Saint Cecilia Parish Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

90 Church Street Saint Cecilia Parish Rockaway, New Jersey 07866

Parish Office: 973-627-0313 Website: st-cecilia.org — Office: [email protected] Fax: 973-627-4811 To Contact: Fr. Zig: Ext. 12 or [email protected] Fr. Cerilo: Ext 14 or [email protected]—Fr. Matt: Ext 15 or [email protected] School: 973-627-6003 CCD Office: 973-627-0313 Ext. 17

Rev. Sigmund Peplowski MASSES PASTOR Weekends Rev. Cerilo Javinez Saturday: 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm PAROCHIAL VICAR Sunday: 8:00 am, 9:15 am

Rev. Mateusz Darlak 10:45 am and 12:15 pm PAROCHIAL VICAR 5:00 pm (Vietnamese)

Deacon Paul Willson Holydays Vigil 4:30 pm Seminarian Angel Torres 6:30 am, 8:00 am & 7:00 pm

Mrs. Janet Maulbeck Weekday Schedule: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR Monday - Friday and YOUTH PROTECTION/ SAFE ENVIRONMENT 6:30 am & 8:00 am COORDINATOR Saturday 8:00 am followed by Novena Mr. James Clancy DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION Confessions

CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY Saturdays 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm

Mrs. Ann Mitchell All Catholic Churches in the United States require from and 6:30 pm PRINCIPAL Catholics serving as a Godparent for Baptism or a sponsor Any time by appointment for Confirmation a certificate of eligibility. This document Mrs. Diane Boykow certifies that the Godparent/sponsor is a registered member

CEMETERY ADMINISTRATOR of the parish, attends Holy Mass, approaches the sacra- Susan Brennan ments regularly and contributes to the support of the TRUSTEE Mr. Charles Linnell Church via the Sunday offering envelope program or MUSIC DIRECTOR “Parish Pay”. It is the responsibility of the individual to James Gallagher meet these requirements as listed in the Code of Canon TRUSTEE Law , #874.

SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM PARISH PRAYER LIFE A Pre-Baptismal Class is held the third Monday of each NOVENA: OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL month at 7:00 pm in the parish office. No pre-registration AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA required. Both parents are encouraged to attend the class Saturday morning after the 8:00 am Mass before the birth of the baby. The Sacrament of Baptism is BIBLE STUDY: Tuesday @ 9:30 am; Monday Night Bible Study administered weekly at the 12:15 pm Mass and a Baptis- @ 7:30 pm; Mommy Bible Study @ 9:30 am on Thursdays mal Ceremony at 1:30 pm. CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP Tuesday evenings at 7:45 pm (Hayes Hall ) SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP: 3rd Wed. @ 7:00 pm (PO) Arrangements are to be made at least ONE YEAR in ad- HOLY HOUR : Monday @ 7:00 pm vance. The date should not be set until the priest has RCIA—RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION— FOR ADULTS: been consulted. Please contact Jim Clancy @ 973-627-0313 ROSARY PRAYER GROUP: Monday through Sat. @ 7:30 am SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Urgent calls will be attended to at any time of the day or night. If there is anyone at home or in the hospital who Parish Office Hours cannot get to Mass and the Sacraments because of illness Monday thru Thursday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or old age, please inform one of the priests or call the Friday: 8:30 am to 2:00 pm Parish Office @ 973-627-0313. Closed for lunch: 12:00 to 1:00 Page 2 February 23, 2020 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time ST. CECILIA CHURCH COLLECTION GOALS Week Ending : February 16, 2020 Monday, February 24, Weekday Collection—Checks $ 3,954.00 6:30 am— Julius & Helen Salvesen req. by Family Collection– Cash $ 6,265.50 8:00 am—Al Cuneo req. by Ag Struble & Family WeShare Electronic Giving $ 3,422.43 Tuesday, February 25, Weekday Total Weekly Collection $ 13,641.93 6:30 am—Veronica Morgante 8:00 am—Isabel Blazejewski req. by Dianna & John Sullivan Yearly Collection Goal (BUDGET) $ 839,000.00 Wednesday, February 26, Ash Wednesday Weekly Goal $ 15,196.08 6:30 am— For the parishioners of St. Cecilia Church 8:00 am—For the parishioners of St. Cecilia Church Weekly Collection Surplus (Deficit) $ (1,260.03) 4:30 pm—For the parishioners of St. Cecilia Church Year To Date Surplus (Deficit) $ (30,278.95) 7:00 pm—For the parishioners of St. Cecilia Church Thursday, February 27, Thursday after Ash Wednesday THE WORD OF GOD 6:30 am—Msgr. Charles Powers 22: Gn 2:7-9; 3:1-7 Ps 51:3-6, 12-13, 17 8:00 am—Tom McKenna, Sr. Rom 5:12-19 Friday, February 28, Friday after Ash Wednesday 6:30 am—Mary Reynolds 8:00 am—Adelia Clements req. by Annie Mitchell Saturday, February 29, Saturday after Ash Wednesday 8:00 am—Bishop Frank Rodimer Sunday, March 1, First Sunday of Lent 4:30 pm— Sr. Ann & Mary Therese Fitzpatrick req. by Claire BEREAVEMENT SESSIONS TO BEGIN—The passing Dowling of a loved one is the greatest hurt which we endure in life. Agnes Burns req. by the Bartholomew Family If you recently lost a loved one to death we invite you to 7:00 pm— Frances Davino participate in our bereavement program here at Saint Ce- 8:00 am— For the Holy Souls in Purgatory cilia’s, open to both parishioners and non parishioners. The 9:15 am— Rosemary Matis req. by the Matis Family 10:45 am— Lesley A. Knapp req. by Amy & Damiano Servidio six week program begins on March 25 and will meet for the Joseph Frank Carnesale req. by Ann Marie & next five Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm in the parish of- Ross Greenerg fice. The last sessions with be a Mass & candle ceremony 12:15: pm– Denise Quartermaine req. by Rose & Shirley in church. Registration is required by calling the parish office at 973.627.0313 prior to March 18th.

The people of St. Cecilia Parish are asked to pray for the following people serving our country in the armed services: SmE3 Andrew Clifford, Joseph Giannetti US Navy, Lance Corporal Dennis Wuest, Capt. Kelley E. Robbins, Pvt USMC, Diego Usma, Major Glenn E. Martinez, Sgt. Brian Ethan Chandra, Dean Wayne Campbell, Doris Cusick, Carol Centonze, Jane Whalen, Capt. Anthony Odierno, Cpl. Kong V. Nguyen, Gorcica, Sam Sessa, Carol Ferrante, Jim Golden, Karen Niles, Noel Cpl. Jim Van Valen, LCPL Anthony Eresman, Sgt. Paul J. Wadleigh, Joanna Sacco, David Cicchine, Teresa D’Atria, Derek Willson, PFC Cano Janeth, Sgt. Bob Autrey, Col. William Bascharow, Debbie Malc, Grace McDermott, Joe Horvath, Jr., Elvira Paliwada, Sgt 1st Class (E7) Sam Colon, PFC Marylyn Bugaoan, Owen Peter Byrne, Tia Maddaloni, Mason Walker Rivera-Sachez, Cpl. Edward C. Thompson, Major Kevin M. Steussing, Susan Mejia, Derek Bascharow, Isabel Rattay, Tom Hull, Nash, Lt. Amy Cronin, Col. John L. Medeiros, Jr., Sgt. Kathleen Fazio, Kristin Wich, Kyle Johnson, Kate Darlington, Jake Daniel Healy, Marine Keith Leitner, Sgt. Spencer Lopez, Michael Miraldi, Cheryl Anne Bornemann, Sean Nolan, Maryann PFC Taryn Kemp, Jeffrey Braunhausen, E7 Joseph Grimsey, Hughes, Peggy Eileen Miars, Ray Kennedy, Richard Corcoran, Bill Maloney, Greg Bloete, Gian Carlo Bruzzese, Spc. Chris- Madison Rose Leslie, Demetrius Barbee, Lucille Bardi, Frances Finn, topher Little, PFC Brittany Martindell, PO1 (E6) Matthew Dorothy Murray, Virginia Cousins, Stephanie Lewis, Kimberly Fitzgerald, SA Justin C. White, Matthew & Daniel Rosica, Dugan, Gale Sessa, Marguerite Buggy, Mike Murray, Helene Mark Leonard, Sr. Armn. Ashley Valetta, Sgt. John Wisnof- Turner, Michael Turner, Ruben Lorenzo, Michael Alvarez, Mina sky, Cpl. T.J. Finn, Sgt. Kristopher Faber, Capt. Vincent Simmons-Jones, Joe Maulbeck, Mary Merz, Dolores Faulkner, Presto, Airman First Class William Kussler , Spc. Gregory Marion Cables, Patricia Smith Schulman, Vincent Fortunato, Joyce Villaneuva and Sgt. Casey W. Lyness . We ask God the Fa- Turner, Tom Cummiskey, Dennis O’Brien, Steven Simmons, Ariel, ther of us all, through the intercession of St. Michael the James DiStaiso, Marty Mackin, Brian Bosworth, Dennis Dilger, Archangel, to protect all the men and women in our Armed Robyne LaGrotta, Dave Lewis, Christopher Darlak, Frieda Solow, Forces, to bless them in their efforts toward bringing peace Claudia Fontanella, Richard Brezin, Jimmy Carroll, Diane Milo, and justice to our world. May they be brought back safely to Claire Wasacz, Peggy Traino, Emilio Viola. those they love. 580-St. Cecilia Page 3 February 23, 2020 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

PARISH EVENTS PRECIOUS BLOOD—It has been advised that the distribution of Precious Blood at the Sunday Masses be suspended during BAPTISM CLASS – A meeting of all those wishing infor- the flu season. The sharing of the “Cup of Salvation” will re- mation and scheduling for a baptism will meet on Monday sume on Holy Thursday, April 9th. Fr. Zig evening, March 16th in the Saint Cecilia Parish office at 7 pm. Father will be present to conduct the information session HELP NEEDED—Volunteers are needed to assist in the laun- and answer questions regarding the celebration of the sacra- dering of the linens used during the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. ment. You would be put on a schedule once every 4 to 6 weeks. If you are interested or need more information, please call or stop by SCAM E-MAILS – Please be aware that scam e-mails, the parish office—973-627-0313. Thank you! texts & phone calls are being sent bearing my name. Please do not respond to these communications which do Confessions: “Welcome Home” is a diocesan initiative to in- not come from me. I would never request money, gift vite all Catholics to experience the grace of the Sacrament of cards, “favors” nor anything via these means. – Father Reconciliation. Confession is a wonderful opportunity to set Zig aside our sinful ways and to draw closer to our Lord. Confes- sions will be held every Monday in March, from 7:00 pm—8:30 ST. JOSEPH NOVENA – The novena to Saint Joseph pm in every Catholic Church in the Diocese of Paterson. Don’t begins on Tuesday, March 10th at the conclusion of the 8 be afraid! Information will be provided. Ask the priest to help you. Experience the gracious mercy of God! o’clock morning Mass and will take place each day until the www. WelcomeHomeToHealing.org Solemnity of Saint Joseph on Thursday, March 19th. On the feast day following the Holy Mass Saint Joseph pastries will be blessed followed by a brief program on Saint Joseph in MEN’S RETREAT – A retreat for men will take place in our Hayes Hall. parish beginning with Stations of the Cross at 7 o’clock on Friday evening, March 27th and concluding with Holy Mass at noon on Saturday, March 28th. Registration for the retreat can th HOLY LENT – The season of Lent will begin on Ash be done by calling the parish office prior to March 24 or can Wednesday, February 26th with the distribution of ashes at be done on line. The registration fee is $20 per person. The the morning Masses at 6:30 and 8 o’clock and the evening topic is “Real Life Perspectives on the Parable of the Prodigal Mass at 7 o’clock. Ashes will also be distributed at the Lit- Son.” Speakers will include Father Carmen Buono and Sam urgy of the Word service which will take place at 4:30 in the Chey. A wonderful opportunity for a spiritual recharge! Guys, afternoon. Let’s begin this holy time in the tradition which you won’t regret participating in this event. has been handed down to us from the Early Church.

Church Regulations Regarding Fast and Abstinence: Abstinence from meat (beast or fowl) is to be observed by ST. CECILIA SENIOR CLUB NEWS AND EVENTS all Catholics fourteen years old and older on Ash Wednes- day Please be advised that all the “Senior Events” are and on all the Fridays of Lent. This obligation prohibits the open to everyone 55 and over from eating of meat, but not eggs, milk products, or condiments St. Cecilia & Sacred Heart Parishes! of any kind, even though made from animal fat. Regular Meetings: March 3rd & 31st @ 12:00 pm Fasting means limiting oneself to one full meal on a given March 10th: Casino—Price to be determined. fast day. Catholics who are eighteen years of age but not March 17th: Huntington Hills Theater Irish show-singer-dancers-comedian-music yet fifty-nine are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Cost: $85.00 for members Good Friday. On fast days, two additional smaller meals For more info call: Carol Shinck @ 973-537-5529 are permitted if necessary to maintain strength. However, 12 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise the two smaller meals together may not equal one full meal. Sail Date: 12/07/20 from Moreover, eating solid foods between meals on fast days Cape Liberty on RCCL Anthem of the Sea is not permitted. For more info call: Alice Koller @ 973-627-8558

580-St. Cecilia Page 4 February 23, 2020 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Priesthood Do ‘Something Beautiful for God’ For Men Discerning the Priesthood From February 26 through April 5th 2020, there will be “40 First Saturday of the Month Days for Life” daily prayer vigils around the world outside 9:00 am – 12:00 pm of Planned Parenthood and other abortion provid- Domus Bartimaeus, ers. Please join us as we pray at 196 Speedwell Ave. - House of Discernment 913 Birch Street, Boonton, NJ 070005 Planned Parenthood of Morristown - where every day, Mass, Adoration, Talk, Lunch three babies die from chemical abortions; i.e. over a thou- Diocese of Paterson sand each year. Your gift of an hour or more of peaceful Rev. Edward Rama, Vocation Director witness and prayer any time between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., 973-777-8818 ext 715 Monday through Sunday, will help to save God’s children Email: [email protected] in danger of abortion. Do something beautiful for Him, Website: PatersonDiocese.org Pray for Vocations to the Priesthood and sign up for any hour(s) you can give at “The Harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so https://40daysforlife.com/browse-campaigns, or contact Ask the Master of the harvest to send out laborers for the local campaign coordinator, Frances Spillman, at His harvest.” Please join us in prayer for Vocations by [email protected] to sign up. Signs will be provided, or Offering up a Holy Hour and Rosary once a week. you can bring your own; but nothing graphic. Just imag- ine how wonderful you will feel to find out that you saved a child’s life! We hope you will join us.

Our Condolences to the Family of: ECUMENICAL LENTEN LUNCHES – The clergy of the Donna Youker, Bertha Mazzo, Eleanor Mason, Dorothy Gunder, Roberto Cadag and Rockaway Ecumenical Association will once again sponsor the Margaret McGinley Fridays of Lent lunches at the First Presbyterian Church in Eternal Rest Grant to them O Lord Rockaway beginning on March 1st. The lunch begins at 12 Noon and is followed by a Lenten presentation given by one of the clergy. The schedule is: March 1-Holy Trinity Lutheran LENTEN PARISH RETREAT – “The Father’s Only Church; 8-United Methodist Church of the Rockaways; 15- Beloved Son,” is the title of this year’s Lenten retreat Teabo United Methodist Church; 22-St. Simon the Apostle which will take place on Saturday, March 7th at the Saint Catholic Church; 29-First Presbyterian Church; April 5-St. Ce- Francis Center in Denville. The retreat begins at 8:30 cilia Catholic Church. A free will offering will be accepted for with breakfast followed by two conferences and conclud- lunch. ing with the Holy Mass at Noon. This year’s retreat will look at the story of Abraham—a story of promise, faith, sacrifice and fulfillment—and what the faith of Abraham means for us in the light of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. The cost for the retreat is $20 per person. Reservations RCIA—RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS are a must and can be made by calling the parish office no Are you or someone you know in need of adult faith forma- later than Tuesday, March 3rd. The presenter is Father tion and sacrament preparation? Are you interested in coming Andrew Burns who serves as parochial vicar at Saint Jo- into the church as a fully initiated Catholic (Baptism, Eucha- seph Church in Mendham. rist, & Confirmation)? If you or someone you know is searching and feeling called to enter more fully into the life of Assumption College for Sisters, Denville, will host their the church, please contact Jim Clancy in the parish office to Nineteenth Annual Caring Basket Gala on March 26, 2020, discuss joining our RCIA program @ 973.627.0313 or honoring Brother Paul, Diveny, OSB, Louis and Julianne [email protected]. Modugno, and Thomas Anselmi. The event will be held at the Hanover Marriot from 6:30-10:00 PM. 2020 TRIP TO MEDJUGORJE, CROATIA, SLOVENIA Featured during the event are a 50/50 cash raffle and bas- & ADRIATIC COAST—Join Father Zig on this trip Sep- ket raffle along with a silent and live auction. All proceeds tember 29th to October 12th, 2020 which will begin with a are primarily for the support and education of the 20 in- visit to the site which is traveled to by thousands of pilgrims every year and is associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary. ternational Sisters from developing nations who are at- Information brochures can be found in the church vestibule or tending the college where we say, “Teach a Sister…Touch in the parish office. Join us on this once in a lifetime visit to a the World”. For more information and for the invitation, most beautiful part of the world! visit www. acs350.org/events-2/ 580-St. Cecilia Page 5 February 23, 2020 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Divine Mercy Academy News

Monday, February 24 Divine Mercy Academy’s 7:00 pm—Holy Hour (Church) “The Discount Card” costs $10 each Please help support our school while supporting local busi- 7:30 pm—Monday Night Bible Study (Hayes Hall) nesses by purchasing Divine Mercy Academy’s “The Discount Tuesday, February 25 Card”. Cards can be used over and over!! 9:30 am—Bible Study (Hayes Hall) Cards can be purchased where gift cards are sold. Thank you 7:45 pm—Charismatic Prayer Group (Hayes Hall) for your support!!! Wednesday, February 26 Ash Wednesday Thursday, February 27 Job Opening 7:00 pm—Faith Formation (Hayes Hall) The Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Paterson is seek- 7:00 pm—Choir Practice (Church) ing applicants for the 2020-2021 school year for a principal for Friday, February 28 St. Mary School, Pompton Lakes, NJ. St. Mary School is a PK-8 6:30 pm—DMA Father/Daughter Dance (Gym) elementary school. Closing date for applications is March 9, 7:00 pm—Stations of the Cross 2020. A job description and application material can be found Saturday, February 29 at: 10:00 am—2nd Grade First Penance (Church) www.patdioschools.org/administrative-openings. Sunday, March 1 Hospitality after 9:15 & 10:45 Masses 9:15 am—Children’s Liturgy The Missionary Sisters are looking for a part time Adminis- trative Assistant for our Denville office, 20 hours per week. DEACON PAUL RETIREMENT TRIBUTE – Upon Proficiency in computer skills and filing experience is re- reaching 75 in March His Excellency Bishop Arthur Ser- quired. A resume is requested. To inquire further about the ratelli has accepted the resignation of Deacon Paul Willson position please email [email protected] or call 973 279- from active ministry. On Saturday, March 28th Deacon Paul 3790 and leave a message. will assist at the 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass. Following the liturgy a reception will take place in Hayes Hall to which all are invited. This event will be a sign of our gratitude to Deacon CRAFT AND VENDOR FAIR Paul for his 19 years of diaconal service to our parish as well Saturday, March 21, 2020 as a celebration of his 75th birthday. IT IS IMPORTANT 9:00 am—2:00 pm [email protected] (973-886-8023) THAT YOU REGISTER FOR THE RECEPTION SO THAT THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FOOD MAY BE ORDERED. Please call the parish office with your reser- vation no later than Monday, March 23rd. God bless Dea- Are you going into the hospital? Do you have a family con Paul! member in the hospital? We would like to visit our parishioners who are homebound, in the hospital or other health care facilities. Because of patient confidentiality laws, the only OPERATION RICE BOWL – Each year during Lent the way we can know is if someone informs us. Please call our parish office @ 973.627.0313. Thank you! Catholic Church in the United States sponsors OPERATION RICE BOWL which serves as the alms giving project bene- fiting the hungry throughout the world. You are asked to take SAVE THE DATE—Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner spon- a rice bowl and place it on your supper table as a daily re- sored by The St. Monica Guild on March 14th from 5:00— minder of the need to remember those who are hungry be- 8:00 pm in Hayes Hall or “Take Out”. More info, please call cause of a lack of food and clean water. You are asked to Pat Zayac @ 973-625-4572. place your offering in the alms box and return it to church on Easter Sunday, not before that since our fasting does not end th until Holy Saturday, April 11 . Checks should be made pay- We are online: www.st-cecilia.org able to St. Cecilia Church with the memo RICE BOWL and one parish check will be sent to Catholic Relief Services.

580-St. Cecilia Page 6 February 23, 2020 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

My dear parishioners, As we gather to celebrate the Lord’s Day we commemorate the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Scripture readings for this Sunday remind us that we are called to be holy and that holiness demonstrates itself most perfectly in the love that we have for one another. Love is to be the response even to those who hurt us. By responding in this fashion we distinguish our- selves from others who choose to take revenge and show harm to those who are labeled as the enemy. “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. I AM THE LORD!” Wow, God is really serious about this by reminding us that He is the Supreme One. This is the final Sunday in Ordinary Time until after the Easter Season, that is, until the end of May. The Holy Season of Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a time of penance and mortification in preparation for the Feast of our Lord’s Holy Resurrection. I remind you that Wednesday is a day of strict fast and abstinence (no meat, one full meal, no snacks on this day)! I will be reminding you in church about the practices of PRAYER, FASTING and ALMS GIVING which mark these Lenten days for us. This is a time when we do things different. Parents have the responsibility of passing down these Lenten traditions to their children so that they too may experience the grace and blessings which come forth from our Lenten observance. Switching gears now, work began last week on the renovation of the sacristy bathrooms. The bathrooms throughout the church are original to the building from the 1950’s. As you know very well from using the Hayes Hall restrooms, the lavato- ries are in desperate need of a make-over. The renovations on the restrooms in Hayes Hall will begin the last week of June. The summer months see less activity in Hayes Hall so that the renovations can take place without interruption. Also, a renovation to the sound system located in the church took place this past week. You may have noticed some disrup- tion in the sound as you attended Holy Mass over the past few months. This system has not received any attention in many years, at least not in the 11 years I have been here. I hope the work accomplished this past week will serve us for many years to come. As you can see we constantly need to upgrade and repair. Of course this takes money. This is our church and I cannot do anything without you and your support. In addition to being consistent and generous in your weekly Sunday offerings, I am ask- ing you to consider making a special donation for the projects named above. Perhaps as your tax refunds come in you might consider giving a gift to Saint Cecilia. I could use your help! God bless you, my good people! Father Zig

ST. POLYCARP, Bishop and Martyr February 23

We are acquainted with the life of this Saint from his Acts, composed by the Church of Smyrna, and abridged by Eusebius. They form a very authentic document of Christian antiquity.

St. Polycarp embraced Christianity while very young, about the year 80, and became a disciple of St. John the Evangelist who made him Bishop of Smyrna, probably before his exile to Patmos in 96. He governed that See for seventy years, and among his disciples were St. Irenaeus and the writer Papias. The former has recorded that his master knew St. John and others who had seen Jesus.

From Eusebius, St. Irenaeus, and St. Jerome we learn that about the year 158 St. Polycarp went to Rome to consult Pope Anicetus regarding the date of the Easter celebration, as there was a difference between the East and the West. It was agreed that both might follow their own custom. In the fourth general persecution, under the Emperors Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius, the Saint was apprehended and brought before the proconsul. Refusing to deny Christ, he was condemned to be burned.

The authors of the Acts tell us that they were witnesses of the fact that the flames did not touch him, but formed an arch over his head. Thereupon, he was pierced with a sword; such a great amount of blood issued from the wound that it extinguished the fire. The death of the Saint occurred about the year 166. His body was burned, but his bones are preserved in the Church of San Ambrogio in Rome.

PRAYER God of all creation, You led St. Polycarp into the company of the Martyrs. Through his intercession we ask that, as we share in Christ’s cup of suffering, we may some day rise to eternal life. Amen.

Taken from, Lives of the Saints; Catholic Booking Publishing Company, 1999, New Jersey 580-St. Cecilia 90 Church Street Saint Cecilia Parish Rockaway, New Jersey 07866