Danbury, CT – Freedom is not free. That was the message at Immaculate High School’s Veterans Day Tribute November 9th.
Military color guard presented the United States and military flags while the school’s Inspire Choir opened the ceremony, which included distinguished veterans, Immaculate alumnus and state Superior Court Judge Thomas Saadi, school leaders and students. Immaculate’s sign language students also signed the songs for the audience. The school publicly recognized each local veteran in attendance and presented them with a gift commemorating their service.
Visitors to the ceremony were welcomed to Immaculate by the school’s Veterans Hill of Honor on its front lawn. The school’s community members purchased flags with yellow ribbons to recognize a special veteran by name. Immaculate presented a check for $2,000 from the proceeds of this tribute which will support the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs.
Immaculate’s Chaplain Father Philip Phan opened the ceremony with gratitude for all who have served. “We thank you for your sacrifice, courage and selflessness. Bless all our veterans, especially those who bear the physical and emotional scars of their service,” Phan said. “Grant them healing, comfort and peace. We pray for those who have given their lives in the service of our nation. May their souls rest in your eternal peace.”
“Tomorrow you’ll be home for a day off from school but it is more than a day to sleep in. Please take a moment to think about all the men and women who have served for you to be able to experience the wonderful lives that you are all leading,” Principal and Acting President Wendy Neil, whose own children are serving in our armed services, told students. “Freedom is not free.”
Danbury native son and celebrated Immaculate alumnus Thomas Saadi ‘88, who is a veteran and now a Superior Court Judge, also reminded Mustangs that they enjoy freedom and democracy thanks to veterans who came before us. “They and the veterans with us today, these men seated in the front row, kept the promise of protecting our liberty and freedom, carrying on that brave legacy, that began with the Massachusetts militiamen who faced down British regular troops at Lexington and Concord and then drove them back to their encampment and trench lines in Boston,” Saadi said.
The Veterans Day Tribute is a much-loved annual tradition at Immaculate.
by Ann Yannetti
Norwalk – On a recent Saturday morning, Liturgical Ministers of St. Matthew Parish gathered to “Eat, Pray, and Be Formed.” This unique opportunity was developed by Fr. Frank Hoffmann, pastor, in response to Bishop Caggiano’s “The One.”
“When the Bishop started talking about how to get people back to church, one of the things he spoke about was small groups and how to pass on our faith,” Fr. Hoffmann explained. “One of the small groups in our church are those who participate in Ministry. Within that group, there are smaller groups: Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and Choir members,” said Fr. Hoffmann.
“This gathering isn’t nuts and bolts reminders about how to do your ministry,” he said. “Rather this is about the social aspect of sitting together and having a meal, praying together, and then having some sort of talk that’s going to help you be formed in the faith – all to grow closer to God and also give us a chance to get closer to one another.”
The day began with breakfast, followed by Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the daily prayer of the Church. Fr. Frank explained that engaging in this ancient prayer tradition fosters a sense of unity and solidarity with each other and the Church as a whole.
“We are praying with the Church, with millions of people all across the globe who are praying the same prayers, the same hymns, and the same psalms at the same time,” said Fr. Hoffmann.
During the third part of the morning, Fr. Hoffmann introduced the participants to a spiritual practice called the Examen by St. Ignatius. This practice involves reflecting on the events of the day and discerning where God was present and where we may have fallen short.
“Imagine God gazing at you with love. What do you want to tell God you’re thankful for, what fills your heart? Where have you pushed God out in your day or ignored him? What is trying to pull your attention away from God and how can you invite him back in?”
Fr. Hoffmann provided guidance on how to practice the Examen and encouraged participants to incorporate it into their daily routine as a powerful tool for spiritual growth.
“Even if you don’t do anything else, do the Examen. You’ll eventually come to see that when God presents us with difficult challenges, He does not simply throw us in the pool without support. God gives us the grace, strength, and tools necessary to overcome these challenges.”
“I like to call the Examen ‘looking for God in the rearview mirror.’ Eventually, you’ll see God in the windshield, and that’s the spiritual goal,” said Fr. Hoffmann.
Participants emerged from the morning with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to God, and a closer connection to those who are walking alongside them in their faith journey.
“I loved this mini session, and the reason is simple,” Lorraine DeRosa shared. “Although I pray and attend Mass, for quite some time I’ve felt starved spiritually. Spirituality to me is more than the prayers we recite by rote. Spirituality is having a conversation with the Lord as we would with a treasured friend. Being honest with a friend we trust, with little judgement in return,” she said, noting that she planned to use the Examen as a daily technique of prayerful reflection to detect God’s presence and discern his direction.
Paul and Susan Wolff expressed gratitude for Fr. Hoffmann’s guidance in introducing them to the Liturgy of the Hours and the Examen. “It was wonderful how Father took the time to go through each one in detail, and the breakfast gathering was a great way to begin the day!”
Fr. Hoffmann emphasized the importance of the Ministry groups and thanked them for their dedication. “Let me just say how much I appreciate each of you. You are valuable. We need people like you. You make such a difference to us.”
The next “Eat, Pray, Be Formed” session will meet in February. “My intention is that most of the talks will be more about our spiritual lives and our prayer lives, to continue growing closer in our relationship with God and each other,” according to Fr. Hoffmann.
BRIDGEPORT- Free exercise classes are now being offered for Parkinson’s disease patients by Sacred Heart University.
The classes meet on Mondays from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at the Sacred Heart University Center for Healthcare Education, 4000 Park Ave. in Bridgeport.
For more information, call 203.742.1440 or visit www.parkinsonbodyandmind.org
By Emily Clark
FAIRFIELD- A lightning rod. A preacher. A profound cultural advocate. A modern African-American sister. These descriptors, proclaimed by those paying tribute to her on film, characterize Thea Bowman, a woman who shared the message of God’s love and left a lasting impact on Blacks and Catholics worldwide.
In observance of National Black Catholic History month, the Social Justice committee at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Fairfield sponsored a showing the documentary film, “Going Home Like a Shooting Star: Thea Bowman’s Journey to Sainthood” on Sunday afternoon, November 5 in their parish hall. According to committee chair Donna Spigarolo, the 65 people in attendance were deeply moved by the film and the conversations that followed.
“It showed that people are interested in racial justice and want to learn more and also learn how we can do better by owning our history and moving forward in an equitable way,” she said. “Her story really affected people. They were getting out the tissues at the end.”
That story is one of great faith despite the blatant racism, prejudice, and inequality that Sister Thea faced growing up Protestant in 1940s Mississippi. When the eight-year-old witnessed the Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who had arrived in her community to establish a school for Black children, treating all people with the utmost respect, she told her parents she wanted to convert to Catholicism. They resisted but eventually relented. “A burning desire was there,” said Spigarolo, and she then entered the convent at age 15.
While in the order of Perpetual Adoration, Sister Thea became a teacher, musician, evangelizer, liturgist, and scholar, telling everyone that they were God’s children, often through song.
“She had a world class singing voice with a depth of hope,” said Spigarolo.
Eleanor Sauers, the parish life coordinator at St. Anthony, felt “Going Home Like a Shooting Star” depicted an honest view of Sister Thea, saying, “The movie was uplifting in so many ways. It showed her as a real person with an incredible vocation and how she made such a difference.”
Sister Thea’s message of hope, racial equality, and love of God is one that the Social Justice committee also wished to honor, especially during National Black Catholic History month. Following the hour-long documentary, attendees sitting at tables of seven enjoyed refreshments and engaged in a discussion of her life, spending more than 30 minutes sharing responses to such questions as “What action, if any, are you motivated to take in light of the story about Sister Thea’s life and work?” According to Spigarolo, the conversations always circled back to social justice and her unending joy, even in the face of adversity.
Dan Braccio, a member of the social justice committee, also witnessed that same engagement.
“Conversations at the tables after the film were unanimous in their admiration for Sister Thea Bowman’s dedication to her vocation and the joy that she brought to others through her gifts of song and preaching,” he said.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1984, Sister Thea died six years later at age 52 and received the University of Notre Dame’s Laetare Medal posthumously that year.
“We were all so sorry that her life was cut short,” Spigarolo said. “She could have accomplished so much more.” What she did accomplish led the Diocese of Jackson, Miss. to open the canonization process for Sister Thea, and much support has been given to the cause. According to the documentary, she is currently one of six Black Catholics under consideration for sainthood.
“Even those who had seen the movie previously were touched by the strength of Thea’s vocation,” Braccio said. “Several professed religious in the audience had actually seen her in person.”
Spigarolo herself recalled attending a conference for religious educators in Washington, D.C. years ago at which Sister Thea spoke and sang with her characteristic joy.
“I’ve never heard anyone proclaim the Word like she did. She had us up singing! It was such a beautiful experience,” Spigarolo remembered.
Because of the success of this event, Sauers said the Social Justice committee is planning similar events in the future. Their studies of racial issues in the Catholic Church began two years ago as they read books and attended workshops on micro aggression. With a strong commitment to charitable work and social justice, this group has become very active in the community.
“We need to do better,” Spigarolo said, regarding racial justice, “and we look to God and Sister Thea for guidance.”
NORWALK—On Saturday, November 4, more than 750 brand new coats, winter hats, and gloves were distributed to clients of Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) by the greater Norwalk area Knights of Columbus Councils as part of the Order’s Coats for Kids Initiative. Since the initiative launched in 2009, more than 1 million coats have been distributed in 49 states and all 10 Canadian provinces to keep kids warm through the winter. This is the first of many sites in which Knights councils around the state will distribute coats to those in need in various towns and cities in Connecticut including Bridgeport, Stamford, Greenwich, New Haven, Hartford, and Waterbury.
Knights of Columbus Councils from Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Wilton, and Bishop Fenwick Assembly 4th Degree Assembly 100 worked together to purchase the brand-new coats through various fundraisers throughout the year.
“Inflation has created an even bigger need in our community, so we do what Knights do by assisting our brothers and sisters when times are rough,” said Project Chairman George Ribellino. “My biggest joy is seeing the smiles of the kids faces as they try on a brand new coat.”
In addition to the brand-new coats, St. Matthew Parishioners Karen Delvecchio and Terri Sargent donated handmade winters hats and scarves for the fifth straight year.
“I am so grateful to once again have the Knights of Columbus providing brand new coats to our clients in need. As prices rise and children grow, winter clothing can be a financial burden for families, so this partnership with the Knights has been truly impactful in the community,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of FCA.
Local participating councils-
Msgr. Thomas J Finn Council #46-Norwalk
Father John Stapleton Council #2287-New Canaan
Church of the Assumption Council #3688-Westoport
Rev James J McGuane Council # 4460-Darien
Our Lady of Fatima Council #12698-Wilton
St Matthew Council #14360-Norwalk
Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100 4th Degree
TRUMBULL— St. Joseph High School, Connecticut’s largest, co-ed, Catholic, college preparatory school, announced today the names of 10 student-athletes who will sign National Letters of Intent or Celebratory Letters in five different sports on Monday, November 13at 9:30 am.
The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a document used to indicate a student’s commitment to participating in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) colleges and universities. The NLI is a binding agreement between a student-athlete and an NLI member institution. The Celebratory Letter (for Division III athletes) indicates that a student has been accepted to and plans to attend an institution. The following St. Joes Seniors will participate:
Nick Coppola – Baseball, Marist College – Division I
Taylor Jenkins – Soccer, University of Connecticut – Division I
Meghan Hoynes – Lacrosse, LaSalle University – Division I
Maeve Matthews – Soccer, University of Rhode Island – Division I
Janelli Pratts – Softball, Assumption University – Division II
James Corry – Lacrosse, Rochester Institute of Technology – Division III
Sofia Chaves – Field Hockey, Kenyon College – Division III
Lauren Davis – Softball, Williams College – Division III
Jill Guilfoyle – Softball, Rhode Island College – Division III
Analise Hubert – Softball, Western Connecticut State University – Division III
“Student-athletes at St. Joseph High School are driven and ambitious. Not only do they care about their team and their sport, but they care just as much about their academics and ensuring that they are properly prepared for college,” remarked Kevin Butler, Athletics Director at St. Joseph High School. “When you think about the amount of time spent on and off the field – the hard work and commitment, both academically and athletically – it’s no wonder that they were selected to play at the collegiate level. We wish all of our Cadets the best and we cannot wait to see what they do next.”
As part of their NLI, prospective student-athletes agree to attend the institution full-time for one academic year and the institution agrees to provide athletes financial aid for one academic year. St. Joseph High School will host an additional NCAA Signing Day in the Spring for scholar-athletes who sign later in the year.
By Matthew Carrara
TRUMBULL- On Sunday, November 5, the St. Sebastian Athletic Association held their league Cross Country Championship races at St. Joseph High School. The school grounds provided a scenic fall backdrop to the course for the over 50 athletes representing 10 schools from across the district.
The results were as follows:
Girls Varsity 1st Place: Mia Alvarado: All Saints Catholic School, Norwalk– 8th Grade 2nd Place: Peyton Biggs: St. Mark School, Stratford– 7th Grade 3rd Place: Michela DeVitvo: St. Catherine of Siena School, Trumbull– 8th Grade
Girls JV 1st Place: Bridget Letko: St. Catherine of Siena School, Trumbull– 6th Grade 2nd Place: Jillian Amato: All Saints Catholic School, Norwalk– 6th Grade 3rd Place: Carrie Tesbir: St. Gregory the Great School, Danbury– 5th Grade
Boys Varsity 1st Place: Zack Dilorio: All Saints Catholic School, Norwalk– 8th Grade 2nd Place: Joey Rosati: St. Mark School, Stratford– 7th Grade 3rd Place: Tiernen McDonagh: St. Catherine of Siena School– 7th Grade
Boys JV 1st Place: Gavin Zeck: St. Mary School, Ridgefield– 6th Grade 2nd Place: Isaiah Lathan: St. Thomas Aquinas School, Fairfield– 5th Grade 3rd Place: Jacob Kershner: St. Thomas Aquinas, Fairfield– 5th Grade
Great races were run by all with one very close race coming out of the Girls Varsity matchup, which saw the 1st and 2nd place runners finishing with a two second difference. Congratulations to all the winners!
By Joe Pisani
BRIDGEPORT — Bishop Frank J. Caggiano told more than 100 members of the legal profession at the annual Red Mass that it is “not enough to administer and protect the law, but you must also embrace the values upon which divine law and civil law were created and live them every day of your lives.”
In his homily at the November 5 Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral, he urged them to adhere to both the spirit and the letter of the law and said, “If you cannot legislate the spirit, what you and I can do is witness to it and order our lives in such a way that we need not ever fear breaking the law because we are living the spirit of the law ever more deeply and perfectly in our life. We must persuade society to find its way back to unity and peace, to persuade our sisters and brothers that the greater value is not to avoid punishment, but to strive for greatness.”
Bishop Caggiano said we live in an age where “the Church and civil society are fracturing before our eyes, and we cannot even begin to agree on the values upon which the law was created in the first place … And it seems to me the Lord in his great kindness is reminding us that we can find a way forward not simply by protecting the letter of the law, but to be men and women who live the spirit of the law.”
He told the legal professionals he was pleased they could gather and celebrate their vocation, saying, “I believe God has given it to you and that we must pray for you in this very frenetic time we are living in.”
The Red Mass was followed by a talk at Brooklawn Country Club by Dr. Amy Uelmen, Director of Mission & Ministry at Georgetown Law School.
The family of the late Robert N. Talarico Esq. gathered to celebrate his recognition at the brunch following the Red Mass. Mr. Talarico was posthumously awarded the St. Thomas More Society Award for his service. His wife Barbara accepted the honor, and longtime friend Deacon Bill Murphy gave a tribute to him.
She urged those in law to connect their faith and professional lives, and gave personal examples of how she has tried “to keep my heart in and connected to my work as a lawyer” and how “having an awareness of the presence of Christ in each neighbor can permeate a professional life.”
Dr. Uelmen said that during her career, she has relied on the “transformative power of Scripture” to strengthen her and stay focused on Christ.
“I realized early on that this can go a very, very long way in shoring up my heart from letting work, or the chase after success, or simply wanting to be liked by others, sneak into my heart as an idol,” she said.
She said a focus on the presence of Christ can be maintained by relying on words from Scripture, such as “Your Word, O Lord, is a light for my path,” “Perfect love casts out fear,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Dr. Uelmen also talked about the particular challenges young adults confront who are pursuing a career in law and have to deal with pressures that arise from different sources, including dependence on social media.
“As adult professionals, what does it mean to model for our youth — children, teenagers and young adults — relationships that can be transformed by the power of recognizing the presence of Christ in each person?” she asked.
The annual Red Mass is celebrated for everyone in the legal profession. The Catholic tradition dates back to the 13th century. It was named “Red Mass,” reminiscent of the scarlet robes worn by the English Supreme Court. There is also a theological association with the Holy Spirit and tongues of fire on Pentecost. At the Mass, the Spirit is invoked to bestow his gifts upon those practicing law. In addition, St. Thomas More, who was executed by King Henry VIII, is the patron of lawyers, and red signifies martyrdom.
Bishop Caggiano said that even though legal professionals practice the law in their daily lives, they “can’t legislate somebody’s heart” so he urged them to give “zealous witness.”
“Whether we are in the courtroom, whether we are in the supermarket, whether we are in the sacred space of our churches, heroic and zealous witness is far more persuasive than any homily, any legal brief, any talk that can be given,” he said. “If you and I, who administer and are the guardians of the law, are given this noble task to allow our society to find what it seeks — that every human heart may find the peace it deeply desires — then perhaps the best way forward is for us to personally commit ourselves to be a mirror, a shining example by living a life of integrity that takes the very values we believe in and the values that our society is built on and live them ever more perfectly.”
He told the group that the whole church would pray for them “because your vocation is noble and is being lived in very difficult circumstances.”
Bishop Caggiano also reminded them to ensure the law is administered justly “to allow for the right ordering of society, the protection of the common good and the protection of individual rights so society can enshrine its values and live by them, and so all God’s children can live in justice, equality and peace.”
At breakfast following the Red Mass, the late Robert N. Talarico Esq. was posthumously awarded the St. Thomas More Society Award for his service. His wife Barbara accepted the honor, and longtime friend Deacon Bill Murphy gave a tribute to him.
Anne McCrory, Chief Legal and Real Estate Officer of the Diocese, read comments from Father Greg Mecca, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Danbury, who remembered Mr. Talarico as a man whose “priorities were family, friends, the Church and the law,” adding that “Bob was a kind, fair, loyal, humble, decent and empathetic man — a true gentleman.”
Robert Talarico practiced with the firm Talarico, Frizzell and Olivo and was a lector and trustee at St. Peter’s.
Bishop Caggiano praised Mr. Talarico and said: When I came to the diocese, Bob was one of the first people I met … and from that moment, he was always a man I knew I could trust, that I could be totally confidential with, and who was always watching my back. So when I preached at the cathedral about the person who doesn’t just follow the law but lives the Spirit of the law, if there was a poster child for that, it is Bob Talarico.”
Anne McCrory, who organized the event, said she was pleased to be able to host the first Red Mass since 2019, when they stopped because of the cornavirus pandemic.
“Many of our legal community were with us at the cathedral for a beautiful Mass with Bishop Caggiano,” she said. “We were also so fortunate to hear from Dr. Amy Uelmen, who was truly inspiring. She spoke with such faith and confidence regarding the ways we can infuse faith into our legal work.”
BRIDGEPORT– “We inherited their foundational work and we should remember the shoulders we stand on,” said Fr. Frank Hoffmann at the annual Mass for Deceased Clergy at St. Augustine Cathedral.
“Because of their faithfulness, those men who came before us in life and death themselves now share in the life of Christ that they preached to us,” said Fr. Hoffmann, Pastor of St. Matthew Parish in Norwalk and former Vicar for Clergy of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Bishop Frank J. Caggiano was the Principal Celebrant of the Mass, which is observed on the first Sunday in November each year in memory of deceased bishops, priests and deacons in the Diocese. It is the bishop’s tradition to ask a priest from the diocese to deliver the homily.
In his homily Fr. Hoffman reflected on the reading from 1 Thessalonians, “We do not want you to be unaware brothers and sisters about those wo have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose, so too will God through Jesus, bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”
Fr. Hoffmann noted that as he gets closer to joining the ranks of senior priests, he finds himself thinking of the many priests and deacons who were part of his priestly life when he was a younger man. While many have since passed away, he said that although we mourn the loss of a loved one, “the spiritual relationship never ends. Death has no power for those who have been transformed in faith.”
He said that all clergy share a special bond by virtue of ordination. “Those ties of affection don’t end with death. Because of Jesus Christ, the bonds will never end and cant’ be broken. The bond of love is stronger than death,” he said.
Fr. Hoffmann said to all those in attendance that it’s very unlikely that in a hundred years anyone will have known them or even recognize their name, and that our faith goes beyond memory of the loved ones we have lost.
“We have Jesus Christ and His promise of life. Our faith rests on that promise of life forever in Him,” he said, noting that it is important to remember the dead in our prayers.
In the Universal Prayer, all those in attendance prayed, “Holy Father, we have been buried with your son in baptism to rise with Him in glory; may we always live in Christ and not see death forever.”
The prayer concluded with these words, “God of the living and the dead, you brought Jesus back to life; raise up the faithful departed, especially those of the presbyterate and the diaconate of the Diocese of Bridgeport, and let us come with them into your heavenly glory.
In brief remarks after Holy Communion, the bishop thanked Fr. Hoffmann for his heartfelt homily and thanked all priests and deacons in attendance to pray for their deceased brothers.
Liturgical music for the Mass was provided by cantor Karolina Wojteczko, Laura Intravia choir director and assisting organist and Dr. William Atwood diocesan director of Music Ministry.
By Ann Yannetti
Norwalk – Amid the bracing autumn air, over two hundred faithful turned their gazes to the faces of those who have gone before them at St. John Cemetery for the Mass of Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
“We come to remember and pray for those we loved because the connection of love that we have with them is something that continues in a real way,” said Fr. Frank Hoffmann, Pastor of St. Matthew Church in Norwalk.
Referencing the recent cold snap that has killed off the annuals and plants outside, Fr. Hoffmann reminded us that commemorating All Souls at this time in November serves as a way of recalling the fact that, like those trees and plants, we will eventually leave this world.
“It’s a bittersweet time for all of us in so many ways. For some of us, we’re reminded perhaps of a very recent loss, and this reminds us that this person is gone in a seemingly definite way, so it hurts. For others, it’s a great time to tell stories about those folks who were so much a part of our lives. Many of you may have already placed flowers today on your loved one’s graves. The connection that we have is a real one.”
Fr. Hoffmann shared how the tradition of visiting his parents’ grave in a military cemetery in Florida gives him consolation. “We’re there for maybe five minutes, but we go and lay some flowers because of that connection. Do we think they’re there? Or that we need to go there? We don’t. But it gives us that connection with them. All of us have different ways of remembering those we love.”
And that memory is important, but it’s not the whole story. “Not that I don’t think memories are wonderful. There’s a line from an old Broadway show: Time weaves ribbons of memory to sweeten life when youth is through. But I’m also a little bit of a realist. I’m pretty sure that in a hundred years, no one’s going to remember me. Unless you’ve done something really great or really awful, that’s the way it is. Your name might be a leaf on an Ancestry.com tree, but my point is, that if we’re relying on ‘living forever’ by people remembering us, it ain’t gonna happen.”
“But the good news side – I use that word purposely – is that we don’t need that. We have Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus Christ, we believe that whether people remember us or not, we will live forever. And the people that we loved who have already gone on, that they live forever. It may hurt to think about them sometimes because we miss them and love them so much, but that’s a consequence of love.”
“The good thing though, is that sadness is not the last word. The last word once again is Jesus Christ because it promises us that someday we will share that life that he promises with them in a way that we can’t even begin to imagine, and there will be no more tears because there will be no more goodbyes. I’ve always thought there will be tears at the beginning, when we first see the people we love because they’re not tears of sadness, they’re tears of joy.”
Fr. Hoffmann cited a line in the funeral rite that reads: We believe that all the ties of friendship and affection which knit us as one throughout our lives do not unravel with death.
“What that says is that the bond of love is stronger than death. It says that in the Scriptures. And it can’t be broken. It certainly feels different. The promise that Christ gives us by dying on the Cross and rising again is that we’ll share in that life with them, and we’ll never be parted. That’s what our faith tells us. That’s why we come here to pray for these people. We have a connection with them that is real and persevering. It will last forever. Someday it will be more like it was because we’ll be with them in a real way again. And now we have that period where it’s not the way it was, and it’s hard sometimes. But it is not, once again, the last word. The last word of Jesus Christ is not death. His last word is life forever.”
Fr. Hoffmann’s words provided Michelle Alvarez of Norwalk with much-needed solace. “Grief is really hard, but my faith is my anchor. What Father said gives me a lot of hope.”
JoAnn Fabrizio and her mother attend the Mass every year. “I can’t tell you how peaceful I feel on this day and at this cemetery. We meet people here who are so friendly, and we all relate to each other, try to support, and help each other. We get inspired by each other’s faith.”
Assisting Fr. Hoffmann during the Mass were Fr. Ralph Segura, Parochial Vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Norwalk, and Deacon Paul Reilly from St. Philip Church in Norwalk. Janet Mitchell, Director of Religious Education at St. Matthew Church was the Reader, and Tyler Tarver was the organist/vocalist.
At the conclusion of Mass, Fr. Hoffmann thanked the Diocese of Bridgeport Cemetery’s Office “who arranged everything for us,” and the Staff from St. Matthew Church for their assistance. Bottles of Holy Water from Lourdes were distributed to those in attendance.
DANBURY – Fond memories of loved ones brought comfort to those gathered at St. Peter Cemetery in Danbury for an outdoor graveside Mass on All Souls Day.
Outdoor Masses were offered at six cemeteries throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport to commemorate the faithfully departed.
“It’s a very old tradition of the Church to pray for the souls who have passed on and have gone before us to our Lord,” said Father Gregg Mecca, pastor of St. Peter Church on Main Street, who officiated at the Mass.
Fr. Mecca said All Souls Day is a day we are particularly mindful of all those who have passed on.
“We recognize that we don’t pass out of existence in death, we pass out of this world,” said Fr. Mecca adding that many souls are in purgatory because they need sufficient penance to be with the Lord.
“Purgatory is God’s last demonstration of His mercy towards us,” he said. “We gather to pray so that they may come into God’s presence.”
Fr. Mecca commended those gathered bundled in hats and gloves to brave the chilly temperatures and pray together.
“The cool temperatures could easily have deterred you but it did not,” he said.
It was the first time Barbara Braguez, a parishioner of St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury attended the outdoor Mass.
“It’s a beautiful thing that they do,” said Braguez, who attended the service with her friend. Both women have family members buried at the Lake Ave Extension cemetery. “It’s like you are praying with them,” she said of her deceased family members.
Small bottles of Holy Water were given to attendees, some of whom sprinkled it on the graves of loved ones as they left Mass.
Braguez said she appreciated being able to attend the outdoor Mass in the cemetery with others.
“It brings people close. Everyone is here for the same reason,” Braguez said.
Snippets of conversations could be overhead after Mass with many recalling fond memories of loved ones often eliciting tears, laughter or longing.
“This day is very touching for all of us,” Fr. Mecca said. “Today is a very special day to remember our loved ones. We look forward to seeing them on the other side. May we one day all live happily together with Christ.”
DANBURY – Hundreds of people attended the Annual Catholic Charities Breakfast to honor two women who have enriched the lives of so many people in the Diocese of Bridgeport and beyond.
Nancy Murphy and Carolyn Silliman were honored for their unwavering faith and dedication to helping others.
“Nancy and Carolyn are two very special people who have done so much for Catholic Charities,” said Tony Giobbi, Board Chair of Catholic Charities, during his opening remarks at the early morning event.
Murphy, has been on the board of Catholic Charities for 15 years after accepting an invitation to join the organization by Dr. Roger LaGratta, who has served on the board for more than four decades. Catholic Charities is an organization that helps the needy and most vulnerable of all faiths to permanently improve their lives. Murphy became the first woman to chair the National Catholics Charity board.
Carolyn Silliman was recognized for her tireless work as the program manager for the Family Loan and Financial Stability Program that she runs to help provide financial education and budget counseling programs to eligible applicants and anyone in need. The financial education is an important component that helps prepare clients for sustainable self-sufficiency and ensures loan repayment and positive credit building.
Both women were moved to tears from the gratitude and appreciation expressed at the gathering.
“Truly it’s an honor to be a part of Catholic Charities,” Murphy said. “Catholic Charities gives me the opportunity to live my faith by helping others,” she explained during a heartfelt acceptance speech.
“I am so proud to be a part of this organization, and I pray that I can be an instrument of God’s peace and love in the world. It starts here, one person at a time,” Murphy said. She and her husband Dr. John Murphy, President and CEO of Nuvance Health, are parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown.
Silliman echoed those sentiments.
“This has been the most amazing journey,” Silliman said of her 23 years running the Family Loan and Financial Stability Program. The program assists with funds for childcare, purchasing a used car, car repairs and security deposits for apartment rentals.
“It has been so fun to have a part in molding people’s lives,” she said. “I’ll never stop loving the people I help.”
A video testimonial about the program was played during the breakfast and one of the people Silliman helped was present to thank her and congratulate her for the special recognition of her work in person.
Devon Dillard, a single mom working full-time said Silliman’s help, guidance and compassion made all the difference during a tough time when her car became unreliable and the cost of constantly repairing it became too much.
“I’ve never worked with people before, who believed in you so much,” Dillard said of Silliman who she likened to a caring and stern parent.
Through the program, which has recently expanded to Norwalk and Stamford, Silliman helped Dillard purchase a 2012 Nissan Rogue which Dillard said she named Hope.
Silliman will soon retire and said she is depending on God to direct her next steps.
Michael Donoghue, President of Catholic Charities, credited Silliman with the success of the program that saw almost 700 loans totaling approximately $2 million with an 85 percent payback rate or better during her tenure.
“Thanks to your compassion and dedication, you have made a tremendous impact on this county,” Donoghue said, adding that her work helped low-income clients build credit and
break the cycle of poverty. He said if people seeking help didn’t meet the criteria of the program, Silliman would help connect them to other resources.
Donoghue also praised Murphy for being instrumental in the growth of Catholic Charities.
“Nancy’s dedication, passion and fundraising efforts were critical in leading Catholic Charities,” Donoghue said. Both Murphy and her husband are also involved with the Order of Malta.
Diocese of Bridgeport, Bishop, Frank J. Caggiano congratulated both women for the well-deserved recognition and asked for the continued support from those gathered.
“At the heart of who we are is the strong and unwavering belief that we are all God’s children,” Bishop Caggiano said. “It is a fundamental belief in Catholic Charities. We are serving friends. We are serving neighbors. Everyone who comes to Catholic Charities has a name, has a family, has a history, has a dignity and has a place at our table.”
GREENWICH– On All Souls Day when we venerate all those lost to death, we are also reminded that “our own pilgrimage is not yet over,” Bishop Frank J. Caggiano said to the nearly 200 who gathered at St. Mary-Putnam Cemetery for the Mass of Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed.
All Souls Day Masses were celebrated in Catholic cemeteries throughout the Diocese as hundreds turned out on a clear, brisk morning for this annual outdoor observance. The Masses were offered for the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, and Holy Water from Lourdes was distributed after Mass at each location.
Noting that many of those in attendance also come to the cemetery to visit the graves of neighbors, friends and family including spouses and children and grandchildren who have passed away, the Bishop urged them to think of All Souls as a day to celebrate the goodness of life on earth and the promise of eternal life.
“Death is not the end. We don’t come here in sorrow despite the pain and loss. We come here with encouragement and hope, the Lord will lead us to the life He has promised if we choose to believe.”
The Bishop began his homily by noting this year’s All Souls Day has occasioned a personal sense of reflection for him, because his sister called last weekend to tell him that his 88-year uncle died, the last of 10 uncles who were part of his early life.
He said his uncle’s death brought back joyful memories including trips to Coney Island and Sunday meals with family.
While he acknowledged the suffering and pain, he said it was good to hold on to those moments because the happiness we experience on earth “gives us a glimpse of what lies ahead, what’s in store for us in the life to come.”
The bishop said that this understanding of the All Souls Day commemoration is found in the words of the Consecration at Mass, when the priest says, “Do this in memory of me.” These are words that do not simply look back on Christ’s life, but look ahead to eternal life.
In spite of our earthly loss and suffering, “God will take us into the fullness of life. The very best is yet to come,” he said.
During the Universal Prayer led by Deacon George Kaine, the faithful prayed, “Christ, Redeemer of those who have no hope because they do not know you, enlighten them with the gift of faith in the resurrection, and in the life of the world to come.” The Bishop was also assisted during the Mass by Deacon John DiTaranto, director of deacons in the diocese.
In brief remarks after Mass the bishop thanked all those who braved the morning chill for Mass under a large white tent. He also greeted them outside the tent after the recessional hymn, “I know that my Redeemer lives.” Many of those in attendance stopped to visit the graves of their loved ones.
He thanked organist and diocesan music director Dr. Bill Atwood for leading the music, and he praised Cantor Marjorie Donalds, who sang beautifully throughout the Mass, including the Angus Dei and Lux Aeterna Latin chants.
He also recognized the leadership of Dean Gestal, Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries of the Diocese of Bridgeport, for maintaining cemetery grounds as sacred places of beauty and reflection
He said that “Catholic cemeteries is a ministry that walks with the faithful in their grief by creating a place of nobility and beauty.”
Arrangements and logistics for the day were supported by Catholic Cemeteries. The diocese sponsors and maintains 10 active cemeteries in Fairfield County. The main office is located at 154 East Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851. For information on Catholic Cemeteries, call 203.742.1450 or contact info@ctcemeteries.org.)
Danbury native son and celebrated Immaculate alumnus Thomas Saadi ‘88, who is a veteran and now a Superior Court Judge, also reminded Mustangs that they enjoy freedom and democracy thanks to veterans who came before us. “They and the veterans with us today, these men seated in the front row, kept the promise of protecting our liberty and freedom, carrying on that brave legacy, that began with the Massachusetts militiamen who faced down British regular troops at Lexington and Concord and then drove them back to their encampment and trench lines in Boston,” Saadi said.
Fr. Hoffmann said to all those in attendance that it’s very unlikely that in a hundred years anyone will have known them or even recognize their name, and that our faith goes beyond memory of the loved ones we have lost.
Fr. Mecca commended those gathered bundled in hats and gloves to brave the chilly temperatures and pray together.
Small bottles of Holy Water were given to attendees, some of whom sprinkled it on the graves of loved ones as they left Mass.
“I am so proud to be a part of this organization, and I pray that I can be an instrument of God’s peace and love in the world. It starts here, one person at a time,” Murphy said. She and her husband Dr. John Murphy, President and CEO of Nuvance Health, are parishioners of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Newtown. 
“Thanks to your compassion and dedication, you have made a tremendous impact on this county,” Donoghue said, adding that her work helped low-income clients build credit and
While he acknowledged the suffering and pain, he said it was good to hold on to those moments because the happiness we experience on earth “gives us a glimpse of what lies ahead, what’s in store for us in the life to come.”