On Sunday afternoon, our 12:15 Mass was a joyous Mass of Thanksgiving for our Benedictine heritage. Concelebrating were Bishop Serratelli and Abbot Richard Cronin, and joining them on the altar was the gracious host of this celebration, Father Paddy. Monks in attendance included Fathers Jude, Hillary, Andrew Stevens, Basil and Brother James, with Abbot Elias Lorenzo on the altar. Deacon Joe Harris served on the altar as a 50+ years long parishioner under the Benedictine leadership. Other deacons present included Vic Lupi, Ron Forino and Henry deMena. Deacon Al served as our photographer, capturing the proceedings for posterity. Jim Keefe conducted the choir and instrumentalists in a glorious liturgy that drew everyone present into the celebration!

t was a memorable and meaningful way for us to say “thank you” for so many rich and faith-filled years under Benedictine leadership of our parish family. At the end of Mass, Pastoral Council president Dick White put an exclamation point on our gratitude by recalling the high points of the monks’ service, focusing especially on the last 18 years of devoted and zealous pastoral leadership of Father Jude. After the Mass, a bronze plaque expressing the parish’s thanks was unveiled in the gathering space by Abbot Richard, followed by the applause of a wall-to-wall crowd.

Afterward, all the gathered were treated to refreshments provided so beautifully by our Social Events ministers. All in all, it was an occasion to savor and remember! Thank you, Lord, for continuing to watch over our parish family with such faithful, inspiring and loving shepherds!

Click HERE to view pictures from this wonderful celebration!