau, 32, knew about the Kellenberg Memorial High School in Cathedral. It’ll be super special to be Youth Franciscan Friars of the Renewal be- Uniondale, where he played basket- ordained where my patron is buried. cause his sister, Dominique Seraphin, ball and baseball. When he returns It’ll be very moving for me,” he said. who is 11 years older, was a Franciscan home to visit his parents, Clotaire Father Guiteau is being assigned to the Sister of the Renewal for two years. and Florence Guiteau, he spends time St. Francis Youth Center in the Bronx. “I visited the Franciscan Friars of with his dad watching his favorite “The community gives your assign- the Renewal before my senior year teams, the Mets, Giants and Knicks. ments based on your capabilities and of college,” Father Guiteau said. “I Father Guiteau, who is of Haitian gifts. I love working with the youth walked into the friary and I felt I was descent, worked on missions in and I love playing sports,” he said. 20 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018

Father Angelus Father Montgomery will celebrate his first Mass at North American Martyrs parish in Lincoln, Neb., Sunday, June 10, at 2:30 p.m. Father John Haugen, who Montgomery, was Father Montgomery’s spiritual director in college, will deliver the homily. C.F.R. Father Haugen is pastor of Emmaus Pastorate parish in Dubuque, Iowa.

Father Angelus Montgomery, C.F.R., together with their sister, Katie Hav- noted, “We had amazing influences of was in a hurry when he sat down to lat. The three have an older brother, priests in our life when we lived in Ne- chat with Catholic New York for this Bob. They were born in Wichita, Kan., braska, our and assistant pas- article. “I got 15 minutes…I’m film- and are the children of Richard and tors, and our teachers in high school.” ing today with my twin brother, he’s LuAnne Montgomery of Kansas City, Regarding his thoughts about his also a CFR priest. We have a show on Kan. Their childhood parish was St. future priesthood, he said, “The priests EWTN. I told him I’d be down around in Lincoln, Neb. are with the people and can relate to 1:30,” Father Montgomery noted as he “I was in college when I had my ex- the people, and bring God to them.” quickly took a seat inside a large meet- perience in what God was calling me Father Montgomery has a bach- ing room last month at St. Joseph’s to do— and I prayerfully discerned elor’s degree in communications Seminary in Dunwoodie. a cultivated religious life and priest- from Loras College in Dubuque, Such is the life of a busy brother hood,” Father Montgomery, 33, said Iowa, and a certificate in pre-the- Example of the from the Franciscan Friars of the in discussing his decision to become ology from St. Gregory the Great Renewal—in a hurry to the spread a priest. “It was in my junior year…I Seminary in Seward, Neb. He en- Prepared the Good News, using his God-given began to have a deeper relationship tered the Franciscan Friars of the media talents. It was early in the af- with the Lord, offering myself to the Renewal in 2009, and made first Him to Live a ternoon, Thursday, April 19. The show Lord. It was the radical example of vows in 2011 and final vows in 2014 at airs Sundays; in fact, it’s called Sunday the saints that really inspired me to Our Lady of Good Counsel Church ‘Radical’ Life Night Prime (8 p.m. ET). One of his live a radical life, like St. Maximilian in Manhattan. His apostolic as- co-hosts is Father Innocent Mont- Kolbe and St. Francis. They were re- signments included the CFR Youth gomery, C.F.R., of the Bronx, who ally amazing models of being concen- Center in the Bronx, St. Anthony’s was ordained two years ago, and with trated to God in religious life.” homeless shelter in the Bronx and whom Father Montgomery is a triplet Additionally, Father Montgomery continued on page 21

GOD MAY BE

AND COULD USE YOUR

Do you know someone in your parish interested in the priesthood or religious life? Encourage them!

Visit the Archdiocese of New York Vocations O ce online to nd out about our Cathedral Prep weekends, discernment retreats and seminary programs. NYPRIEST.ORG May 24, 2018 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS 21

READY TO SERVE—The library at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Dunwoodie has been a good resource for graduates of the Class of 2018. From left: Father Kareem Smith, Father Pierre Toussaint Guiteau, C.F.R., Father Francesco Gavazzi, C.F.R., Father Michael Connolly, Father Osvaldo Hernandez, Father Angelus Montgomery, C.F.R., and Father Mark-Mary Maximilian Ames, C.F.R.

spend a few minutes each day before the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel. “It was in the silence…I was able to hear the Lord’s call, and it is in the silence before His True Presence that I continue to be filled with His grace.” Smith... continued from page 18 a great time for me to take a break and I wanted to sit in the pew again and pray to see if I was being called back,” Father Smith said. “I was very happy at Coleman. It was a great year. At the end of it, it became very clear to me as much as I loved this and I could happily do this, God was inviting me to the priesthood.” Connolly... Limongi... continued from page 16 continued from page 17 Gavazzi... continued from page 19 Born in Sleepy Hollow, the second of John and him in the faith. “Growing up, I remember always Ruthann Connolly’s three sons is the brother of seeing my dad never get out of bed without praying prayer and the poor. That was, like, everything.” John Jr., 28, and Brian, 24. first. Same thing happened before going to bed. When What drew Father Gavazzi to the priesthood is “I’ve grown up in very supportive, faithful I was about 6 years old, all six kids and two parents his desire to relay to those entrusted to his care family,” Father Connolly said. “A very important got together every Friday night and read passages something retired Pope Benedict has said: “Don’t highlight of my family is my brother John, who has from the Bible. It was my first introduction to the be afraid to let Christ into your life because he cerebral palsy. He’s taught me so much about en- Scriptures, and it made me think about Christ, and takes nothing away from what makes life beautiful, during all kinds of suffering with joy and faith and His love for the Church, which we were a part of.” free and great.” hope, and even with gratitude. His family’s home parish in New York was Father Gavazzi plays the guitar and, in rare “I’ve also learned firsthand you don’t simply initially Incarnation in the Washington Heights spare time, surfs. “I feel free, alive, refreshed,” minister to a person with special needs; around section of Manhattan and is now Sacred Heart of he said of riding the waves. “It’s just a gift to that person is a whole family, a whole network of Jesus in Manhattan. He has close ties to St. Anselm kind of play in God’s creation. You have to wait people who are affected by that situation...It’s defi- parish, the Bronx, where he attended Mass as part and receive what the ocean gives, and respect it. nitely taught me compassion and patience.” of Movement John XXIII. At his suggestion and There’s a certain harmony between the surfer and He graduated from St. Augustine School in Os- with the pastor’s permission, a chapter was begun the ocean. When those things come together, it’s sining and John F. Kennedy Catholic High School at Sacred Heart. really beautiful.” in Somers. At church, he was a lector beginning at Born in Belmont, New South Wales, Australia, age 7 and an server at age 11. he is the oldest of six children of Paul and Kathryn While a student Fordham, he entered the col- Masi... Gavazzi of Sydney. He is the twin of brother Alex- continued from page 17 lege seminary formation program in Douglaston, ander and has another brother and three sisters. Queens, in 2013. After earning a bachelor’s in year to complete the licentiate. He attended Catholic grade school and high philosophy from Fordham, he entered St. Joseph’s Listening to fellow seminarians at North Ameri- school in Sydney, and was an . He Seminary in Dunwoodie in 2014. can College from dioceses across the earned a bachelor’s degree in business administra- helps him to understand “the bond that priests tion from Macquarie University in Sydney and later everywhere share through their sacred ordination.” studied theology at Franciscan University. Hernandez... “The men in the house encourage and challenge He will report to St. Fidelis Friary in Canning continued from page 16 each other to grow in virtue and holiness.” Town on London’s East End after ordination. Monroe. He has been on mission trips to Mexico, A native of the Bronx, Father Masi was raised Haiti and the Dominican Republic. He enjoys in a Catholic family active at St. Theresa’s parish. singing, playing the guitar and sharing time with His parents, Louis and Angelina Masi, stressed Montgomery... continued from page 20 friends. Catholic education and have been supportive of his He is the son of Osvaldo Antonio Hernandez and vocation. His mother belongs to a weekly group the Westchester County Department of Correction in Miguelina Hernandez Marte, who live in the Bronx. that prays for priests and seminarians. He has one Valhalla. His summer parish assignments included St. He has a brother, Andy Hernandez, and sister, Christina. Crispin Friary and Spanish school in Guatemala. He two sisters, Osvalina Felicia Hernandez and Ange- Father Masi said the Eucharist is at the “very likes to read, exercise, keep up with current events lina Silberia Hernandez. foundation of my life.” In high school, he would and cook for fellow Friars of the Renewal. 22 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018 Nine Priests Celebrating Their Golden Jubilees ine priests of the archdiocese are marking the 50th anniversary of their ordination this year. N Cardinal Dolan celebrated a Mass of thanks- giving with them at St. Patrick’s Cathedral May 16. Cardinal ordained seven of the jubilarians at St. Patrick’s Cathedral June 1, 1968. Father John Fanning was ordained Dec. 20 1968 in Rome, where he completed his studies for the priesthood. Father John Borzuchowski was or- dained in his native Poland June 9, 1968, and was later incardinated into the archdiocese. Father John Borzuchowski retired from Immacu- late Conception, Kingston, where he had served as administrator, 2015-2016, and pastor, 1991-2015. He was parochial vicar of St. John’s, Goshen, 1987-1991; St. , Beacon, 1980-1987; St. Fran- cis, Newburgh, 1978-1980, and St. Joseph’s, Florida, 1975-1978. Ordained in Warsaw, Poland, he was incardinated into the archdiocese in 1984. Father William Brogan retired last year after serv- ing eight years as parochial vicar at St. Raymond, the Bronx. He also served at St. Margaret, Pearl River, and , Woodbourne. Msgr. Charles P. Coen served as pastor at St. Christopher, Red Hook, from 1986 until his retire- ment in 2008. He was named a in 2006. Chris Sheridan He was parochial vicar of St. Joseph-St. Thomas, 50 YEARS—Priests celebrating their golden anniversaries join Cardinal Dolan after Mass at St. Patrick’s , 1976-1986, and St. Paul, Staten Island, Cathedral May 16. They are, from left: Msgr. Patrick McCahill, Msgr. Frank Pugliese, Father William Brogan, 1968-1976. He had a summer assignment at Incarna- Cardinal Dolan, Msgr. Charles Coen and Father Peter Meehan. tion, Manhattan, 1968. Father John E. Fanning most recently served at 1984-1986 and 1988-1992. He was administrator of Msgr. Patrick P. McCahill has served as pa- the Metropolitan Tribunal after teaching at St. Jo- St. James, Milton, 1987 and served in the Tribu- rochial vicar of Our Lady of Good Counsel-St. seph’s Regional Seminary in India for six months in nal, 1979-1984. He taught at Cardinal Hayes High parish since 2015 and as director of 1992. While with the Metropolitan Tribunal, he was School, 1971-1977, and was parochial vicar of Guard- the archdiocesan deaf center since 1990. He served a consultant for priest personnel, 1995-2001, and he ian Angel, Manhattan, 1970-1971, and Annunciation, St. , Manhattan, as pastor, served as a judge with the Metropolitan Tribunal, Crestwood, 1969-1970. 1993-2015, and administrator, 1980-1993. He was as- Seven Priests Celebrating Their Silver Jubilees even priests of the archdiocese are marking the 25th anniversary of their ordination this year. SCardinal Dolan celebrated a Mass of thanksgiv- ing with them at St. Patrick’s Cathedral May 16. Cardinal John O’Connor ordained four of the 25 YEARS—Priests jubilarians May 15, 1993 at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. celebrating their The other three jubilarians—Father Thum- silver anniversa- ma, Father Osvaldo Franklin and Father Michael ries join Cardinal O’Leary—were ordained in their native countries Dolan after Mass and later were incardinated into the archdiocese. at St. Patrick’s Father William Damroth has served as pastor of Cathedral May 16. St. parish, Newburgh, since 2016, They are, from left: and temporary administrator of Sacred Heart, Father Thomas Newburgh, since last August. (The merger of the Lutz, Father William two parishes was announced in February, effective Damroth, Cardinal July 1.) He was administrator at St. Francis of Assi- Dolan, Father Jacob si, 2015-2016. At St. Francis of Assisi, Mount Kisco, Thumma and Father he was temporary administrator, 2014-2015, and Osvaldo Franklin. parochial vicar, 2011-2014. He was parochial vicar of Immaculate Conception, Stony Point, 2010-2011, and he served as temporary administrator, 2006- 2010, and parochial vicar, 2006, at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Staten Island. He was administrator of Infant Saviour, Pine Bush, 2004-2006, and served as parochial vicar of Annunciation, Crestwood, 1998-2004; Sacred Heart, Newburgh, 1996-1998; and continued on next page Chris Sheridan May 24, 2018 catholic new york • orDinationS 23

50 Years... 1978 until his retirement in 2015. He was parochial , Manhattan, since 2011. He served vicar of Our Lady of Refuge, 1972-1977, and Holy at St. Joseph of the , Harlem, as pas- CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE Rosary, 1968-1972, both in the Bronx. tor, 1999-2011, and administrator, 1997-1999. He was sistant director of the Apostolate for the Deaf, 1969- Msgr. Frank Pugliese has served as ’s parochial vicar of Ascension, Manhattan, 1993-1997. 1990, and parochial vicar of St. Mary’s, Manhattan, Delegate to the Tribunal for the cause of beautifi - Father thomas lutz has been on the faculty of 1968-1969. He was the recipient of the Father cation and of Father Our Lady of Lourdes High School, Poughkeepsie, Walsh Person of the Year Award from the National Vincent Capodanno, M.M., since 2013. He served since July. He was pastor of St. Augustine, High- Catholic Offi ce for the Deaf in 2014. He was named as of the Archdiocese for Military land, 2011-2017, and Sacred Heart, Patterson, 2005- a monsignor in 1995. Services, 2009-2013, and in the U.S. Navy, 2011, where he was administrator, 2004-2005. He Father Peter Meehan retired last year after serv- 1986-1991 and 1992-2008. He was parochial vicar of was parochial vicar of St. Augustine, 1996-2004; ing two years as parochial vicar of Our Saviour-St. St. Frances of Rome, the Bronx, 1991-1992; Blessed St. Francis of Assisi, Newburgh, 1995-1996; and St. Stephen and Our Lady of the and the Cha- Sacrament, New Rochelle, 1976-1987; St. Mary of Mary’s, Marlboro, 1993-1995. pel of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Manhattan. the Assumption, Katonah, 1975-1976; and St. Stan- Father Michael o’leary most recently has been He was pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary, Manhat- islaus, Pleasant Valley, 1968-1975. covering emergencies in a hospital apostolate at St. tan, 1999-2015, and St. Emeric, Manhattan, 1987-1999. Luke’s-Cornwall Hospital and the Kaplan Family He was administrator of St. Mary’s Haverstraw, 25 Years... Hospice Residence, both in Newburgh. Before that, 1986-1987, and served in the University Apostolate CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE he served in the of St. Peter, 2008-2012. for 14 years as chaplain of the College of Mount St. He was parochial vicar of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Vincent, NYU and Bronx Community College. He Christ the King, Yonkers, 1993-1996. Manhattan, 2005-2008; St. , the was parochial vicar of St. Teresa’s, Manhattan, and Father andrew Florez most recently served on Bronx, 2004-2005; Holy Name of Jesus, Valhalla, St. John, the Bronx. the faculty of John F. Kennedy Catholic High School, 2001-2004; SS. John and Paul, Larchmont, 1998- Father edward M. o’reilly served as a chaplain Somers. He was administrator of Sacred Heart 2001; and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Elmsford, for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, 1996-2008, and the parish, Mount Vernon, 2013-2015, and pastor of St. 1997-1998. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of U.S. Army, 1977-1996. With the Army, he was sta- Peter’s, Rosendale, 2001-2013. He served as parochial Dublin in his native June 17, 1993, and incar- tioned in New Jersey, California, Louisiana, Alabama, vicar of St. Mary’s, Washingtonville, 1995-2001, and dinated into the Archdiocese of New York in 2004. Korea and Germany. He was parochial vicar of St. St. Frances de Chantal, the Bronx, 1993-1995. Father Jacob thumma has served as pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption, Staten Island, 1974-1977; St. Father osvaldo Franklin has served as pastor since Sylvester, Staten Island, since 2009. He was parochial Ann, Ossining, 1970-1974; St. Joseph, Wurtsboro, 1969, 2011 of Our Lady of Fatima Portuguese parish, Yon- vicar of St. Theresa of the Infant Jesus, the Bronx, and Immaculate Conception, Tarrytown, 1968-1969. kers, where he was administrator, 1999-2011. He was 2007-2009; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Staten Island, Father James o’Shaughnessy has continued ordained in his native Angola, Africa, Aug. 1, 1993, 2002-2007; and St. Aedan, Pearl River, 1999-2002. He to reside at Cardinal Spellman High School, the and was incardinated into the archdiocese in 2005. was ordained in his native India March 24, 1993, and Bronx, where he served as a faculty member, from Father Philip J. kelly has served as pastor of St. was incardinated into the archdiocese in 2009.

COURAGEOUS Kennedy Catholic High School 54 Rt. 138, Somers, NY Kennedy Catholic WE COMPASSIONATE KennedyCatholic.org High School w w w w w Somers, NY KENNEDY CATHOLIC ARE (914) 232-5061

Congratulations Father Connolly

Congratulations on your ordination into the Priesthood. The Kennedy Catholic community could not be more proud of your committment to our faith and the Catholic institution. We are so excited to see how you help others in their spiritual journey and we wish you much success and happiness as you enter this new chapter in your life with God.

With love, the Kennedy Catholic Community 24 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018 Priests Find Keys to Better Preaching May Be as Close as Fellow Priests ather Stephen Norton, the pastor of St. Benedict parish in the Bronx, was preaching a couple of F weeks ago on the Sixth Sunday of Easter from John’s Gospel. (“I am the vine, you are the branches.”) He spoke about the truism that April showers bring May flowers, an image to which most people can relate this rainy spring, calling his parishio- ners to summon thoughts of the flower boxes outside their windows and the spring cleanups they were undertaking in their yards. “The Easter season in our spiritual lives is time to do a little spring cleaning,” he said. “We need to be rooted in the Mass Sunday after Sunday,” Fa- ther Norton said. This homily drew a lot of reac- tion, with much of it coming not from his parishio- ners, but from a cohort of fellow . Father Norton is one of eight priests of the arch- diocese who are completing a one-year Preaching Academy conducted by the Marten Program in Homiletics of the University of Notre Dame. The eight priests are Msgr. Leslie Ivers, director of ongoing priestly formation in the archdiocese; Father Antonio Almonte, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parish, Manhattan; Father Donald Baker, pastor of St. Monica-St. Elizabeth of Hungary and Maria R. Bastone St. Stephen of Hungary, Manhattan; Father Vincent Druding, parochial vicar, Holy Cross, the Bronx; PREACHERS ALL—Archdiocesan priests share a laugh at their May 16 meeting in the South American Room Father Richard Gill, pastor of St. Lawrence O’Toole, at the Maryknoll Seminary building in Ossining. Facing the camera from left are Father Vincent Druding, Fa- Brewster, and Sacred Heart, Patterson; Father Lino ther Lino Gonsalves and Msgr. Leslie Ivers. With their backs to the camera from left are Father Robert Norris, Gonsalves, parochial vicar, Our Lady of Victory Father Antonio Almonte and Father Stephen Norton. and St. Andrew, Manhattan; Father Robert Norris, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Elmsford; ful” images in the homily, which he called “theolog- Notre Dame picking up the costs of instruction with and Father Norton. ically wonderful,” but felt that it was “less concrete the backing of the Lilly Endowment. The travel costs Six of the priests were present for the cohort’s than I was looking for.” of New York priests are covered by a grant from most recent meeting, which took place at Maryk- Near the end of the discussion, the priests the archdiocese funded by a donor’s gift to Cardinal noll May 16. The group’s normal meeting spot was chimed in with more general comments about the Dolan earmarked for improving homilies. St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. challenges of keeping passion and freshness in a “They are a fairly diverse group, in personality Each month, the priests meet in person to review homily, even at the late Mass on Sunday. “I try to and background, ” said Father Connors in describ- a Sunday homily of one or two of the members, remember that it’s my second or third Mass, but it’s ing the New York priests. “It adds to the richness of which have been previously recorded on video and not theirs,” Msgr. Ivers said of parishioners. the process.” sent to Notre Dame, so that it can be viewed on a The homilists also receive a feedback form with The program is not remedial in nature, nor do laptop computer during their meeting. specific comments from a coach on the Preaching participants have to be accomplished preachers, The critiques are thorough, raising issues of Academy staff related to how the homilist moved Father Connors said. The most important attribute theme, form and delivery , to name a few. The the will and touched the heart of their listeners. is a sincere interest in preaching, and a desire for comments are a mix of positive and negative as- The feedback also discusses delivery and ability to improvement, he added. sessments, along with tips and personal anecdotes convey a single theme, among other things. “I salute them. A priest’s life is busy,” Father Con- from the priests’ own experiences, all delivered to Two times during the year the priests had their nors told CNY in a phone interview. “We’re also help their fellow priest improve his preaching. homilies reviewed by a professional homiletician, grateful for the archdiocese’s support.” Msgr. Ivers started by saying that he thought forming the basis for an in-depth discussion. The priests themselves are grateful for the sup- Father Norton “carried through his theme from Msgr. Ivers said he first learned about the Preach- port from Notre Dame and their fellow priests and beginning to end.” He gave him high marks for ani- ing Academy when its director, Father Michael Con- parishioners. Msgr. Ivers said he hopes that New mation and his connection with parishioners. nors, C.S.C., spoke at the annual archdiocesan pas- York will be able to have another group participate Father Druding shared a thought about the “root- tors’ convention in Spring Lake, N.J., two years ago. in the Preaching Academy in the 2019-2020 year. edness” expressed by Father Norton, saying that this The priests of the Archdiocese of New York were Father Gonsalves said his participation has time of year when religious education classes are among the first participants in the program, which helped him to concentrate more on the Scriptures ending and parish life is beginning to ebb before the officially began this academic year. Two other with an eye toward making them “personal” for his summer is a good time to emphasize that point. groups from the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Mich., are parishioners. “I’ve put more energy into that part of Father Almonte spoke about Father Norton’s at- also participating. it,” he said. The increased feedback he has received tempt to balance his intellectual insights with his The remaining session will be conducted at the from them tells him that he is on the right track. passion for the Gospel. He encouraged him “to go University of Notre Dame in June. The cohort groups Father Druding said, “It’s good for people to where people’s hearts are…Don’t lose the passion.” also met for four days in Tampa, Fla., in January. know that priests are taking this seriously, to be Father Norris said Father Norton evoked “beauti- The program is free for individual priests, with better homilists.” May 24, 2018 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS 25

photos by Chris Sheridan ST. JOSEPH’S SEMINARY CONVOCATION—Clockwise, from top left: Members of the class of 2018 read from their programs during St. Joseph’s Seminary’s convocation ceremony in Dunwoodie May 11. The class of 2018 gathers for a group photo outside the seminary’s main entrance. Thirty-five people, including 11 seminarians to be ordained as priests this spring, comprise this year’s class. Graduates assemble inside the seminary chapel. Bishop John Barres of Rockville Centre, who delivered the convocation address, congratu- lates Stephen McClernan. Matthew Surico receives his degree from Msgr. Peter Vaccari, seminary . 26 catholic new york • ORDINATIONS May 24, 2018 Cathedral Seminary Honors Five From Archdiocese The convocation for the class of 2018 of Cathe- dral Seminary House of Formation took place May 12 at Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, Queens. Five of the 10 men receiving bachelor’s de- grees from St. John’s and Fordham universities and master’s from St. Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie, are from the archdiocese. St. John’s also awarded a pre-theology certificate and a completion of lan- guage studies program.

CLASS OF 2018—Right, the five graduates from the Archdiocese of New York, from left—Gabrielius C. Banevicius, St. Mary’s, Washingtonville; Danny F. Dilone, St. , the Bronx; Carlos A. Germosen, St. Peter-St. Denis, Yonkers; Jonathan H. Castro, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Manhattan; and Collins M. Ashu, St. Lucy, the Bronx—stand with Father George Sears, rector of Cathedral Seminary House of Forma- tion and a priest of the archdiocese. Inset, a cake congratulates the class of 2018. Bottom left, Dilone, left, and Banevicius process into the chapel for graduation. Bottom right, Germosen, who received a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s, stands with Octavio Cisneros, left, and Auxiliary Bishop James Massa, both of the Diocese of .

photos by Mary DiBiase Blaich

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