Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BROOKFIELD—Dozens gathered at St. Joseph Church as Bishop Frank J. Caggiano offered a Mass of thanksgiving to honor and thank healthcare workers for their diligence and dedication of service especially during the uncertain times surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

“For all those who share in the work of God’s healing we offer this Mass in thanksgiving for their service as we also continue to pray for their protection,” Bishop Caggiano said.

Bishop Caggiano commended healthcare workers and frontline workers for their bravery and courage during these uncertain times.

“You are women and men of courage when the rest of the world was afraid,” Bishop Caggiano said. “I thank you for allowing us to have hope at this time. You were light in a period of ever-growing darkness.”

In part, the Mass represented a reemergence or reopening and renewal of the diocese after more than a year of the pandemic. Most restrictions initiated during the pandemic, such as mandatory mask-wearing, have recently been rescinded, if an individual is fully vaccinated against the virus. Remnants of the impact of the virus were still present as people voluntarily socially distanced themselves from each other in the pews. The Mass was also streamed online for those who could not attend in person.

During his homily, Bishop Caggiano recalled a time when he was teaching as a college seminarian and a 5-year-old child asked, “Why didn’t God heal everyone and save time?” A thought-provoking question that many have surely pondered during times of sickness and especially during these past almost 16 months of the pandemic.

Bishop Caggiano explained, we are baptized into the Lord Jesus so that we may continue His work of healing both body and spirit.

“You and I are called to be the healers of His love in this world,” Bishop Caggiano said. “That is our discipleship.”

Bishop Caggiano applauded healthcare workers and all frontline workers for being the hands, feet, voice and heart of a healing God to those suffering during these challenging times of sickness and loneliness.

“We come here today with grateful hearts for all of you who are involved in this ministry of healing. We have come here today to celebrate your beautiful and noble ministry,” Bishop Caggiano said.

He said compassion and empathy shown to others, at times during their darkest moments of despair, is the work of the Lord.

Jim McNulty, who was dressed in his EMT uniform, attended the service with his wife.

“I have gratitude for being able to serve in this ministry and I feel privileged for being able to serve God’s people,” he said.

Meaning of Memorial Day

Bishop Caggiano also acknowledged the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday and the sacrifices individuals and their families have made for this country.

“This is the weekend we remember all those who have fallen in defense of our country and I’d like to think that we can add to that list those who have fallen in the line of duty in healing.”

“They gave their lives so that others may have life,” Bishop Caggiano said. “They followed fully and completely in the footsteps of Jesus.”

“May the Lord continue to bless you and protect you in all that you do.”

Photos by Amy Mortensen and Kathy-Ann Gobin