Inside this issue

12 St. Catherine of Siena 20 Malta House moving 27 Three aspirants celebrates St. Joseph to larger home admitted to candidacy

ON THE COVER | CONTENTS Bishop Caggiano 6 ANNUAL APPEAL 22 celebrates the Pontifical Mass Support ‘A Call to Renewal’ Bank of America donates PPE consecrating the diocese to St. 9 CALL TO RENEWAL 24 VERITAS RADIO Joseph on Friday March 19, Centers of Mercy established New shows available at St. Augustine Cathedral. Faithful throughout the 10 RITE OF ELECTION 25 ASH WEDNESDAY diocese watched the 100 welcomed into the Church Parishioners gather in Danbury live-stream Mass. 17 WE STAND WITH CHRIST 33 A NOD TO ST. JOSEPH Photos by Amy Mortensen Improvements at St. Patrick Church A model of spiritual fatherhood 2 March 2021 Around the Diocese Signs of hope in the pandemic

Priest approaching 103 retiring in 1995 as pastor from St. York where she grew up. “We still gives to ACA Margaret Mary Church in Shelton immediately hit it off as friends BRIDGEPORT—Father after 27 years. Since that time, he and talked about local restau- Philip Brady will turn 103 this has been sending his annual check rants and the cold Western year and during his lifetime, of $1,100 to help the parish reach weather,” Rittman he’s developed a lot of steady its goal in the appeal. One person said. “He was there when I habits. He says Mass every who is especially appreciative to needed him and presided over day, he prays his breviary Father Brady for his participa- the funeral of a family mem- and he still sends his check to tion in the appeal is Pamela S. ber and blessed our home in the Annual Catholic Appeal. Rittman, director of the Annual upstate New York. When I Father, who lives in a senior Catholic Appeal. Twelve years visit, I make sure to stop in and community outside Buffalo, ago, when he called to make his see him and share the news of served for many years in the donation, she discovered he was the diocese. To my surprise, he Diocese of Bridgeport until from the town in upstate New often knows more than I do.”

St. Mark Students strive to be models in Christ STRATFORD—St. Mark School in Stratford is pleased to announce a new school-wide program that teaches stu- dents the value of moral character and that the positive impact of their actions do not go unnoticed. The program, “Models in Christ,” recognizes students for demonstrating character traits based on the Catholic theo- logical virtues of faith, hope and charity. Teachers in kinder- garten through grade eight nominate students as “Models in Christ” based on how they exemplify the six pillars of char- acter at St. Mark School: respect, kindness, accountability, citizenship, perseverance and trustworthiness. 3 March 2021 Around the Diocese

Local March for Life draws faithful sup- porters Recognizing the power of praying the and the on-going movement to repeal Roe v. Wade, parishioners from the Diocese of Bridgeport and beyond gathered at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull, braving the chill of a January afternoon to honor the unborn.

St. Jude offers Relics of the Passion Service Holy Hour for during Lent Vocations MONROE—St. John XXIII Council 5987 of the Knights of TRUMBULL— Columbus recently hosted The Relics of the Passion at St. Jude Parish. Faithful from around The collection included eight rare holy relics that would only be seen the diocese recently in collections generally found in Rome or the Holy Land. “The relics joined together at St. were set up across the entire front of St. Jude Church. The afternoon Catherine of Siena offered families a time for prayer and meditation as they contemplated Parish in Trumbull the Passion of our Lord Jesus,” shared Father Henry Hoffman, pastor to pray for vocations of St. Jude. in the Diocese of Bridgeport. During a time of adoration before the Blessed , the faithful prayed that young men through- out the diocese would be open to hearing the call that God has placed in their hearts to become the living instrument of His love and mercy that priests are formed to be. (For more informa- tion on vocations in the Diocese of Bridgeport email: Vocations@ diobpt.org.) 4 March 2021 The Year of St. Joseph Mass launches diocesan renewal BRIDGEPORT—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano launched a dioce- san-wide renewal on March 19, when he consecrated the Diocese of Bridgeport to the protection and intercession of St. Joseph, the Patron of the Universal Church, during this Year of St. Joseph pro- claimed by Francis. The bishop celebrated a Pontifical Mass on the Feast of St. Joseph, at St. Augustine Cathedral while pastors throughout the dio- cese simultaneously celebrated Mass, linking the diocese together in prayer and purpose. Describing St. Joseph as a husband, father and who exemplified the saying, “Actions speak louder than words,” Bishop Caggiano said, “You and I come here, my friends, not simply to ask for his help, not simply to seek his protection, but to follow his example.” In stark contrast to last March when the state was in lockdown, about 200 people were able to attend the Mass in person while observing the recommended six feet of social distancing, and hun- dreds of others participated by watching the live-stream of the Mass in their homes. The bishop celebrated Mass and delivered his homily while wearing a blue surgi- cal mask. Twice during the evening— immediately after the homily and again at the end of Mass—the at the Cathedral during a special time we turn to Joseph to ask him bishop knelt and prayed before the Mass on May 2. to protect us, to guide us, to defend new statue of St. Joseph, which Calling the faithful to action, us, to inspire us to a mission that depicts him lovingly cradling the during his homily, he said, “In this no longer needs words but faithful, Christ Child in his right arm. He singular moment in the life of the humble, obedient action. For it is said new statue of St. Joseph will Church in this singular moment in our deeds that the world will be formally installed and blessed in the life of our world, now is the see what Joseph saw. It is in our actions that will glimpse he who Joseph is carrying with his arms outstretched as a child, ready Holy Week to stretch out his arms on the cross so that the love that he bore for us Live-streamed and online Masses to be celebrated by Bishop Caggiano will set us free.” Holy Thursday—April 1 The Mass was a culmination of Chrism Mass—10 am a week-long Novena to St. Joseph, Mass of the Lord’s Supper—7 pm calling upon him to intercede for Good Friday—April 2 the diocese during this year of Celebration of the Passion of the Lord—3 pm celebration, proclaimed by in observance of the 150th Easter Vigil Mass—April 3 anniversary of St. Joseph being Mass—8 pm named Patron of the Universal All of these events will be live-streamed, and will take place at St. Church by Blessed Pius IX. The Augustine Cathedral. Anyone planning to attend must go to the pope also issued an Apostolic Cathedral website and register. The Chrism Mass is using a tiered reg- Letter titled Patris corde, (“With istration system, open to priests, then followed by the curia. a Father’s Heart”) in order “to ➤ continued on page 5 5 March 2021 The Year of St. Joseph The Year of St. Joseph

Consecration Mass from page 4 increase our love for this great ence in the world?” he said. “That found power in his intimate rela- saint, to encourage us to implore faith that binds us as a family, for tionship with God, we must do his intercession and to imitate his each time you and I are out in the the same. virtues and his zeal.” world, caring for the sick, the poor “For that reason my friends, I In his apostolic letter, Pope Francis describe Joseph as “a hidden presence” and “a man in the shadows.” Similarly, Bishop Caggiano observed, “Today we honor a man who has no directly recorded words in all of Sacred Scripture, and yet we come here to honor him as patron and guardian, defender and protector. Of all the members of the human race—second only to the Mother of God—to this man, this sim- ple carpenter, was given a great mission: to protect and guard the Savior and of all things and his Sacred Mother.” Joseph accomplished the great mission he was given through the obedience that characterized his life and the humility that was the foundation of his spiritual rela- tionship with God. He would not have chosen to leave everything behind and go in exile to Egypt, and the homeless, when you did have invited you into that Upper but he followed God’s will. it for the least of my brothers and Room to sit with the Lord, his Joseph was given the great gift sisters, you did it for me.” foster son and our God,” Bishop of an intimate, personal and lov- The mission of renewal that the Caggiano said, referring to his “Call ing relationship with God, whom diocese embarks upon is a “grave to Renewal” through personal he was given to protect. This was one,” he said. “You and I follow prayer, reconciliation with Christ the “wellspring of his power,” the in the footsteps of the carpenter. and reception of the Holy Eucharist. bishop said. The faithful of the We are given the mission to be the For more information about diocese have also been given a guardians of the Truth, who is the the bishop’s “Call to Renewal”

great mission on the day of their person of Jesus alive in our midst, and other Masses and activities , he said. here in this Mystical Body.” that are planned throughout the “Did you and I not also receive Echoing the theme of his year, visit the special web page: this great task to be the protector pastoral exhortation, Bishop www.bridgeportdiocese.org/ and defender of the Lord’s pres- Caggiano said that just as Joseph call-to-renewal. n 6 March 2021 2021 ACA ACA supports bishop’s ‘Call to Renewal’

By BRIAN D. WALLACE their faith with others and go out the Bishop’s Scholarship Fund to into the community later in the support their choice of Catholic BRIDGEPORT—The year to evangelize in person. education for their children and “ARISE” 2021 Annual Catholic Planning is also underway for because of the pandemic, there Appeal (ACA) is off to an the development of four pastoral has been an increase in enroll- encouraging start with $2.9 mil- centers focusing on family life, ment. lion pledged toward an overall and sacred arts, “The bishop has taught us that goal of $8.1 million in support young adult entrepreneurship and those in need are our brothers of Bishop Frank J. Caggiano’s evangelization in order to move and sisters, and we must work to “A Call to Renewal” along with the diocese forward in renewal. help them to feel welcome in our ongoing programs and ministries. “The seed money for these Church as part of our diocesan The 2021 ACA moves for- new and exciting programs will families. We need to stand with ward at a hopeful moment come from the ACA, and it will them and accompany them,” she with the arrival of vaccines and support the renewal efforts, “said said. many parishioners beginning to Gallagher. Rittman said the ACA is an return to in-person Mass around opportunity for the people of the the diocese. diocese to invest in the future of “I come to you with real, joy- young people and the vibrancy of ful hope because as this pandemic the entire faith community, while begins to recede, you and I are also continuing to support essen- given this wonderful opportuni- tial ministries that do the work of ty, creatively and imaginatively, feeding and sheltering the poor, to set our Church on a path of reaching out to the elderly, and growth by offering new initiatives serving all those who are vulnera- and new opportunities to engage ble and troubled. our youth and welcome people She added that a new revenue back to Church.” sharing plan allows each parish The bishop said he is particu- to designate their over goal funds larly grateful for those who have to a specific ministry or diocesan already generously given to the mission program, another parish 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, facing financial hardship, or for which is both looking forward In describing “A Call to their own parish general oper- to the future, but also working Renewal” Bishop Caggiano said ating needs. Each pastor, along to address the ongoing needs of it is not a formal process or pro- with their parish council and those who have been left behind gram but a series of opportunities finance committees, determine as a result of the pandemic. for people to deepen their faith, where the funds will be directed. “This is not the time for us to serve others and go out into com- “We’re asking people to give turn our backs away from those munity to address the needs of according to their means at a in need,” the bishop said. “For our entire family of faith. “We time when there is much need, the need remains urgent, and can become ambassadors of great hope and a shared vision many suffer from the effects of Christ in the world,” he said. for the future, and we are grateful this pandemic and will continue Pam Rittman, director of the for each and every gift no matter to do so for a long time as we ACA, said that in addition to what people give,” she said. work to recover.” supporting the bishop’s “A Call Donations may be made by Joe Gallagher, chief develop- to Renewal,” the ACA continues using the envelope in this issue ment officer of the diocese, said to fund the major diocesan minis- or online at: www.2021ACA- this year’s ACA will provide the tries and services available to all Bridgeport.com. You may also financial resources for many of people in the diocese throughout donate by texting the word the initiatives outlined in the bish- the year. APPEAL to 475.241.7849 to op’s recent Pastoral Exhortation, “As a Catholic community we make your pledge. Please visit the “Let Us Enter the Upper Room care deeply about the vulnerable website to view the 2021 Appeal with the Lord.” and underserved parishioners video and learn more. n “In his Pastoral Exhortation within the Diocese of Bridgeport, the bishop has issued a “Call many of whom are members of For the 2020 Annual Catholic to Renewal,” which includes our inner-city churches and have Appeal, the following provides the designation of Centers of been hardest hit by the pandem- a correction to the figures for St. Mercy and Centers of Eucharistic ic,” she said. Thomas More Parish. Adoration to enable all to deepen Rittman said the need for • Goal—$450,000 their faith, said Gallagher. nutrition, counseling and immi- • Pledged—$478,158 Likewise, orientation and gration services through Catholic • % over goal—+6.3% training has already begun for Charities has remained elevated The diocesan Development men and women of all ages throughout the crisis while some Team would like to thank the throughout the diocese who parishes have required emergency parishioners of St. Thomas More are interested in becoming support. Many families through- for their commitment to support- “Ambassadors,” who will share out the diocese have depended on ing the ministries of the diocese. 7 March 2021 A Call to Renewal Eucharistic ambassador formation sessions begin

By ELIZABETH CLYONS the idea of going out to people, to go out into their communities helping them live their faith and to invite people to encounter the Approximately 140 partici- inspiring them to come back to Lord and His mercy,” wrote the pants gathered virtually online church.” bishop. recently for the first online Father Novajosky said the When ready, they will be sent session for the Eucharistic ambassador formation process out into their community, under Ambassador formation called for hopes to offer in-person sessions the care of their local pastor, to by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in his recent pastoral exhortation “Let Us Enter the Upper Room with the Lord.” In his exhortation, the bishop requested that the ambassadors be recommended by pastors based on their love for the faith and their willingness to use the months ahead to undergo intensive per- sonal and spiritual formation to prepare themselves to be mission- ary ambassadors of Christ. The initiative began with par- ticipants watching a video, then breaking into separate break-out rooms for parishes for reflection and discussion. The main theme of the first session was: “What do Father Michael Novajosky you seek?” based on John 1:38. Father Michael Novajosky and activities as conditions per- invite those who have left active is serving as special assistant mit. participation in the life of the to the bishop and leader of the Deacon Patrick Toole, epis- Church to return home. initiative, which will continue copal vicar for administration, “In time, this same invitation with virtual sessions for the next attended the first session and will be extended to people of seven weeks. The initial session was encouraged by the prayerful good will and anyone searching presented an overview of the peri- enthusiasm of participants and for the real meaning of life. For od of discernment/formation for the hopeful tone going forward. such meaning is found only in the those who are participating in the “The session was well done. The Lord Jesus,” said the bishop. ambassador training ambassadors were really engaged The first sessions are based “The program has been very in the process and they had great on deepening the faith through well received,” says Father discussions in their break-out basic questions and reflections, Novajosky, noting that well over groups. They were very enthusi- utilizing the program called 200 participants from more than astic about the whole concept,” “The Search” provided by the 25 parishes and the chancery said Deacon Toole. . The for- have been presented by their pas- In Bishop Caggiano’s recent mation will include a period of tors. “It is nice to see people com- pastoral exhortation “Let Us discernment for those who might ing out and being interested.” Enter the Upper Room with the wonder if this particular oppor- “People are happy to come Lord,” he explained to the dioc- tunity is something the Lord is just to be able to pray together esan faithful his desire to form calling them to do. and share the faith with others,” eucharistic ambassadors. (For more info visit the renewal explains Father Novajosky. “I will need the assistance of website www.bridgeportdiocese.org/ “They are very encouraged by co-workers who will not be afraid call-to-renewal.) n 8 March 2021 2021 ACA 9 March 2021 Parish Centers of Mercy Centers of Mercy open through- out the diocese

By BRIAN D. WALLACE schedules. pastoral boundaries of the dio- “Before we invite others to cese) and to all priests who will BRIDGEPORT—Parish experience the liberating word be hearing Confessions. Centers of Mercy are now of God’s forgiveness, should “As we begin our efforts to open throughout the Diocese we not take this privileged time overcome the debilitating effects of Bridgeport to offer expanded to relearn how to examine our of the pandemic and to seize this and evening Confession times conscience, admit our sinfulness moment as a time for spiritual along with Eucharistic Adoration and seek the forgiveness of our and pastoral renewal, I wish to opportunities. sins through the Sacrament of express my thanks for your con- Bishop Frank J. Caggiano Penance?” he said. sideration of this opportunity to called for the opening Centers The bishop said he recognized serve the faithful of your parish of Mercy as in important step in that the pandemic has created and deanery,” he said. renewing the diocese and the wel- obstacles for many who wish The designated Centers of coming people back to Church in to approach the Sacrament of Mercy, along with the parishes his Pastoral Exhortation, “Let us Penance and to participate in already offering the Sacrament of Enter the Upper Room with the Eucharistic Adoration. Penance throughout the diocese, Lord.” For that reason, he re-estab- will observe every protocol need- “An essential ingredient in lished and expanded the Centers ed to maintain the safety of peni- the spiritual and pastoral revival of Mercy that were originally tent and priest alike. of every community of faith is opened in the diocese during the (For a complete list of parish fostering ever greater availability Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy Confession and Adoration to the ,” (2015). schedules, visit the new Call to said Bishop Caggiano in making The bishop thanked the nine Renewal page on the diocesan web- available the complete list of priests who are serving as deans site: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/ Confession and Adoration (representing the territorial and call-to-renewal.) n

Confession times along Saint Mark, Stratford Saint Theresa, Trumbull with Eucharistic Adoration Confessions: Saturday 3:30-4:30 pm Confessions: Thursday 7-8:30 pm Languages available: English Friday 7:30-8 am and 4:30-5:30 pm Cause of Our Joy Deanery (Stamford) Eucharistic Adoration: Friday 1-4 pm Saturday from 3-4 pm Holy Spirit Our Lady, Queen of Confessors Confessions: Tuesday 7-8:30 pm Queen of Peace Deanery Deanery (Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, (Bridgeport) Tuesday 7-9 pm (During Lent & New Fairfield, Sherman) Advent) Saint Augustine Cathedral , Brookfield Confessions: Monday through Thursday Mary, Mother of the Church Confessions: Tuesday 7-8 pm Deanery (Greenwich) 11:15-11:55 am (English) Saturday 4-4:45 pm (or by appointment) Wednesday from 6:15-7 pm (English) Saint Mary Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 7-8 pm Confessions: Tuesday 7-8:30 pm Sunday before and following 2:30 pm Queen Assumed into Heaven Deanery Saturday 2:45-3:45 pm Mass (Vietnamese) (Easton, Fairfield, Westport) Eucharistic Adoration: First Friday of Languages available: English and the month 12:30-5 pm Our Lady of the Assumption, Fairfield Vietnamese Confessions: Tuesday from 7-8 pm Eucharistic Adoration: Monday through Mother of Deanery Saturday 1:30-2:30 pm (Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk) Friday from 11 am-12 pm Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 7-8 pm St. Thomas More, Darien First Friday of the month from 8 am Friday Saint Charles Borromeo Confession: Tuesday 7-8 pm to 7:15 am Saturday Confessions: Thursday 7:30-9 pm Saturday 3:45-4:15 pm Saturday 11 am-12 pm & 3-4 pm Sunday 8:15-8:45 am and 4:45-5:15 pm St. Pius X, Fairfield (or by appointment) Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 7-8 pm Confessions: Wednesday 7-8 pm Languages available: English, French First Friday 9:30 am-5 pm Saturday 4-5 pm Creole, Portuguese & Spanish Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 8-9 pm Mystical Rose Deanery Eucharistic Adoration: Thursday (Shelton, Stratford) Saint , Fairfield after 7 pm Mass First Saturday of the month after Saint James, Stratford Confessions: Tuesday from 7-8:30 pm 8 am Mass until 1 pm Confessions: Saturday 12:15-1:30 pm Saturday from 4-4:45 pm Eucharistic Adoration: Drive-up only, Queen of Martyrs Deanery Seat of Wisdom Deanery held 24/7 (Monroe, Newtown, Trumbull) (Georgetown, Redding Ridge, Ridgefield, Weston, Wilton) Saint Lawrence, Shelton (Huntington) Saint Catherine of Siena, Trumbull Confessions: Saturday 4-4:45 pm Confessions: Tuesday 6-8 pm Saint , Weston Sunday 11-11:30 am Saturday 3:30-4:30 pm (or by appointment) Confessions: Saturday 4-4:45 pm Languages available: English During Lent: Tuesday 6:30-8:30 pm Sunday from 4-6 pm Eucharistic Adoration: First Friday Eucharistic Adoration: Tuesday 6-8 pm Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesday from 9 am-6 pm During Lent: 6:30-8:30 pm from 3-8 pm (in the main church) 10 March 2021 Rite of Election Bishop to candidates: ‘You are most welcome…’

By ELIZABETH CLYONS

TRUMBULL—Bishop Frank J. Caggiano welcomed 100 men and women into full commu- nion with the at Sunday’s Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. “Today the Lord, through the Mystery of the Mystical Body, the Church, is going to elect you; that is, confirm the call you have received in the quiet of your heart; the call that was given to you by the Lord, Himself,” said the bish- op during his homily. The bishop assured the partici- pants that he and all the members of the Church would be praying for them in the weeks ahead, as THIS YEAR’S RITE OF ELECTION welcomed 100 men and women into full commu­nion with the Catholic Church. they continue their preparation to receive the of initi- ation. “You are most welcome,” “Temptation, my friends, is when in the face and walk away? He the bishop said. we’re given a choice between answered: prayer, fasting and “There is a profound lesson doing what is good, right and almsgiving. to be contemplated,” explained moral, or to do what is disordered “St. Augustine said one sen- or evil or sinful.” tence that has been repeated and “That choice has power over echoed for centuries,” the bishop us when it engages our hearts,” said. “Our hearts are restless until he said. “It is the desires of our they rest with thee, O God.” heart that can at times get us in This liturgical rite, traditionally trouble.” held on the first Sunday of Lent, The bishop explained that we is part of the Rite of Christian cannot find peace in our hearts Initiation of Adults (RCIA) pro- from what the world wants us to cess. It closes the period of for- consume—power, pleasure, pos- mation and marks the beginning sessions, privilege, prophet, and so of the period of final preparation many other things. for the Sacraments of Initiation at “To win over temptation is not Easter. simply knowing what’s right or To properly adhere to COVID- wrong it is to contain, to train, to 19 protocols, attendees were asked bring to conversion my heart and only to sit together if they were yours,” said the bishop. related or live together. Sponsors “And you, my friends, election and godparents did not have to sit candidates, as you continue this with the candidates and/or cate- journey you are going through, it is chumens. Clergy and parish staff more than an invitation to simply could sit wherever they please as know what the Church teaches, well, following social-distancing but it is also to train your heart… guidelines. to allow these desires to lead you After the homily, catechumens’ to the one desire that matters— and candidates’ names were read the desire you have encountered aloud, as they were asked to stand Bishop Caggiano, reminding the already in your hearts.” with their godparents/sponsors participants that their journey The bishop explained that and recite the responses provided. in faith is one that all the faith- in the Gospel reading of Jesus’ All social-distancing and ful must continue throughout temptation in the desert, he was COVID-19 protocols were their lives. “For the reality of teaching us how to overcome followed. The event was lives- the temptations in our lives are temptations. The bishop assured treamed at: www.sttheresatrum- real. The tendency to fall into that Jesus did not experience bull.org. those temptations can be deadly, temptations as we do, because (For more information regarding and so what is it that the Lord His heart is singular and pure, not RCIA and adult formation, contact requires?” divided as ours is. Dr. Patrick Donovan, executive direc- The bishop explained the The bishop posed the question: tor of The Leadership Institute at: struggle that lies within all of us. How can you and I look the devil [email protected].) n 11 March 2021 Year of St. Joseph ‘The Perfect Saint to Befriend Us’

By EMILY CLARK son of reflection and preparation could talk for hours!” he said, noting before the celebration of Easter,” how quickly the 60-minute sessions TRUMBULL—As Catholics said Zimmerman, a parishioner at fly by. “We all have the joy of the worldwide begin the observance Christ the King. same mind and purpose. This group of the Year of St. Joseph, a group To better understand the pres- reminds me of coming together and of local parishioners gathered ence of St. Joseph’s paternal love, breaking bread as a family.” weekly in preparation for a special the 25 members of this group have The perspective of a “family” consecration to this Patron of the followed the “33-Day Preparation” emerges in all the readings and Universal Church. outlined in Father Calloway’s discussions as participants come Father Terrence Walsh, pastor of book. This includes short daily to better see St. Joseph as the head Christ the King Church in Trumbull, readings of commentary from the of the , the loving pastor of , organized this prayer author, scripture passages, and foster father of Jesus, and the dig-

FATHER TERRENCE WALSH, pastor, Christ the King Parish in Trumbull. ( file photo) group around Father Donald H. inspirational words from other nified, virtuous husband of Mary, Calloway’s text “Consecration to , ending with the Litany of “a gentleman, a protector, and a St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our St. Joseph. During the Monday man pure of heart,” writes Father Spiritual Father,” with the hope that evening meetings on Zoom, Calloway. He tells readers that his participants would grow in their Father Walsh begins by sharing his “now is the time of St. Joseph,” love and devotion to this saint. observations and interpretations as the world greatly needs him “Joseph is our spiritual father, a of the readings, interspersed with and his role as defender of the role model who intercedes for us,” personal anecdotes, and then opens family—the foundation of soci- said Father Walsh. “He has a real the conversation for participants to ety—with marriage at the heart of effect on our lives and helps to ori- offer their own comments, some creation and redemption. ent our spiritual well-being.” serious, some emotional but always According to Father Calloway, When someone is “consecrated unique, as every person seems St. Joseph is also “the Increaser,” to St. Joseph,” Father Walsh said, to have their own reason for the having the power to increase the they make a special commitment to saint’s importance in their lives. presence of God in one’s life, him, entrusting themselves entirely “The book reads like a treasure which then encourages followers to his care as he leads them to God. trove of stories surrounding this to spread the saint’s virtues to “You have to want that conse- most silent saint,” Gina Cosgrove, others. As a catechist at Christ the cration. It’s an act of will. It’s like a member of the group, said of King, Zimmerman said she often saying to him, ‘You’re the boss!’” the text. “He is the perfect saint shares readings from the text with Father Walsh added. to befriend us, whatever our situ- her students. “This helps them With the Solemnity of St. ation. I’m just beginning to appre- better understand Jesus, Mary, and Joseph falling close to Easter, ciate what a marvelous spiritual Joseph—the models of a beautiful, many participants, including father we have in St. Joseph.” loving and humble family that we JoAnn Zimmerman, said this Father Walsh said he enjoys the should all try to emulate,” she said. prayer group was an ideal Lenten “beautiful camaraderie” the partic- “Devotion to St. Joseph has observance and would aid in cen- ipants have as they look to live out blossomed,” said Father Walsh, tering them in their spiritual life. their faith and help one another. “and is now in full bloom. The “I decided that this would be a “Everyone is interested in growing world is in need, and he is the one wonderful way to spend this sea- in their knowledge and love. We to help us.” n 12 March 2021 St. Catherine of Siena St. Catherine of Siena celebrates St. Joseph TRUMBULL—A new stained glass window depicting the Blessed of the Church was ded- icated on Friday, March 19, on the Solemnity of St. Joseph at The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena. St. Joseph is the spouse of Mary, the holy Mother of God and the earthly step-father of Jesus Christ. Pope Francis has declared that this is the Year of St. Joseph, which coincides with the 150th Anniversary of the Proclamation of St. Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. At this Mass, a new stained glass window was blessed and dedicated in the church. The new window THE NEW STAINED GLASS WINDOW at St. Catherine’s depicts ten Saints depicts ten Saints and Blesseds who and Blesseds who lived in recent centuries and who represent various states of lived in recent centuries and who life in the Church. represent various states of life in the Church, as follows: the Knights of Columbus and consecrated,” said Father • St. Gianna Beretta Molla: • St. Josephine Bakhita: Joseph Marcell, pastor. wife, mother, doctor Religious Sister Father Marcello celebrated • St. André Bessette: Religious • Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Mass on Friday, March 19, at 7 young lay man pm to give thanks to God for the • Blessed Chiara Luce Badano: • St. Teresa of Calcutta: life and example of St. Joseph, young lay woman Religious Sister and foundress step-father of Jesus Christ, and • St. John Henry Newman: of the Missionaries of Charity Patron of the Universal Church. priest and theologian The window will be located The Mass was live-streamed on • Sts. Louis & Zélie Martin: just beside the baptismal font, and the parish website, YouTube chan- married couple; parents of its location is intentional. “The nel and Facebook page. St. Therese of Lisieux; the first window will serve to highlight the (The Parish of St. Catherine of married couple to be canonized important truth that through the Siena is located at 220 Shelton Road, together; their feast day is July Sacrament of Baptism comes the in Trumbull. For more information 12, their wedding anniversary vocation to holiness in all the var- visit the Parish Website at www. • Blessed Michael McGivney: ious states of life in the Church: StCathTrumbull.com. Or contact the diocesan priest and founder of marriage, single life, priesthood parish office at 203.377.3133.) n 13 March 2021 LocalEDITOR’S News CHOICE Grosso chosen to participate in Vatican Social Media project BRIDGEPORT—John Grosso, which will play an increasingly Rome where the group will gather Director of Digital Media of important role in the future of in person. the Diocese of Bridgeport, has Church communications.” Under Grosso’s leadership, been chosen by the ’s Bishop Caggiano said that the diocese has been the architect for Communications to as the Catholic Church seeks of diocesan social media strategy be part of an international digital to embrace new and effective with steadily growing Facebook, media program. ways of communication during Twitter and Instagram accounts. Grosso, a native of Stamford, the COVID-19 pandemic, social Additionally, more than 50,000 was among sixteen individuals under age thirty-five from a dozen countries across the globe who were chosen to be part of the Vatican project. Since joining the diocese in 2015, he has innovated its social media program across multiple platforms and overseen the transition to live-streamed Masses and other digital initiatives during the pandemic crisis. Recognizing the vital role of digital media, the dicastery announced “Faith Communication in the Digital World” and invited candidates to apply for the project with the opportunity to sharpen their dig- ital media abilities and develop media and mobile applications people now receive the diocesan skills useful for work in Catholic have been utilized as key tools email newsletter, which includes organizations, institutions, congre- in communicating the Gospel videos from the Bishop and latest gations and in their local dioceses message, particularly to youth and news updates. Grosso also creat- to better serve the mission of the young adults. ed the “DOB Social” website to Church. Grosso said he was humbled connect all parishes, schools and “The diocese is very proud to be selected for the project, and organizations to diocesan social that John Grosso has earned this he believes that although social media. distinction and has been chosen to media can be a hostile and dif- Based on his success in participate in the Vatican project,” ficult environment, it gives the Bridgeport, he has been increas- said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. Church the ability to accompany ingly invited by dioceses across “Through his efforts we have others where they are in their life the via Zoom meet- opened up new evangelization journey. ings and personal appearances opportunities in the digital media, “I love the Church. I feel at to share his knowledge of social home in the Church. But my media and best practices. whole life, I’ve watched many of Brief Bio: In addition to his my friends leave it, and I’ve been Bachelor of Arts in Political powerless to stop it. Here in my Science from Boston College, part of the United States, there is a John earned a Masters Degree Office of Communications crisis of trust in the Church, a cri- in Corporate Communications Diocese of Bridgeport sis of belief in the Eucharist, and a and Public Relations at Sacred 238 Jewett Avenue crisis of relevancy. Heart University in Fairfield. He Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606-2892 When I hear Pope Francis graduated at the top of his class in telephone | 203.416.1461 say ‘go to the margins,’ I think August, 2017 with a 4.0 GPA. email | [email protected] of digital media. Digital media Previously, he served as the Web | www.bridgeportdiocese.com Facebook | BridgeportDiocese is a way to reach rich and poor, diocesan coordinator for 2016 Twitter | @diobpt connect young and old, and help World Youth Day in which using Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano orient them towards Jesus and His social media he organized and Publisher Church.” formed a group of 240 people to Brian D. Wallace Grosso will join other young Poland for ten days. John serves Executive Editor [email protected] professionals in weekly virtual on the Advisory Board of two Elizabeth Clyons meetings, which include lectures organizations close to his heart: Writer/Editor [email protected] by internationally renowned the Murphy Center for Ignatian Renée Stamatis Art Director [email protected] experts and individual coaching Spirituality at Fairfield University, Ralph Lazzaro on specific topics related to digital and Sister to Sister: All Africa Advertising Manager [email protected] communication and social media. Conference. John Grosso The group will engage in individ- John recently married Nicole Social Media Leader [email protected] ual and group work assignments Perone on April 27th, 2019, in a Ronnie Lazzaro throughout the project. Mass celebrated by Bishop Frank Copy Editor (Consultant) The 12-month program, Caggiano. They are members of St. Advertise launched digitally this month, also Aloysius Parish in New Canaan, To advertise call Ralph Lazzaro: 203.667.1622 includes two week-long trips to where they were married. n © Copyright 2020, Diocese of Bridgeport 14 March 2021

CLERGY Editorial APPOINTMENTS

The Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport, has made EDITORIAL the following clergy appointments:

Pastor COVID-19 Vaccinations REVEREND JOSEPH A. MARCELLO, On March 4, the Connecticut Catholic Conference issued the follow- reappointed as Pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena for a term of six ing statement from the state’s Catholic bishops concerning the use of years. Effective date was February 1. COVID-19 Vaccines: Episcopal Vicar “People should feel free in good conscience to receive any of the vaccines cur- rently available (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson) for the sake of their own REVEREND PETER F. LENOX, appointed to full time Episcopal Vicar health and the common good, which requires the prompt vaccination of as many for Liturgy and Worship. Father Lenox people as possible. This guidance is in accord with what has been stated by both will remain in residence at Sacred Heart the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Holy See in Rome. At the same Parish, Georgetown. time, the Church continues to advocate for the creation of vaccines that do not REVEREND PAWEL HREBENKO, rely on cell lines derived, even remotely, from abortion.” appointed to Episcopal Vicar for Polish As most eagerly wait to receive the vaccines, we should also consid- Catholics. Effective date was February 3 er this concern expressed by the United States Conference of Catholic for a term of three years. Bishops in a recent statement urging universal vaccination: Parochial Vicar “The pandemic has also revived our sense that we are a global community REVEREND RAYMOND M. and that each of us is indeed each other’s keeper. While the growing availability SCHERBA, from Assistant Chaplain of vaccines is a clear sign of hope that this pandemic, too, will pass, that hope Saint John Paull II Care Center Danbury, must be given to every human being on the planet by making the vaccines univer- to Parochial Vicar, Sacred Heart Parish, sally available. Richer nations and pharmaceutical companies must work togeth- Danbury. Effective date was February 15. er to ensure that no nation, no person is left behind.” Father Scherba will continue as part-time Assistant Chaplain at Danbury Hospital. Nursing Home Chaplain Eucharistic Ambassadors REVEREND LOURDURAJ PITCHAI, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano’s “Call to Renewal” in his recent Pastoral from Parochial Vicar, Saint Mary Parish, Ridgefield, to Chaplain, Saint Exhortation, “Let us enter the Upper Room with the Lord,” is already Joseph Manor, Trumbull and in resi- bearing fruit across the diocese. dence at Saint Stephen Parish, Trumbull. The bishop formally launched the period of renewal by consecrating Effective date was February 15. the diocese to St. Joseph on March 19 in a Mass that was livestreamed REVEREND DONALD L. KLOSTER, from St. Augustine Cathedral on the Solemnity of St. Joseph. from Chaplain, Saint Joseph Manor, One encouraging example of the renewal underway is the enthusi- Trumbull, to Chaplain, Saint John Paul astic response to the bishop’s call for Eucharistic Ambassadors. Earlier II Care Center, Danbury. Effective date this month, more than 140 men and women gathered for the first ses- was February 15. sion of the Eucharistic Ambassador training the bishop outlined in his Residence exhortation letter. All told, more than 200 ambassadors from 30 parishes REVEREND COLIN BLATCHFORD, will participate in the evangelization effort. from Saint Augustine Cathedral Rectory, We wish to extend our gratitude to all those who have stepped for- Bridgeport, to Saint Pius X Rectory, ward to participate in the Eucharistic Ambassador discernment and Fairfield. Effective date was February 24. training. We ask for prayers as they begin their faith journey and seek Sabbatical to deepen their own spirituality as they prepare to go out into the com- REVEREND JOHN J. INSERRA, munity and invite all back to church. They are true signs of hope and a extended sabbatical through April 30. blessing to their parishes and the diocese. REVEREND BRUCE F. ROBY, Sabbatical. Effective date is February 1, Awaiting Easter through April 30. Priest Committee for Hispanic Ministry “Christ’s victory is our victory,” Bishop Caggiano proclaimed when REVEREND MIGUEL ANGEL he celebrated Mass in the nearly empty St. Augustine Cathedra last BERNAL RODRIGUEZ, appointed Easter. Throughout the darkest hours of the pandemic when the state to serve on the Priest Committee for was in lockdown due to Coronavirus restrictions, the bishop acknowl- Hispanic ministry. Effective date was edged the fear and loss that many were feeling, and he urged us to take February 24 for a term of two years. courage in prayer and Spiritual Communion. REVEREND JUAN GABRIEL Now, it appears we may have turned the corner on the pandemic, and ACOSTA, appointed to serve on the we look forward to Easter with much hope. We should take this moment Priest Committee for Hispanic ministry. Effective date was February 24 for a to remember those whom we have lost and the many others who have term of two years. suffered hardship. Let us also acknowledge that we have been blessed by REVEREND ROLANDO TORRES, the leadership of Bishop Caggiano; by the faithful witness of our pastors, appointed to serve on the Priest priests, deacons and religious; and by all those who have given of them- Committee for Hispanic ministry. selves sacrificially so that our Churches, schools and charitable programs Effective date was February 24 for a have been able to remain open during a year of disruption. term of two years. As we prepare to enter Holy Week and celebrate the most sacred mys- REVEREND JOSÉ A. VÁSQUEZ, teries of our faith, we can find strength and gratitude in Bishop Caggiano’s appointed to serve on the Priest words: “Even if we cannot fully understand the mystery of Christ’s love for Committee for Hispanic ministry. us, our unique observance of Holy Week assures us in quiet and ordinary Effective date was February 24 for ways that Christ has triumphed over suffering, sin and death itself. He a term of two years. will never abandon us in the hour of our greatest need. For His victory is Reverend Francis T. Hoffmann our victory. His resurrected life is our promise of new life.” n Vicar for Clergy, March, 2021 15 March 2021 Editorial Sometimes our decisions require a ‘leap of faith’ ness. He leads us to the things that A Young Woman’s Voice he has meant for us, even if the path may seem long and winding. By Elizabeth Clyons If we hold onto this trust that God will guide us in our lives and Libby Clyons is Communications in our decision-making, we simply Associate for the Diocese of cannot be lead astray. Because Bridgeport. She can be reached even if things go wrong, this is at [email protected]. a lesson that we were meant to learn. It is a tough lesson to learn in uring this Lenten sea- People will always have their life, but we are not helping anyone son, I often think of the thoughts about what others do by remaining in situations that no disciples and the diffi- or don’t do. The thing is, the longer serve us or others. If we Dcult decisions they had big decisions you make in your are unhappy in a situation, or that to make in their lives. life, especially if they are directly situation is no longer allowing us They knew that leaving their related to your own happiness or to grow in our faith, then it is time homes to follow Jesus was the well-being, are ultimately between to move on. Because you simply right thing to do. This was not you and God. cannot serve others if you are not the safe or expected decision. If you have taken this deci- being served in any way. Presumably, they had jobs and sion to prayer and thought out It takes a deep self-awareness families and other responsibilities. all aspects in a and a strong But they knew that they simply meaningful and relationship could not remain where they were intentional way, “God knows the with God to after encountering Christ and there is no need realize when a experiencing what they had. to defend your deepest desires situation calls I am sure that people advised decisions to for change. them against this decision, and others. of our hearts, and And only you I am sure they had to repeatedly I am a peo- and God can explain themselves to others. But ple-pleaser by he desires for us know this. they had a conviction that even nature. A typical As the faith- though their decision was risky, middle-child and to know happiness.” fulness of the the payback would be worth it. mediator, I am disciples teach- And, in fact, the payback was always tuned-in es us, the way more than they ever could have to how what I do and say makes of the Cross leads to Easter and imagined. other people feel. This can be a new life. When you have a strong When we make a decision great asset, but also a great draw- conviction and you are certain in our lives that others may not back. I have had to unlearn these God is leading you in the right understand, we tend to be met with tendencies over the years, because direction, listen to that conviction, a barrage of unsolicited advice. I have learned that I cannot and be ready to take a leap of Though often well-meaning, if always be responsible for the hap- faith. we’re not specifically seeking out piness and comfort of others. He will not lead you astray. advice, this can cause unnecessary Like the disciples, we can’t live You don’t owe anyone else an pressure to explain ourselves and our lives based on what others are explanation. And once they see our decisions—particularly if some- going to think. God knows the how happy you are when you live one is young and trying to find her deepest desires of our hearts, and out loud, that will be all the expla- or his way in life. he desires for us to know happi- nation needed. n 16 March 2021 Editorial An ordinary Joe who does extraordinary things a hand-carved wooden statue I got Swimming Upstream when we made a pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal By Joe Pisani during the Jubilee Year in 2000. The Oratory, which before COVID-19 attracted 2 million visi- Joe Pisani has been a writer tors annually, is the world’s largest shrine to St. Joseph and was built and editor for 30 years. through the efforts of St. Andre Bessette, who was the doorman at Notre Dame College, where thou- ll my life I’ve been Blessed Pius IX. sands of people visited him because surrounded by The pope also issued an of his gift of healing through the Josephs. Maybe it’s an Apostolic Letter titled “Patris intercession of St. Joseph. A Italian thing because Corde,” (“With a Father’s Heart”) Early in his life, he worked in some of them were Giuseppes. to “increase our love for this great eastern Connecticut in factories My father was Joseph, the carpenter. My mother was Josephine, but not the plumber. “I confess that I resented being an “ordinary Joe” And I was Joe. Well, not quite. So that we didn’t all answer and wished my parents had named me something at once when someone called, “Joe!” I was dubbed JoJo. more flamboyant like Kent or Reginald, but I guess That’s not bad when you’re a toddler, but when you’re a teen- they figured “Kent Pisani” didn’t quite fit our ethnic ager, it can be a bit embarrassing. At your college commencement, profile…. So I thought of myself as an Average Joe.” do you really want the Dean to announce, “JoJo!” when you get saint, to encourage us to implore and farms before returning to your diploma? his intercession and to imitate his Canada to enter the Congregation As it was, I received my sac- virtues and his zeal.” of Holy Cross in 1870. raments at St. Joseph Church in St. Joseph was an ordinary per- I also have a library of what is Shelton and religious instructions son who did extraordinary things known as Josephology—the study from the Sisters of St. Joseph and, because he accepted God’s will. of St. Joseph—with several dozen predictably, I went to St. Joseph And he continues to do extraordi- books about this great saint. One High School. nary things from heaven. He is a of them, published in 1887, is I confess that I resented being model for all Catholics, especially titled, “St. Joseph: The Advocate an “ordinary Joe” and wished fathers, in a time when families of Hopeless Cases” and contains my parents had are fractured dozens of stories about the saint’s named me some- “As Pope Francis and homes are miraculous intercession. thing more flam- broken. As Pope Francis says, “Each boyant like Kent says, “Each of us can St. Thomas of us can discover in Joseph—the or Reginald, but I Aquinas said, man who goes unnoticed—a daily, guess they figured discover in Joseph— “Some saints discreet and hidden presence, an “Kent Pisani” are privileged intercessor, a support and a guide didn’t quite fit our the man who goes to extend to us in times of trouble. St. Joseph ethnic profile. their patronage reminds us that those who appear So I thought unnoticed—a daily, with particular hidden or in the shadows can play of myself as an efficacy in cer- an incomparable role in the histo- Average Joe, Joe discreet and hidden tain needs, but ry of .” Schmo and Joe not in others; but A humble carpenter, St. Sixpack...until presence…” our holy patron Joseph is known by many titles: I developed a St. Joseph has “Protector of Holy Church,” devotion to my the power to “Hope of the Sick,” “Patron of the patron, St. Joseph, and realized it’s assist us in all cases, in every Dying,” “Solace of the Afflicted,” an honor to be named after the hus- necessity, in every undertaking.” “Guardian of Virgins,” “Pillar of band of the Mother of God and fos- Our family always prays to Families,” “Glory of Home Life” ter father of the Son of God, whose him in times of crisis, and over and “Terror of Demons.” feast we celebrate on March 19. the years, many prayers have been He has always been known to It’s a great year for us Joes and answered through his intercession. respond when people pray to him. Josephines because Pope Francis We have a shrine in his honor As St. Augustine said: “What could has proclaimed “A Year of St. with statues that we have acquired Jesus Christ refuse St. Joseph, who Joseph” in observance of the 150th from all over the world. never refused him anything during anniversary of his being named One of my favorites I found in his mortal life on Earth?” Patron of the Universal Church by an antique shop in Montreal. It’s St. Joseph, pray for us! n 17 March 2021 We Stand With Christ Young have new place to gather

By JOE PISANI ing the merger. Father Cervero REDDING RIDGE—The became pastor of the young people of St. Patrick Church consolidated Sacred are looking forward to the day Heart-Saint Patrick when they can begin meeting in Parish on January the new Mercy Hall—the home of 31. Tuesday and their new youth center. Thursday he is at The hall is in the original Sacred Heart and 140-year-old St. Patrick Church, on Monday and which was given a complete refur- Wednesday, he is at bishing that included new heating St. Patrick. and air conditioning and lighting, Originally from along with a kitchenette. The Hollow section The project was made possible of Bridgeport, Father through the We Stand With Christ Cervero, whose fam- capital campaign, said Father ily is from Naples, Joe Cervero, pastor of the newly Italy, went to St. merged Sacred Heart and St. Raphael School Patrick Church. and then to Bullard- “When I first got here 11 years St. Patrick Church Havens Technical ago, people kept saying to me High School with that we had to do something with support efforts in education, charity the intention of becoming a baker. the old church, but we never had and pastoral ministries. His aspirations took him to Kansas the funds,” Father Cervero said. The youth group is anticipating State University, where he studied “At one point, the Scouts used it the day when COVID-19 restric- bakery science management for for their Eagle Scout project and tions will be lifted, and they will be two years. repaired and painted the siding. able to meet in the new hall. At that point, he says, “I decid- Then, with We Stand With Christ, Father is proud of the parish ed that maybe I didn’t really want we got the idea that this was the youth group, which he says has to do that and came home.” way we were going to go. We been fairly active even during He worked at County Home would refurbish it and make it pri- COVID-19. From their homes, Bakery and Jerry’s Pizza in marily a youth center, which the they did a community service proj- Bridgeport for four years and then Knights of Columbus would also ect. Christmas stockings were dis- left for a position at a laser research use for their meetings.” tributed to the students, who were company, which manufactured The renovated old church was responsible for filling them with lens and research equipment. named Mercy Hall because the toiletries, such as razors, shaving “Throughout my life, I was get- primary donor wanted it to be ded- cream and toothpaste. Then, they ting this inkling that God wanted icated to Divine Mercy, and Father were sent to military bases in time me to be a priest, and I kept fight- plans to hang a Divine Mercy for Christmas. ing it,” he recalls. image of Jesus there. The merger of St. Patrick of Although life was good for him The parish also has a hall Redding Ridge and Sacred Heart as an expediter at the research named after the first pastor Father of Georgetown was completed company, the “inklings” continued John Conlisk, which is used during the first part of the year, until “God said, ‘All right, you’re for community meetings, such Father said. here—let’s get you further,” he as Alcoholics Anonymous and On June 13, 2020, after consult- said. Al-Anon, and religious education ing with the leadership of the two “By then, I was 28 and I fig- classes and office space. Some cos- parishes, Bishop Frank J. Caggiano ured, ‘Ahh, I’m too old. Guys are metic work was done there, such announced plans to begin a process already ordained by that age.” as repainting, floor restoration and that would merge the churches into But then Bishop Edward Egan refurbishing the kitchen. one new parish called Sacred Heart told him about a new seminary in Because the new youth center and St. Patrick Roman Catholic —Sacred Heart School was so important to the parish, Church. of —which was for men there was a very good response to “We were both struggling with other careers whom God was We Stand With Christ, Father said. through the pandemic,” Father calling to the priesthood. St. Patrick exceeded its goal by said. “And this is hopefully a way He studied there six years and more than $300,000, enabling it to to combine both parishes and their was ordained at 33 in 1989 and retain 75 percent of future funds for resources.” was assigned to his first parish, St. parish capital projects. With the retirement of Father Mary in Ridgefield. The enthusiasm and commit- David Leopold as pastor of Sacred “After I was ordained, I won- ment of the faith community was Heart, Father Peter Lenox, for- dered why it took me so long,” he evident in its response to the cam- mer pastor of St. Joseph Parish in says. paign, which was the most success- Norwalk and the newly appointed And what about his baking ful in the history of the diocese and episcopal vicar for liturgy and skills? He still uses them. Last week benefits parishes and Foundations worship, began a temporary assign- he baked a cheesecake, which he in Education, Foundations in Faith ment as parochial administrator at says he plans to give away—at and Foundations in Charity, which Sacred Heart to assist in complet- least half of it. n 18 March 2021 Palm Sunday Holy Week challenges us to ‘clear our vision’ FAIRFIELD—Holy Week In addition to “celebrating tary conquest and more brutality. invites us to see Jesus not with anew the great mystery of our Violence begets violence,” the the eyes of the world but through redemption,” Palm Sunday offers bishop said. the eyes of faith, Bishop Frank J. an opportunity to better under- “That is not why Jesus came Caggiano said in his homily for stand what Christ is asking of us to Jerusalem. He came to bring the Mass for Palm Sunday of the as his followers, he said. another form of power that meets Lord’s Passion. After reading the account conquest and brutality with for- The bishop celebrated his of the Passion in the Gospel of giveness and mercy, and allows weekly online Mass from St. Mark (15:1-39), Bishop Caggiano the world a better way, a divine Thomas Aquinas Church in explained that in his triumphal way to live,” he said. Fairfield. He was assisted by entry into Jerusalem, Jesus Holy Week extends the same Father Victor Martin, pastor and was given a welcome that was challenge to us as it did in the Father Larry Larson, parochial reserved for Caesar, who had time of Jesus. He does not prom- vicar. “conquered nations and subjected ise earthly victory, but asks us to “Perhaps you and I at times people.” accompany him to Calvary and look at our life, our circumstances The strewing of palms was a not to run away as the apostles and our work through the eyes of symbol of Caesar’s earthly power did. the world, and this week is meant and authority. “The path is not easy. We for us to clear that vision. To Those who welcomed Jesus cannot escape suffering. Whoever remember through whose eyes we with palms judged him “with dares to love must dare to be will- should live, move, see and have the eyes of the world,” because ing to suffer. It is the only path our being. It is easy to fall prey to they mistakenly expected Jesus to that leads to the empty tomb and voices around us, to live life in a overthrow civil authority. They that leads us to eternal life.” way other than what Christ asks believed that “conquest and bru- The bishop said Holy Week us,” the bishop said. tality should be meet with mili- invites us to reenact the great mysteries of our faith, and to remember that “what was begun Are you one of the over 15,000 donors in the Upper Room” is the same sacrifice Jesus offers his believers to the We Stand With Christ campaign? today. The bishop concluded his Well here’s what you need to know… homily by noting that each year • WHERE ARE WE NOW? 75 parishes have completed their the palms blessed today that are We Stand With Christ capital campaigns and three parishes unused palms will be gathered will run their campaigns in 2021. and burned to make the ashes • DISTRIBUTIONS? $30 million of capital campaign of next Lent “as a sign of our contributions have been distributed to parishes and the three faith and the promises that foundations to date as of 9/30/2020 as approved by the We truly matter, and they are not Stand With Christ Board of Directors. the promise and ways of the world.” • HOW CAN YOU HELP? Choose to fulfill your pledge “And when the smoke clears online to save the costs of mailed remittances. Payments we see life as it is truly meant to via credit card and direct debit can be made by visiting be seen. We have that opportu- www.GiveCentral.org/WSWC. nity again during these days of • QUESTIONS? We want to hear from you with any concerns our redemption. Let us use them or issues you are experiencing. Contact the campaign at well so that when the risen Lord 203.648.9050 or at [email protected]. appears in our midst. We will be able to see him, follow him and Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this campaign give him honor and glory now and the many wonderful programs and projects that will benefit from your support! and forever.” n 19 March 2021 Palm Sunday Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Knights committed to almsgiving NORWALK—Malta House, a faith into action in hands-on, prepares to welcome all to cele- Norwalk organization that helps meaningful ways that make our brate our faith. pregnant and parenting mothers, moms and babies know they are The goal of the Knights of had a familiar crew of workers to special and loved. Coming out Columbus Council at St. Matthew put furniture together for their new on a Saturday morning to put Church in Norwalk is to perform home. cribs, beds and chairs together for acts of charity. Providing those in Volunteers from St. Matthew our new home, bringing weekly need with a range of support from Church Knights of Columbus Council No. 14360 took time on a rainy Saturday morning in February to help get Malta House’s new home ready for moving in over the next few months. The council has been assisting Malta House since 2009 with various painting and remodeling projects and financial assistance. Malta House provides a nur- turing home environment, support services and independent living skills to pregnant and parenting mothers of all faiths and their chil- dren. “It is an honor and joy for our council to help such a great orga- nization that helps women and children in need,” added George Ribellino, a past grand knight and project chairman. In the past, the council has VOLUNTEERS FROM ST. MATTHEW CHURCH Knights of Columbus donated funds for new mattress- Council No. 14360 took time on a rainy Saturday morning in February to help es, remodeled the nursery, laid get Malta House’s new home ready for moving in over the next few months. tile and painted bedrooms, the common room and the kitchen at their old home on Prowitt Street in dinners to our moms during Lent financial to tactical help in dealing Norwalk. The staff at Malta House and treating our house to a special with a wide variety of challenges. know who to call when they need Easter dinner are all such spe- Council members work together assistance. Twelve members of the cial acts of caring, and we are so to foster the founding principles council along with three members grateful and blessed,” said Malta of our order: charity, unity, frater- of St. Francis of Assisi Council House Executive Director Carey nity and patriotism. Our goal as a 17166 assembled cribs and dining Dougherty. council is to continue to identify room furniture. “The Knights of Columbus specific needs in our community “I am thankful for our council loves both mother and child before and muster support and help to having such a good opportunity to and after birth. We love to help alleviate these challenges and hard- gather early on a Saturday morn- a great organization like Malta ships to the best of our abilities and ing. The mission of Malta House House that help women during resources. is so dear to the Knights and the pregnancy and following the birth (For more information go embodiment of the culture of life. of their newborn children,” said to: kofc14360.net. If you are Catholic We are blessed to be called to help, Ribellino man interested in putting your faith in “said Council 14360 Grand Knight As the Church prepares to action, join the Knights of Columbus Anthony Armentano. commemorate the passion, death online for free at kofc.org/joinus and Council 14360 is also send- and resurrection of Christ, the use promo code MCGIVNEY2020.) ing dinner to the house every Brother Knights of council 14360 Malta House promotes the dig- Wednesday during Lent and are taking up their cross in various nity of God-given life by providing capping it off with Easter Sunday ways. In addition to their work a nurturing home environment, dinner from Dave’s Planet Pizza with Malta House and upcoming support services and independent in Norwalk. The council, along food drives, the council gathered living skills to pregnant and parent- with Knights of Columbus Bishop for a special Lenten Family Mass ing mothers of all faiths and their Fenwick 4th Degree Assembly 100, and led Stations of the Cross with children. is donating funds for additional the parish family on March 12 and Mothers at Malta House receive cribs. will lead the Good Friday outdoor on-site counseling, financial educa- “The Knights of Columbus Stations on the church property. tion, and parental development fol- Council 14360 have been our Lastly, they will roll up their lowed by transitional and post-res- beloved ‘big brothers’ for many sleeves and help clean the church idential support. For more info, years and never fail to put their during the Triduum as the parish please go to Maltahouse.org. n 20 March 2021 Malta House Malta House moving into new, larger home

By JOE PISANI new Malta House will be able to assisted 335 mothers get back on help more than 1,500 mothers and their feet. NORWALK—Twenty-five babies, she said. “Our goal is to empower years ago, Michael and AC Founder Michael O’Rourke, women to live independently and O’Rourke of Stamford dreamed who is executive director of provide a better life for them- of starting a home for homeless Oppenheimer & Co., said: selves and their children,” said pregnant women and their babies. “Twenty-five years ago, my wife Dougherty, who has worked at

Michael and AC O’Rourke

In 1998, Malta House opened AC and I had a dream to open Malta House since 2017. “I always its doors, and since then, it has a home for homeless, pregnant say I am blessed to have a front- served more than 600 mothers and women and their babies. This row seat to see the transformative their babies through its residential dream came after our beautiful power of God’s love in our moms. program and many more through son was born after 17 years of The encounter is nothing short of its community programs. marriage and never-ending prayers a miracle. At Malta House, we are This spring, as a result of a for a child. We were so grateful providing this love and support. $4.5 million campaign, it will to God for the greatest blessing Babies are born into safety and move to the renovated former of our lives and set out to ensure love, and they are so nurtured in convent on the campus of All that every mother is given the our nursery that it’s the happiest Saints School in Norwalk, chance to experience this same place on Earth.” increasing its capacity by 50 per- blessing and gift of bringing life to There are currently eight mothers cent. The new home will provide this world. The Good Lord had at Malta House and six babies— 15 bedrooms, three of which will given us our miracle son, so it just including the first set of twins since be family suites that can accom- made sense that my wife and I Dougherty has been there. Three modate a mother and up to two should help provide miracles for of the mothers are pregnant and children. There will also be class- other women with no room at the five have children. The new home room space, offices, a nursery, a inn… because there was no inn in can accommodate 33 people—15 play area for children and a chap- Connecticut.” women and 18 children. el for prayer and Mass. Malta House is the only group “Many times, we are often the “We are really excited about home for pregnant women over last chance for keeping a mom and the opportunity this will give us,” 18 in Fairfield County and one baby together,” she said. “During said Executive Director Carey of a limited number of residen- COVID-19, we were only one of Dougherty. “We often have a tial programs for parenting moth- two shelters and congregate living waiting list, and sometimes we ers and their babies, Dougherty programs that remained open and have to turn people away, which said. Since its doors opened, it accepted new families.” is why we are moving into a larger has provided more than 8,500 “We were founded upon and space where we can grow.” nights of shelter, helped bring guided by our Catholic faith, but Over the next 20 years, the 355 babies into the world and ➤ continued on page 21 21 March 2021 Malta House

Malta House Moving from page 20 our doors are open to any home- health and nutrition, fitness, spiri- Dougherty said. “I think many less, pregnant or parenting woman tuality and parenting. There is free can’t imagine how they will be able who needs a ‘room at the inn,’” childcare so the mothers can go to to bring life into the world when Dougherty said. “No woman school or work. they are so unsure of their own should be faced with the unthink- “We are also unique in that we place in it. Honoring and serving able alternative because she doesn’t continue to support our families our mothers the way Christ asks have a safe place to care for her who transition to independent of us and opening our home and baby, and no woman should have living in order to ensure their con- our hearts to them is an important to stay with an abuser because it’s tinued and long-term stability,” part of them seeing and valuing the the only home she has.” she said. sanctity of life. I think it is hard to Many of the pregnant women The average stay is eight months, convince a woman that the child who come to Malta House are but it can extend to 18 months until she is carrying has dignity and was experiencing homelessness and a mother has saved sufficient money chosen by God when she herself have never lived independently and secured housing. feels abandoned, discarded and or have come from unsafe or “Malta House is where the Real unloved.” fragmented families. Malta House Presence of Christ in the Eucharist Malta House will celebrate the move regularly receives referrals from converges with the presence of with a hybrid in-person and virtual hospitals, social service agencies, Christ in the women and children gala on May 7 at Woodway Country shelters and programs that will not we serve,” O’Rourke said. “We lift Club in Darien. Honorees of the accept a woman who is pregnant our women up through education, “There’s No Place Like Home” gala or a new mother. training and spiritual counseling are John Altieri, board vice chair; Chris “One thing that always catches and introduce them to prayer. Anspach, builder; Frank Chapman, me off guard in this county, where Rather than treating them as architect; Altieri, Sebor and Wieber; there is so much wealth, is that ‘neutral poverty-stricken pregnant the Diocese of Bridgeport, and others over 300 babies are born every objects’ devoid of virtue, we help who worked on the 18-month construc- year to mothers who live below them to become moral actors and tion and renovation of the new home. the poverty line, to mothers who contributors to the community. We Guests can purchase tickets for remote are experiencing homelessness,” want them to appreciate how and “live streaming” or to join the event in Dougherty said. “We believe a why they will make a difference person. mother deserves every opportuni- in this world, especially since they (Tickets and sponsorships to the ty to a life of self-sufficiency and are children of God destined for “There’s No Place Like Home” virtual independence. Every baby deserves heaven.” and in-person gala can be purchased to be born into a world of safety Dougherty said success is mea- at www.maltahouse.org/events. For and love. We are trying to be the sured by a number of criteria, such information, contact Kim Killoy at family and support network to as how much money a woman has 203.610.2358 or kkilloy@maltahouse. mothers who need to improve their saved, steady employment, stable org.) lives and are looking for a future of housing and the life skills classes (To learn more about Malta independence.” she has attended. House, go to www.maltahouse.org. Dougherty said Malta House “Sadly, most of our mothers A virtual tour of the new home can assists the women with education, come from fractured families, be found at: www.maltahouse.org/ employment, financial literacy, abuse and unspeakable trauma,” newhome?wvideo=pvvzd5wg94.) n 22 March 2021 Catholic Charities Bank of America donates masks

By AMY ZAJAC PPE in order to remain open. risk. This donation not only helped The Thomas Merton Center in to protect staff while they served the FAIRFIELD COUNTY— Bridgeport remained open with clients, but it also helped the clients Catholic Charities of Fairfield a 30–40 percent increase in meal to stay safe while out in the public.” County, one of the largest private service provided through a grab “Bank of America is committed social service providers in the state and go format. The Morning Glory to working with local partners that of Connecticut, recently received Breakfast Program in Danbury was keep our families, communities, cli- masks from Bank of America. The closed, but provided 4,900 meals ents, and teammates safe during the aid continues an innovative partner- ship that has allowed the agency to provide meals to residents, served through local restaurants in Stamford and Bridgeport. Since the start of the coronavirus, protective personal equipment (PPE) supplies have been low and costs have been high, making it even more challenging for non-profit agencies like Catholic Charities to secure what is required to stay open for business. For an agency like Catholic Charities, clos- ing because masks are not available A MEMBER OF THE THOMAS MERTON CENTER STAFF wears a mask is simply not an option. and gloves donated by Bank of America while handing out meals to go. “If we close, a single mother is unable to pick up groceries to feed her family. Homebound senior citi- to homeless individuals who have health crisis,” said Bill Tommins, zens do not receive their meals deliv- been moved from shelters to the Southern Connecticut market ered to their home. A person experi- Super 8 Motel to ensure social dis- president for Bank of America. encing a crisis related to depression tancing. Room to Grow Preschool “Throughout the coronavirus, Bank or anxiety cannot connect with their in Norwalk reopened September of America has joined forces with therapist for counseling services,” 9 with 109 students in attendance. local organizations to address fami- said Executive Director Mike It was a state mandate for all stu- lies’ most basic needs. By supplying Donoghue. “Our services are vital in dents and teachers to wear masks Catholic Charities with PPE, we’re helping the most vulnerable popula- throughout the day. able to help them further their mis- tions in the communities throughout “The masks provided by Bank of sion and continue feeding families, Fairfield County. We meet the most America have been a blessing for our safely, at the same time.” basic needs.” staff and clients,” said Bill Colson, Catholic Charities’ 36 programs Since the start of the pandem- director of the Thomas Merton provide services throughout Fairfield ic, Catholic Charities’ programs Center. “Many clients were unable County. Combined, they serve and services have continued to to not only find masks, but they also over 10,000 individuals in Fairfield thrive but many required the vital could not afford them. They were at County, Connecticut each year. n Call to Renewal website launched BRIDGEPORT—The dio- on the Year of St. Joseph, the The bishop issued his Pastoral cese has launched the “Call to Diocesan Ambassadors Program, Exhortation on Ash Wednesday Renewal” website to serve as a opportunities for Reconciliation and urging the people of the diocese to guide to the Year of St. Joseph Eucharistic Adoration, and more. move forward in faith and evange- and overall renewal efforts. “I pray that you will find these lization. In the letter, he provides The website is designed to resources helpful as we seek to the framework that will make it provide information related to the renew our Church in Fairfield possible by designating Centers of spiritual and pastoral renewal of County,” said the bishop. Mercy and Centers of Eucharistic the diocese as called for in Bishop Materials on the website include Adoration throughout the diocese. Frank J. Caggiano’s Pastoral an introduction from the bishop and He also calls for the commission- Exhortation, “Let us Enter the a link to his Pastoral Exhortation in ing of lay “Ambassadors” to go Upper Room with the Lord.” its entirety, which is available in both out into the community later in “I come to you now, when English and Spanish. A professionally the year to share their faith and many may be wondering about recorded audio version is also avail- invite others back to the Church. the future direction of our Church, able for those who prefer to listen to it The ambassador training is now to invite you to begin this spiritu- as they drive or perform other tasks. underway in the diocese and the al journey with me, seeking the The website will also feature week- new website will feature many of Lord’s grace to transform this time ly “Notes from the Upper Room” by their stories. of suffering into a springtime of Bishop Caggiano, along with a time- (To visit the “Call to Renewal” renewal for the life of the Church,” line explaining the Year of St. Joseph website: www.bridgeportdiocese.org/ he said in his introductory letter. as well as liturgies and activities call-to-renewal or click “A Call to The website includes updates during the renewal period. Renewal” at the top of our homepage.) n 23 March 2021 Parish News Improvements under way at St. Joseph-St. Ladislaus NORWALK—When Father of David Riccio of John Canning “Protected by Mary’s intercession Edicson Orozco was named pastor Co., a historic building restoration and guided by Saint Joseph and of St. Joseph and St. Ladislaus last and conservation company in Saint Ladislaus, we are learning to year, one of the first challenges he Cheshire, Conn. walk this magnificent journey of faced was bringing together the The project, he said, is under faith with enthusiasm and a deci- two parishes and moving them the supervision of Father Otoniel sive spirit.” forward as a faith community. Lizcano with the assistance of the He said bringing the two parishes Four months later, with the volunteers of Saint Jose Sanchez together was more than “a merger,” cooperation of his parishioners del Rio “Cristeros.” but rather “bringing together two and through their generosity with Trees on the grounds of Saint beautiful communities.” their time, talent and financial Ladislaus that were a hazardous Both parishes combined resources, wonderful things have risk were removed, Father said, will have Spanish and English- occurred, he says. through the donated work of speaking communities and “Many good things have been Double L Landscaping, LLC. Haitians, Father said.

IN RECENT MONTHS, the parish of St. Joseph and St. Ladislaus have been able to initiate physical renovations to both churches through the stewardship campaign of the parish and the enthusiastic participation of faithful members who volunteer their time. happening at St. Joseph and In addition, there were electrical When he was named pastor, St. Ladislaus Parish since they updates in both churches, and Father said, “It is a blessing to have merged on October 1 last year,” three televisions were installed in two churches; their buildings will he says. “Every beginning brings the basement of St. Ladislaus to be used to provide pastoral services difficulties, challenges, and little increase the capacity so parish- and education. It is going to be one victories, but little by little with ioners can attend Sunday Mass. community using two churches the involvement of so many vol- This initiative was coordinated by because in no respect will it be one unteers and parishioners, we have volunteers from St. Ladislaus. taking over the other. We are bring- been able to accomplish some pas- In preparation for Lent, two ing them together.” toral, administrative and financial confessionaries at St. Joseph were St. Ladislaus was founded to goals.” redesigned. The main offices were serve the Hungarian community In recent months, they have adapted to better serve the com- that came to America and settled been able to initiate physical reno- munity in keeping the necessary in South Norwalk around 1900. vations to both churches through protocols established because of The cornerstone of the church the stewardship campaign of the COVID-19. was laid on November 25, 1909 parish and the enthusiastic partic- “There is always something and Masses were celebrated in the ipation of faithful members who to be done,” Father said. “I am church basement a year later. The volunteer their time. sure that many other projects church, built in the Romanesque There have been renovations will become a reality not just Revival style by Hungarian archi- and improvements at the sacristy of through the financial commit- tect Odon Lechner, was dedicated St. Joseph Church and Mary’s little ment of parishioners with We on June 30, 1912. shrine at St. Joseph and at entrances Stand With Christ capital cam- In 1895, St. Joseph was found- to the rectory at St. Joseph and back paign but also with their love for ed to serve the southern portion of entrance to St. Ladislaus. the new parish.” Saint Mary Parish. Masses were In addition, a chapel in honor “Now, that we are one commu- initially celebrated at the Music of St. Jose Sanchez del Rio is nity of faith enjoying two church- Hall on South Main Street. On under way. The project was start- es, beautiful grounds and so many April 4, 1897, the cornerstone was ed by the previous pastor, Father diverse talents and cultures, we laid for the church, built in the Peter Lenox, and Father Michael are becoming a strong communi- Gothic revival style and designed Clark, with the volunteer efforts ty of faith,” Father Orozco said. by architect Joseph A. Jackson. n 24 March 2021 Veritas Radio New shows in the coming months

By JOE PISANI cuss the vision of Veritas Network. Joe Pacillo and Joe Reciniello. It “There is so much bad news out is described as “a fearless culture RIDGEFIELD—Veritas there that we wanted to focus on commentary born from America’s Catholic Network, the EWTN some of the good things that people kitchen table.” affiliate at 1350 AM, will launch are doing,” Lee said. These “average Joes” will jour- four new programs in the coming The show will follow “Restless,” ney into the breach of our current months, following its extremely which airs on Friday from noon to American society, shining the Light popular “Let Me Be Frank” show, 12:30 pm and explores such topics as of Christ,” Lee said. featuring Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. how to evangelize in the workplace Both men are devout Catholics “We are growing and our and how to navigate the single life who have been active in the pro- plans will significantly expand with an eye toward marriage. Father life movement and have helped the proclamation of the Gospel in Joseph A. Gill of the Basilica of the poor and dispossessed through their work with the , the Missionaries of Charity and the Franciscan of the Renewal. They live in Northern New Jersey and had careers on Wall Street for many years. Their first show will begin with an interview of Bill Donohue, presi- dent of the , whose mission is to defend the rights of Catholics. Subsequent shows will include segments with prominent Steve Lee Catholics, such as theologians Scott Hahn and Ralph Martin. Connecticut and New York,” said St. John the Evangelist is joined by “They are guys I would love to Steve Lee, president & CEO of the Lauren Doyle, Diane Kremheller be friends with,” Lee said. “When I network. “Listenership has been and Javier Tremaria. listen to their show, they are like two going up and I am always receiving “‘Restless’ is a great show, and I guys I’d enjoy talking with around emails that say things like, ‘I just love listening to them,” Lee said. “I the kitchen table.” found you guys and I love it.’” smile, I laugh, I nod my head. They Veritas is also developing a live In addition, the station, which are doing a great job and their audi- morning drive-time show from 7 to 8 serves Fairfield County, Westchester ence is starting to grow.” am for people who are on the road, County and Long Island, recently Lee says the show, which has going to work or dropping their kids moved its offices to Ridgefield on the been running for six months, is par- off at school. It will be hosted by a campus of St. Mary Parish. ticularly important at a time when man and woman, who are yet to be “We are settling into our new the second largest religious group announced, who will discuss local office space and it has been a bless- in the U.S. is former Catholics and news and events and occasionally ing,” Lee said. “All of our broadcast there is an increasing number of feature priests from the diocese and equipment is here and we record so-called “Nones”—young people do live broadcasts outside the studio. some of our shows from here. We who are abandoning the faith and “Every day, there will be guests are in the parish building and bless- claim no allegiance to an organized and interviews,” Lee said. “It will ed to be right next door to Msgr. religion. be a Catholic morning show that we Kevin Royal and down the hall “When they are surveyed, they expect to launch in May.” from Father Damian Pielesz.” say they no longer believe the teach- “Let Me Be Frank” with Bishop New local programming ings of the Church and that is a Caggiano recently marked its first- includes “Focus on Veritas,” “The failure on our part to live the Gospel year anniversary and has been tre- Frontline with Joe & Joe,” a talk and to evangelize,” Lee said. “We mendously successful, Lee said. show with Liv Harrison, who now have a generation of Catholics On the show, which airs at noon is a Catholic media personality who have been catechized but never on Wednesday, the bishop talks and comedian, and a Monday to been evangelized. They have never about spirituality, catechetics, issues Friday live drive-time show. had an encounter with Jesus.” facing the Church and society, grow- “Focus on Veritas” will be Liv Harrison, a Catholic comedi- ing up in Brooklyn and many other hosted by Peter Sonski, manager of an and mother of two children, will topics. education and community outreach host a nightly talk show from 8 to 9 “I get emails all the time from for the Blessed Michael McGivney pm once a week, which will begin listeners who said that listening to Pilgrimage Center in New Haven. airing at the end of April. Bishop Frank has enriched and The half-hour weekly show will be “She is going to do a monologue deepened their faith,” Lee said. “I launched on Friday, April 9, at 12:30 and interview guests and talk about love to listen to his interviews, his pm and bring committed Catholics what’s happening in the world,” Lee stories about Brooklyn and his spiri- on the air to talk about their work, said. “It will be lighter and funnier tual advice. It is definitely one of our Lee said. It will feature segments and have the feel of a late-night talk most listened to programs and I am about positive news in the diocese, show. I love her energy. She has a very happy with hit.” such as Project Beloved in Stamford great personality and this will be a Last year, Lee moved Veritas and Malta House in Norwalk, and fun show.” to office space at St. Mary Parish later be available as a podcast. The “The Frontline with Joe & Joe” in Ridgefield at the invitation of first guest will be Lee, himself, to dis- began airing in March and features ➤ continued on page 25 25 March 2021 St. Peter Parish, Danbury Receiving Ashes a ‘wonderful moment’

By KATHY-ANN GOBIN

DANBURY—While the distri- bution of ashes marks the somber and reflective beginning of Lent, during this year of pandemic it became a moving and quietly joy- ful moment that brought many St. Peter’s parishioners and people AT ST. PETER PARISH IN DANBURY, Father Gregg Mecca gave ashes to throughout the diocese back to parishioners by making the traditional sign of the cross on the forehead with a cotton Church for the first time in months. swab, one of the two options made available this year to due pandemic restrictions. At St. Peter Church on Main Street, a steady stream of people was grateful to be given the option TV but to be able to come into the entered the neo-Gothic church in by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano and church is wonderful,” said parish- the late afternoon to participate in decided to use the cotton swab ioner Laura Halas. “I feel more the tradition of personal acknowl- method since a cross on the fore- connected.” edgement of sin and a desire to seek head is more akin to what parishio- That was the sentiment shared forgiveness from God. ners are accustomed. by many parishioners who were “I think it was fantastic to be Father Mecca said it was import- very grateful to be able to participate able to come to church to receive ant to keep some normalcy to the in a tradition, albeit in a non-tradi- ashes today,” said parishioner Karen tradition during a time when people tional way. Scalzo. are enduring so many changes and “Every Sunday morning, we Scalzo said she was a little con- uncertainty because of the pandem- watch Mass online,” said parishio- cerned when she heard that ashes ic. Sprinkling ashes on the top of ner Ron Kreho. “We’ve been doing were being sprinkled on the head, people’s heads, rather than marking that for a year now but it’s so good due to COVID-related contact foreheads with ashes, is the custom- to be here,” he said, adding that he restrictions. ary practice at the Vatican and in has medical concerns and is await- “When I saw people coming out Italy. ing his second vaccine shot before of church with actual crosses on In addition to the change in how he will feel more comfortable being their forehead, even if they had to ashes were distributed, parishes also in public places. use a cotton swab, I was relieved. had the option to offer a time when The walk-in period allowed That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” the faithful could come to church Father Mecca to briefly chat and Scalzo said. to receive ashes outside of Mass reconnect with parishioners he Parishes were given the option or the Liturgy of the Word. Father hadn’t seen since the beginning of of distributing ashes either by sprin- Mecca said that option was crucial the pandemic. kling them on top of a person’s head in addressing the needs of the con- “It’s good to see familiar faces,” or by making the traditional sign gregation especially since morning he said. A sentiment echoed by of the cross on the forehead with a Masses were at or near COVID- many including parishioner Danielle cotton swab. restricted capacity. Ford. “I miss being here and seeing Pastor Gregg Mecca said he “I’ve been watching Mass on everyone and the priests.” n

Veritas Radio from page 24 pastor and longtime friend Msgr. on the air ASAP.” truth and goodness of our faith and Kevin T. Royal. The station is also in the process that will have a downstream influ- “I mentioned to him that we of constructing an FM translator that ence that will affect families, the might be in need of a different will let it broadcast on 103.9 FM. culture and the Church.” space, and he looked at me and Veritas began broadcasting Lee, who left his job in finance said, ‘How about right here?” Lee EWTN Catholic programming 24 on Wall Street to start Veritas, recalled. “I have been blessed to hours a day on August 21, 2019 credits his wife Roula with pro- know Msgr. Royal all these years. throughout Fairfield County, viding him the spiritual and moral We are grateful for everything he almost half of Long Island and support the initiative required. has done and it is gratifying hav- parts of Westchester. Lee purchased Residents of Ridgefield, they are ing his presence because he is such WNLK-AM 1350 radio and an parents of three children, Andrew, a holy priest.” FM translator at 103.9 MHz from Christopher and Annabel. Lee’s programming director, Sacred Heart University. Lee said that visitors are wel- John Szewczuk is also there with Listeners can also live-stream come to stop by the office and see the administrative staff. through the veritascatholic. the operation. “Veritas would not be here if com website and a Veritas mobile Because the station is a not-for- John hadn’t been at my side for app, which is available for Apple profit and does not receive financial the past two years,” Lee said. “I and Android devices. support from EWTN or the diocese, can’t say enough about this guy. “We need to reach people where it depends upon its listeners. For He’s the brains behind many of they are—in their cars, in their more info about charitable dona- the things we’ve done, including homes, on their phones,” Lee said. tions, or advertising opportunities, pushing us to get a morning show “We need to show them the beauty, visit www.veritascatholic.com. n 26 March 2021 The Ministry of Cemeteries From Wall Street to the Church By JOE PISANI Catholic cemeteries offer a range of options. Traditionally, there has Dean Gestal has worked with been full-body burial in a ground plot some of the most successful firms or entombed in a mausoleum. Since on Wall Street. He built up the bond 1963, cremation has been accept- department for money management ed by the Church, and now about pioneer Seth Glickenhaus before 50 percent of families choose that starting his own firm, Belle Haven option. The remains, called “cre- Investments. After trading bonds for mains,” are placed in an urn and 30 years, he headed to San Francisco then laid in a niche, which is located to help several startups in the dot- indoors in a mausoleum or outdoors com world and later moved to Salt in a structure called a columbarium. Lake City to reorganize his friend’s Dean Gestal Many cemetery systems around manufacturing company. the nation do an outreach to the Then, two years ago, Bishop “The Catholic cemeteries are parishes, with a focus on bereave- Frank J. Caggiano called him with about remembrance and honoring ment support. Gestal hopes to see another challenge: to use his man- the wishes of the Church and of fam- parishes create teams that will help agement and business skills to revi- ily members,” he said. “We are com- families through bereavement-fo- talize the cemeteries of the Diocese mitted to providing cemetery prop- cused groups so that when parents of Bridgeport. erty for the sacred religious function or family members die, the survi- It was, as they say, an offer of burial. We are also committed to vors do not find themselves with no Gestal couldn’t refuse, and today preserving these resting places as a emotional and spiritual support. he is the director of Catholic symbol of our Catholic belief.” One of the challenges he faces Cemeteries. To him, it isn’t a job, Cemeteries are sacred and peace- is reaching a younger generation it’s a ministry—a ministry to help ful places, he says, where we honor of Catholics who have fallen away all Catholics recognize the impor- the loved ones in our lives who have from their faith or for whom religion tance of a church burial. left us. A Catholic cemetery is a place is less important than their parents. “I am here because of Bishop where we can share memories and Gestal believes the construc- Caggiano,” Gestal says. “I enjoy show our respect in a manner consis- tion of the St. Catherine of Siena him immensely. He has a great sense tent with the teachings of the Church. Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven of the secular world and the religious Fundamental to this, is planning. Cemetery in Trumbull will allow world. We met and he said he need- “None us of wants to focus on them to change the thinking of a ed someone to run the cemeteries death because it’s not a comfort- younger generation of Catholics so and I told him I was willing to help able topic,” Gestal says. “All of they can memorialize their parents out the Church any way I could.” my friends are in the same boat in a respectful way by putting their In the two years that Gestal has as I am. Have we planned for our cremains in a sacred place rather been on the job, he has brought on burials and resting places? Most of than in, say, a closet. new staff, launched a beautification us haven’t even though it’s a simple In recent months, he has also initiative for the cemeteries, begun thing to do. Otherwise, it becomes launched a major beautification ini- a program to stress the importance a burden we put on our children at tiative at the diocesan cemeteries. of planning ahead for death and a time when they least need it. Our “To me, cemeteries are a com- started construction on a mausole- hope is to open people’s minds and munal place,” he says. “We have um at Gate of Heaven Cemetery crack the door before it becomes a opened them up to allow people in Trumbull, which will have 600 catastrophe or emergency.” to walk their dogs on a leash. We crypts and 600 niches for cremains. His goal is to bring more peo- are also planning walking tours at The diocese maintains 14 cem- ple from an “at need” approach, the St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery in eteries, nine of which are active. in which families suddenly find Greenwich, where we have 100 The largest, St. Michael’s, has more themselves responding to a death, acres. We want to invite people to than 100 acres. The others are to a “pre-need” approach to burial come in because it’s a peaceful place St. Mary-Putnam in Greenwich, services, which allows them to with beautiful trees and grounds.” St. John in Darien, St. John-St. address the issue ahead of time, Gestal, who with his wife Janie, Mary in Norwalk, Assumption avoid anguish and confusion, and is on the Inner City Foundation Greens Farms in Westport, Gate of be prepared by putting their desires board, lives in Greenwich. They Heaven in Trumbull, Resurrection in their last will and testament. have been married 46 years and have in Newtown, Queen of Peace in “For us, this is a ministry,” he four daughters and eight grandchil- Stamford, and St. Peter in Danbury. said. “We have an opportunity to dren. Since 1987, they have been There are fiver inactive histori- offer these services to all Catholics members of the Order of Malta. cal cemeteries—St. Augustine in in Fairfield County. We can help Born and raised on Long Island, Bridgeport, St. James in Bridgeport, them and answer their questions.” he moved to Greenwich in 1978. St. Mary in Norwalk and Old St. In recent months, he has added After he graduated from Marist Peter in Danbury, Assumption six additional counselors and plans College, he enlisted in the Air Force Kings Farm in Westport. to have two at each active cemetery National Guard and eventually start- For Gestal, the cemeteries are in the diocese. ed trading bonds on Wall Street. vital to the 400,000 Catholics in “They will be there to meet (For further information about the Fairfield County, “bookending” people when they walk through the Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of their spiritual lives from baptism to door and educate them about what is Bridgeport, visit the website: www. burial, even for those who have fall- available and how we can help them bridgeportdiocese.org/cemeteries. Or en away from the faith. make those final decisions,” he said. call: 203.610.3414.) n 27 March 2021 Deacon Candidacy Bishop challenges men to be ‘authentic witnesses’ By ELIZABETH CLYONS

On Saturday, March 13 at St. Augustine Cathedral, Walter Avitabile of Westport, Edward R. Carrillo of Bridgeport and Frank Mantero of Shelton were admitted to candidacy for ordination as dea- cons by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “To you I am deeply grateful. For despite the challenge we face in our world, you have come forward with generosity, with the WALTER AVITABILE of Westport, Edward R. Carrillo of Bridgeport and love of your families. You have Frank Mantero of Shelton were admitted to candidacy­ for ordination as dea- come here seeking true integrity of cons by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. life, and you have done well, you have done much,” he said to the The bishop challenged all the an apprentice with Plumber’s Local three aspirants during Mass. faithful, including himself, to go Union #2, working up to become In addition to the family, friends deeper. “To avoid self-righteous- Master Plumber. and faithful who attended in-per- ness,” said the bishop, “is not only Edward R. Carrillo and his son the Candidacy Mass was live- to do the good, but it is also to wife, Glenda, have three married streamed on the diocesan website seek those occasions where we can daughters (29, 26 and 23), one son In his homily Bishop Caggiano do more of the good.” (16), three grandchildren and one spoke about the parable of the The bishop encouraged those on the way! Carrillo is a member Pharisee and Tax Collector, which gathered to use these days of Lent of St. George Parish in Bridgeport teaches us “the need for humility remaining to ask themselves what and has served as Director of to avoid the self-righteousness is it that they can do more to be Liturgical Music , co-founder of the that can easily fall into the lives of an authentic witness of God’s love parish youth group, a catechist and anyone, most especially those who in the world. co-founder of the St. George family have authority, religious authority “If you and I rise to that occa- prayer group. Carrillo earned a and are called to leadership.” sion, my dear friends, there will be bachelor’s degree in computer pro- He explained that ostensibly the no sinner in any of our churches, no gramming in Guatemala, Central Pharisees did everything correct- person in any place of our Christian America. Carrillo has worked as a ly, and yet their intentions, their life, that will be left alone, sitting in sub-contractor for the Department hearts, their deepest spirit was far the back of a church, wondering if of Justice as well as an EOIR from being righteous. The bishop God forgives him or loves him. For Interpreter. He is currently self-em- explained that in the time of Jesus he will know that message by our ployed as a general contractor. the hypocritical nature of the scribes words and by our witness,” said the Frank Mantero is a mem- and the Pharisees was well-known. bishop. ber of St. Catherine of Siena in “People were searching for true Deacon Jerry Lambert, Trumbull, along with his wife, guides and they were lost.” Director of the Diaconate, Angela, and their four children The bishop posed the question, said that “This Admission to Marisa, Francisco, Olivia and How different is that from the Candidacy for Ordination, marked Antonio. He has served as Deputy world in which we live today? the end of the first year of study Grand Knight for the Knights “We have lived through a ter- for Walter, Edward, and Frank. of Columbus St. Catherine of rible time in the life of the church, In this past year of aspirancy, Siena Council, is a trustee for where the few have done great these men have participated in the Knights of Columbus Msgr. harm and many in our world monthly formation weekends Edward Halloran Assembly and question our authenticity, they within our diocese, while also a member of the board of direc- speak of an authenticity gap, beginning four years of theological tors for Habitat for Humanity of where Christians, especially those study at Saint Joseph Seminary in Greater New Haven. Mantero in leadership, will say one thing Yonkers, NY.” holds a master’s degree in internal but live something else,” contin- Walter Avitabile is a member relations from the University of ued the bishop. of Church of the Assumption, Kentucky, a bachelor’s degrees The bishop explained that this Westport, along with his wife in both political science and often deters people from entering Gracemary and three daughters Spanish from the University of a life of faith. (28, 26 and 23). He has served as Georgia. He is currently the vice “While it is true that all of us a catechist, Extraordinary Minister president of marketing at Knights are called to a life of authenticity of Holy Communion, Reader of Columbus Supreme Council in and integrity before the Lord, it is and a member of the Knights of New Haven. He has aheld various especially of responsibility for those Columbus. Avitabile attended roles in the healthcare industry in who are in leadership,” the bishop Salesian High School and works as marketing, public relations and said. “For if we do not live what a general construction superinten- communications, including seven we preach, our preaching is empty dent in NYC on infrastructure proj- years at GE as director of corpo- and it will bring no one to faith.” ects.After high school, he started as rate responsibility. n 28 March 2021 Foundations News Sr. Grace D’Amico FIE Gala set BETHEL—Sister BRIDGEPORT— Bridgeport. The annual gala Grace D’Amico, a mem- Foundations in Education’s gala brings together business, political ber of the School Sisters returns to Woodway Country and charitable leaders throughout of Notre Dame, died at Club in Darien, Conn. on May Fairfield County. Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk 6, 2021 with honorees Lynn and Proceeds from the gala ben- Connecticut, on February Francis X. Mara of the New efit Foundations in Education, 27, 2021. She was 75 years York Football Giants, Inc. and including the Bishop’s old. Dr. Julia M. McNamara, presi- Scholarship Fund and Innovation After profession of vows dent emerita, Albertus Magnus and Leadership Grant Program. College. This year Foundations award- Gala co-chairs Barbara Ripp ed 1,271 children $2,700,000 and Xandy Duffy met with in tuition assistance to attend Foundations in Education staff to Catholic schools throughout begin planning this year’s unique the Bridgeport Diocese. The event. The full gala committee Foundation also makes grants to will meet virtually later this teachers for innovative and lead- month. Celebrity auctioneer Pat ership initiatives in our Catholic Tully will provide an entertain- schools. This year the Foundation ing evening of humor and high recognized all teachers and staff energy as guests bid on exclusive with an Amazon gift card for packages, including a priceless their innovation and leadership experience with Bishop Frank while teaching throughout the J. Caggiano. The evening will pandemic. include cocktails and dinner at (If you wish to volunteer, spon- Woodway Country Club, with sor, contribute or learn more about a virtual option for the formal Foundations in Education or the Sister Grace D’Amico program. Gala, please visit www.foundation- Foundations in Education sineducation.org or contact Megan supports the mission of Catholic Quinn at 203.416.1671 or mquinn@ in 1965, Sister Grace began a education in the Diocese of foundationsineducation.org.) n varied ministry as grade and high school teacher, guid- ance and college counselor, D eceased Clergy: Diocese of Bridgeport director of development for March 21—April 24 Wilton Province SSND, director of weekend college and coordinator of post-mas- March ter’s program at Notre Dame 24 Rev. John Baran...... 2018 of Maryland University, Rev. Jon C. Bokron...... 1993 and associate director of 25 Rev. J. Clifford Grisé...... 2017 educational services for the 26 Rev. Andrew Marus...... 2018 Edmund Rice Christian 27 Rev. Bertrand E. Parent...... 1973 Brothers. She served in 30 Msgr. Patrick F. Donnelly...... 1993 New York, New Jersey, April Connecticut and Wisconsin. 2 Rev. Richard R. Dunn...... 1999 At the time of her death 3 Rev. Francis C. Metro...... 1957 Sister Grace was residing in 4 Rev. David W. Howell...... 2013 New Rochelle, N.Y., and Msgr. John F. Jazowski...... 2010 serving as coordinator for 5 Rev. Hugh F. Gallagher...... 1980 board development and min- 7 Rev. Stephen E. Opra...... 1992 istry services for the School 8 Rev. Joseph V. Kazlauskas...... 1968 Sisters of Notre Dame. Rev. Edward M. Horan...... 1978 A burial took place 9 Rev. John A. MacNeil...... 1994 at St. Mary Cemetery in Rev. Frederick Saviano...... 2016 Bethel, Connecticut, on 12 Rev. Emidio O. Gregori...... 2016 March 5, attended by fami- 13 Msgr. Henry M. Callahan...... 1956 ly, friends and some sisters Deacon Harold Lynch...... 2016 at 11:45 am. 14 Rev. Walter J. McCarthy...... 1968 At 11 am, the commu- Rev. William J. Fletcher...... 1988 nity at Villa Notre Dame Msgr. Edward D. Halloran...... 2001 in Wilton prayed over the 16 Rev. Edwin F. Agonis, O.F.M.Conv...... 1998 hearse with a farewell bless- 17 Rev. Robert J. Usenza...... 2016 ing. A Memorial Mass will 18 Rev. John E. Hanning...... 1959 be offered at the Villa at 19 Rev. Philip J. O’Farrell...... 1992 some time in the future. 20 Rev. Martin J. O’Connor...... 1988 Arrangements were by 21 Msgr. Roger J. Watts ...... 2020 Cornell Funeral Home, 23 Rev. Vincent P. Bodnar...... 1988 Danbury, Conn. n 29 March 2021 Sports Mr. Fitz: Voice of the Stags retires

By DON HARRISON As the first member of his family to attend If you’ve attended a Fairfield college, though, Fitz University men’s basketball opted to focus on his game in the past half century, studies and served as at any of the Stags’ four home a student manager courts, you’ve heard his voice. for the Fairfield team “And the Stags take the lead…” all four seasons as an Jim Fitzpatrick has served undergraduate. But as his alma mater’s courtside there was the occa- public address announcer at sion that first year all of these venues: The ven- when Lou Saccone, erable Alumni Hall on cam- coach of the fresh- pus. Webster Bank Arena in man squad, informed Bridgeport. The former New Jim he’d lost a few Haven Coliseum. And the players to academics long-gone decrepit New Haven and wondered if he Arena. would come out for “I’ve worked 608 Stags the team. games since 1971, and I’ve “He made no missed just five during that peri- promises,” Fitz od,” explains the amiable, mus- recalled, smiling. tachioed Fitzpatrick. “But I got into about The reasons for his absence four games, and when were beyond his control: The we played Rider in deaths of his parents, an annu- Jim Fitzpatrick Alumni Hall, I made al spring break service trip to (Photo by Peter McLean) one of two foul shots. Kentucky, and “being in the So, I’m in the record hospital because of low potassi- umes. He has been a member books.” um.” of Fairfield’s campus ministry Ask Fitzpatrick to select the James Donovan Fitzpatrick’s since his days as an undergrad- most extraordinary Stags game name came to the fore this win- uate, progressing from altar he’s called across 50 seasons, ter with the announcement of boy to eucharistic minister and and he responds without hesi- his retirement from the Jesuit lector. tation. university, after 51 years of Then, there was his family’s “I don’t think any game can devoted service. Away from early involvement at a local par- come close to the Holy Cross the basketball court, ”Mr. Fitz” ish, Holy Family. As Jim recalls game in 1978,” he says. “They served as assistant vice president with a wry smile: “My wife were nationally ranked (14th), of auxiliary services (food ser- Phyllis was teaching there, and they had a great player in Ron vice, bookstore, transportation), when she became pregnant, she Perry, a fine coach in George oversaw the Barone Campus asked me to help out. I wound Blaney. But we blew them out, Center as well as student activ- up teaching eighth-grade CCD 123-103. Nobody could say after ities, and befriended and men- there 33 years.” that game that Fairfield didn’t tored more students than he can A self-described “basketball belong among the East’s elite.” recall. junkie,” Fitzpatrick arrived on That superb Stags team won During a brief ceremony on campus as a student in the fall 22 of 25 games during the reg- campus, Fairfield’s first select- of 1966 and considered trying ular season and featured no woman, Brenda Kupchick, out for coach George Bisacca’s fewer than six Fairfield Alumni declared February 3, 2021 “Jim Stags, who had concluded their Athletic Hall-of-Famers in Fitzpatrick Day.” It was also second NCAA Division-I season the making – the backcourt of revealed that alumni, students with a lustrous 19-5 record. Joe DeSantis and Kim Fisher, and staff had raised more than Indeed, Fitz had played the 6-foot-10 center Mark Young, $100,000 to name press row game at Monsignor Coyle High forwards Steve Balkun and after him at what will be the School in Taunton, Mass., and “Flip” Williams, and new arena and convocation cen- even scored a basket for his head coach Fred Barakat. In ter on campus. high school team at Boston 2012, Fitzpatrick, too, was “It is impossible to ade- Garden before the eyes of two inducted into the Hall of Fame. quately thank Jim for a lifetime NBA legends (the Cincinnati A more challenging question ministry to our students and the Royals would face the Celtics for Fitz: Who is your all-time University we love so much. in the featured game.) He favorite Stags player? You are synonymous with recalls: “Just before the jump “I’m going to upset some Fairfield and a personification ball, I saw (the Royals’) people with whomever I of Jesuit education,” said Janet Oscar Robertson and Jack choose,” he says, “but no player Canepa ‘82, director of alumni Twyman standing in the tunnel. was more impactful than Joey relations. Fortunately, our center got the D. He didn’t want to lose and There’s a spiritual aspect to tap, the ball went to me. I just single-handedly could win a Jim Fitzpatrick that speaks vol- threw it up and it went in.” game by himself.” n 30 March 2021 Column: Thomas Hicks A Fundamental Bond the two friends, with the same feast day, January 2. “Two bodies Potpourri with a single spirit” implies that what happens to one’s friend, hap- By Thomas H. Hicks pens to oneself. A few other characteristics of deep friendship would be: friends share a vision of life; have common interests, common delights. friendship must be about Thomas Hicks is a member something; they can pass from of St. Theresa Parish in Trumbull. light jesting to talk of the deepest things; they can dip into each oth- er’s thoughts; friends can fall into faithful friend is many friends (politicians do it all a calm companionable silence; etc. a sturdy shelter. the time). But who they’re calling Sharing a common past is He that as found “friends” are not more than affin- usually a part of deep friendships. “Aone has found ities. People can bestow the title Friendship and reminiscence go a treasure. There is nothing so “friend” too generously; they are together. True friendship involves precious as a faithful friend and no referring to acquaintances. sharing memories, being able scales can measure his excellence. My life is riddled with holes to say to each other “Do you A faithful friend is an elixir of life, where people I called friends once remember?” It involves talk about and those who fear the Lord will were. There are the lost friends. “those days,” and talking about find him” (Sirach 6:14-16). How hard it is to avoid offend- the same people. Friends passed Thomas Merton once said that ing somebody. One or the other into different rooms of their lives he liked people, “but after about makes a misjudgment, presumes, together. They possess together an hour I’m tired of being with and a rift opens between them, the the precious, incommunicable others.” He also said, “I do know equilibrium is gone. Friendship is past. Friendship and affection that the best way to really waste vulnerable. mellow as the years unfold. time is to get with a lot of other The philosophers of ancient Truly deep friendships are gifts people: then it will be killed for Athens wrote compellingly about from God. It’s not by accident that certain.” friendship. Aristotle (Ethics) said people come together. I understand what Merton was that friends are needed for happi- Certain people were born to saying. For example, cocktail par- ness, and defined a friend as “a be comrades. A famous spiritual ties are hard work for me. There’s trusted other who understands writer named Garrigou Lagrange all the smiles you have to exude, and accepts me as I am.” He also wrote that the continuance of all the effort at being charming. asserted that true friendship only friendship for more than twenty There’s the burden of intermin- exists among people who are years is a sign that the friendship gling, the vapid togetherness, good people. Cicero (De Amicitia) has a divine origin (Life Everlasting, the toil of exerting oneself to be wrote how friendship ennobles p.234). Friendship is one of life’s congenial and to keep smiling. I human life and provides some fundamental bonds. Friends are remember smiling steadily while of life’s most splendid moments. the blessing of a lifetime. They a Hungarian lady told us about The ancient Greeks used the word enable us to celebrate living. They what a beautiful tomb she had storge to describe friendship. Storge bring some of the happiest days. bought for her third husband. refers to the love one has for com- People can live without a deep I spent a long time listening to fortably familiar people. It denotes friendship, and it seems that most a man ramble on about a trip a tender care, something maternal, people do. Still, in many ways, he and his wife once made to something gentle. life has no better gift to give, and Minneapolis. There’s the banter- Aristotle was right when he friendship should be nurtured, ing and raillery. And, like Merton, regarded trust as the bedrock of cared for, invested in. The best after about an hour I start thinking true friendship. C.S. Lewis put things in our lives are the loves about how soon I can get out of it this way: “a friend will prove we have known. When you have this? There is something in me himself to be an ally when alliance a true and close friend you have that can stand only so much time becomes necessary” (Four Loves, one of the best things this life has of unrelieved socialization, hear- p.88). Overall, the essence of to give. Most of our hurts come ing people comparing illnesses, all friendship involves unconditional through relationships, so does the one-upmanship, the planned acceptance, loyalty, and support. our healing. Social psychologists summer trips, the latest guest on In a story by Flannery O’Connor, claim that psychoanalytic therapy Dr, Phil, and then I seek solitude. a boy describes a friendship he doesn’t work much better than We puff our jobs, balloon our was aware of this way: “they the untrained ear of a true friend. travel plans. never quarls, they like one man Friends give us life and love and One can note that Therese of in two skins” (Greenleaf, p.299). God. There is the old hymn that Lisieux said “conversations with As far back as the fourth century, goes: “Where there is Caritas and people, even pious conversations, Gregory Nanzianzen, speaking of Amor there is God.” fatigued my soul...for there is so his friend, Basil, said “we seemed Think where man’s glory most much self-love intermingled with to be two bodies with a single spir- begins and ends spiritual conversations.” it.” The Church honors Gregory And say my glory was I had such a Many people claim to have of Nazianzen and Basil the Great, friend. (Yeats). n 31 March 2021 Nuestra Voz Nuevo sitio web, remodelan y restauran Saint Joseph y Saint

Por MARICARMEN GODOY

NORWALK—Desde que el Padre Edicson Orozco se hizo cargo de las iglecsias Saint Joseph y Saint Ladislaus, que rigen uni- das en su administración, pero que tienen vida pastoral propia; el sacerdote se ha dado a la tarea de remodelar algunas partes de sus templos y también de motivar a sus feligreses a través de sus gru- pos parroquiales y de un nuevo sitio web. El monumento a La Santa Cruz de la cerca, del Altar y del piso son los trabajos de ren- ovación y restauración en San Ladislaus. Y la imagen restaurada del Sagrado Corazón y la reno- vación de la Sacristía en Saint Joseph; son los trabajos que el sac- erdote puso a vista del público en las redes sociales. Además se han cortado algunos árboles para que no se dañe el agua ducto y ampli- ar el parqueadero y por eso se han cortado los árboles. “Estas son las más recientes renovaciones y restauraciones en ambos de nuestros templos. Agradecemos a todos aquellos quienes han contribuido de diver- sas formas para que todo esto se haga posible. ¡Infinitas bendi- ciones!”, posteó el sacerdote como parte de la información directa con sus feligreses. CON LAS RESTAURACIONES y remodelaciones de las iglesias, además el Asimismo Orozco, el 13 de corte de algunos árboles para ampliar el parqueadero y evitar que se dañe el marzo en horas de la mañana, agua ducto, el P. Edicson Orozco dio por iniciada la fiesta en honor a San José, anunció que lanza una nueva patrono de la parroquia. página web para ambas Iglesias. “Pueden visitar la nueva página a través de este enlace”, dijo: interesa, que no le importa? 10:30 am. https://stjstlrcp.org/ Además se notificó que se ha Miércoles Como parte del tiempo de hecho un cambio en el nuevo 6:15 pm—Santo Rosario (en español) Cuaresma camino a celebrar la horario de Misas que entra en 7 pm—Santa Misa (en español) Semana Santa, en uno de los bole- vigencia con una misa en español Jueves tines online la parroquia escribió: los domingos a las 8:30 am y 6 pm—Exposición del Santisimo “Tanto amó Dios al mundo, que 12:30 pm, tanto en St. Joseph Sacramento le entregó a su Hijo único, para como en St. Ladislaus. 7 pm—Santa Misa (en español) que todo el que crea en él tenga Otro de los avisos que el Sábado vida eterna. Para contemplar: sacerdote informó es sobre las 7 pm—Santa Misa (en español) ¿En qué momentos he sentido reuniones de los comités de finan- Domingo más claramente el amor de Dios? zas y pastoral de la iglesia de Saint 8 am—Santa Misa (en español) ¿Cómo puedo compartir el amor Ladislaus y la fiesta en honor del 10:30 am—Santa Misa (en inglés) de Dios con las personas con patrono San José, el esposo de la 12 pm—Santa Misa (en español) quienes me encuentro? virgen María. Aun no se ha dado 5:30 pm—Santa Misa (en francés, El sacerdote habló sobre la permiso para las procesiones de creole) muerte en la Cruz de Jesús y dejó Semana Santa. Si usted quiere comunicarse este interrogante abierto: ¿Valió la con St. Joseph, St. Ladislaus pena que Dios haya muerto en la Calendario de Actividades Church. St. Joseph 203.838.4171 Cruz por nosotros?, ¿parece que de esta semana x 10. St. Ladislaus 203.818.9195. no?, ¿hay mucha gente que no La Misa de los domingos en Rel. Ed Office: 203.866.1225, quiere saber nada de él, que no le inglés de Saint. Ladislaus es a las 203.803.4408. n 32 March 2021 Holy Thursday Rediscovering the tradition of eve- ning visits to the ‘seven churches’

By FATHER JOSEPH MARCELLO

(Editor’s note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, some parishes may not be setting up a special repository this year and may instead be reserving the Blessed Sacrament in the church’s tabernacle. In either case, social distancing will be pro- vided. Check individual parish schedules for details.) In recent years, many Catholics have discovered or rediscovered the ancient and beautiful custom of vis- iting Christ in the Blessed Sacrament at seven churches on the night of Holy Thursday. Each year, at the conclusion of the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, the celebrant, servers and the assembled faithful process with the Blessed Sacrament to a beautiful- ly decorated repository usually locat- ed outside the church’s sanctuary— either at a side shrine, in the lower seems to trace its origins to St. Philip Recent college graduate Olivia church or elsewhere. This move- Neri (1515-1595) who, to foster the Kelly concurs: “My family and I ment from the altar to the repository faith and devotion of the people of love the Holy Thursday pilgrimage is an entering into the moment at Rome, organized pilgrimages to visit because it allows us to physically which Jesus and the Apostles left the Christ in the Eucharist in churches and spiritually immerse ourselves in Upper Room, crossed the Kidron around the City on Holy Thursday. the . Praying with Valley and made their way into As they walked from church to our peers, we join Jesus at each the Garden of Gethsemane, where church, they would sing, pray and stop of His journey from the Upper Christ underwent his agony of fast, uniting themselves with Christ Room to His crucifixion by meeting anguished prayer. in his agony. Him in the silence of each church, During his time in the Garden St. Philip Neri’s pilgrimage remembering Him in the Scriptures of Gethsemane, an additional suf- itinerary included the four major and adoring Him in the Eucharist.” fering for Christ was that he found basilicas of Rome: St. Peter’s, St. Young people have respond- his disciples asleep during his hour John Lateran, St. Mary Major and ed with special enthusiasm when of need. “He said to Peter, ‘So you St. Paul Outside the Walls; as well they’ve learned of this custom, and could not keep watch with me for as three of its minor basilicas: St. often it’s led their parents to dis- one hour? Watch and pray that you Lawrence Outside the Walls, Holy cover it too. As Damien O’Connor may not undergo the test. The spirit Cross in Jerusalem and St. Sebastian describes, “Providing transportation is willing, but the flesh is weak’” (Mt Outside the Walls. In St. Philip’s to the seven Churches made the 26: 40-41). time—and until the Holy Week evening (initially) fun for my teenage Through the centuries, genera- reforms of Pope Pius XII in 1955— daughter Ana because she and I tions of Catholics, moved by this the Holy Thursday Mass of the could go with her friends. God used haunting and poignant question of Lord’s Supper was celebrated in the a fun activity to bring Ana and I Christ, have themselves responded morning, so this pilgrimage extend- closer to each other and Him. We to him from their own time and ed through most of the day. now go annually because of the place, accompanying him in his In our own time, the Mass of the powerful encounter of Christ we agony in the Garden by maintain- Lord’s Supper is fittingly celebrated experience in the Eucharist as well ing a vigil of prayer and presence in the evening and adoration at the as through those praying.” with him at a repository on Holy repositories is maintained for some Parishioner Joseph Tristine Thursday night. There they are pres- hours after Mass, with some parish- echoes this: “As impactful as it is to ent before the same Christ, now in es extending it even until midnight. remain in the church in adoration the Eucharist, who suffered in the Young professional Emma Ryder of the Blessed Sacrament after Holy Garden on Holy Thursday. describes her experience: “Visiting Thursday, it is so much more pro- Some people prefer to remain in the Blessed Sacrament at seven found to make it a “journey of ado- prayer at one repository, perhaps in churches is always a highlight of ration” by visiting the seven church- the same church where they attend- Holy Week. It’s a mini pilgrimage es with friends and other parishio- ed the Mass of the Lord’s Supper. that allows me to stay awake with ners. It adds a sense of pilgrimage, Others prefer to visit the Blessed Christ during His agony in the gar- mission and shared devotion to the Sacrament and pray in seven den, begin to enter into the suffering experience, while also more deeply churches. The practice of visiting with Him and sets a solemn tone for drawing you into the night of our seven churches on Holy Thursday the remainder of the Triduum.” Lord’s Passion.” n 33 March 2021 Vocations Model of Spiritual Fatherhood

By FATHER CHRIS FORD heart and mind as a model and of spiritual fatherhood. Like St. an inspiration for the type of Joseph, we too come to take great One of the most challenging fatherhood to which I have found joy in the people entrusted to our things about discerning priesthood myself called: St. Joseph. care, rejoicing with them in the is often the discernment of the life In the Litany of St. Joseph, he greatest moments life has to offer. that goes along with it: the life of is referred to as “Foster Father We feel the same pride as the celibacy. For many young men of the Son of God.” This state- father of the prodigal son when considering the priesthood, it may ment reminds us that, though one who has so long been lost is very well be that celibacy is the St. Joseph raises the Christ child welcomed back into the merciful obstacle that seems unsurmount- as his own—indeed, Jesus was embrace of God. Our hearts break

Father Chris Ford able. I recall my own discernment often known as the carpenter’s at the tragedies endured by those of priesthood and find that wrap- son—Joseph was not Jesus’ we have come to know, to serve ping my head around this life of natural father. Yet, that did not and to love. celibacy was indeed a challenge stop Joseph from offering Jesus St. Therese of Lisieux in her for me as well, though not neces- and his mother every fiber of his prayer for priests asks of God: sarily for the reasons you might being in love, care and protec- “Bless their labors with abun- think. tion. dant fruit, and may the souls to For me, it wasn’t the idea of It did not stop Joseph from ulti- whom they have ministered to not having a wife and a happy mately taking Mary into his home. be their joy and consolation and marriage that gave me pause, It did not stop Joseph from getting in Heaven their beautiful and though marriage certainly is a up in the middle of the night to everlasting crown.” Priesthood, wonderful gift. Rather, I struggled lead Jesus and his mother into lived to its fullest depths, can be with the idea that I would never the uncertain safety of Egypt. It immensely fruitful in producing have the gift of having children of did not stop Joseph from looking spiritual children for our Heavenly my own. I wouldn’t have a son to with anxious concern for the child Father to call his own. Just as teach how to throw a baseball or Jesus left behind in the Temple. It Jesus remains the joy of St. a daughter to teach how to ride a did not stop Joseph from teaching Joseph, when a priest comes to the bike. I wouldn’t have little league Jesus the carpenter’s trade and the halls of heaven, it will be the souls games or dance recitals to go to, value of human work in providing that he has cared for in the name to be able to take pride in my chil- for one’s family. It did not stop God our Father that will be his dren’s accomplishments or to be a Joseph from being a physical rep- greatest pride and joy. person of comfort and consolation resentation, almost a living sacra- I will never be called “Dad.” in their struggles. As I struggled ment, of the Father’s love. But each and every day I find with this reality, however, one In St. Joseph, then, each priest new joy and new hope in being figure came continually into my finds his inspiration and model called—and being—“Father.” n