Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

FAIRFIELD—On Sunday, June 9, Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs will celebrate its 20^th Anniversary “Joy & Gratitude” Dinner at Fairfield University. More than 300 guests are expected.

The Center has come a long way since 1999 when Saint Catherine Academy opened in the Queen of Saints Retreat House on the campus of the Catholic Center with just five students, one teacher, two aides, and the principal. Gradually, word got out about this alternative education option for children with disabilities. In 2003, the Academy was granted approval by the State of Connecticut Department of Education as a private special education program and began accepting placements from area public school districts as well as directly from parents. As enrollment grew, funds were raised for a new facility in Fairfield which opened in 2007.

As students graduated from the Academy, the need for a comprehensive day program for young adults became a clear priority. In 2014 the Diocese of Bridgeport established Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs as an umbrella organization comprised of Saint Catherine Academy; an Adult Day Program; and the Office of Parish & Community Support. The Center now serves 16 students in the Academy and 23 young adults through the Adult Day Program.

“The name of our event—’Joy & Gratitude’ dinner—is very appropriate. While our role of journeying with our students and adults is challenging work, it brings a lot of joy,” said Helen Burland, Executive Director. “This is the only major fundraiser we hold for the Center, and we’re excited about a full house on June 9th to join us in the celebration.”

Four individuals will be recognized at the signature fundraiser—for volunteerism, leadership, and partnership. The late Jim O’Brien, one of Saint Catherine Academy’s first Board members, will receive the Volunteer Service award. Known as a “guy who quietly went about getting things done,” O’Brien’s expertise from a lifelong career and family business in lumber helped to steer the construction of the Center’s current facility adjacent to Holy Cross Church in Fairfield.

Dian Jennings Mayo of Redding Ridge will be honored with the Leadership Award for her dedication and early influence in the establishment of the Academy. In 1996, inspired by the needs of her older brother with disabilities, Mayo wrote a letter to then-Bishop Egan to express a “long-held dream” of hers to create a Diocesan fund earmarked for special education of the adult population. That dream eventually became Saint Catherine Academy.

Marie and Sal Gilbertie, owners and founders of Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens, will receive the Community Partnership Award for their long association with the Center as a vocational worksite. Each week students and adults from the Center work at the wholesale garden center in Easton, sorting and stacking planting pots. The activity allows participants to practice useful skills in the community while providing valuable labor for Gilbertie’s.

Guests will enjoy the music of Keltic Kick while perusing an interesting variety of items in the Silent Auction before dinner. Later, a Live Auction will feature some unique experiences, such as a weekend in Philadelphia with tickets to a Phillies game and Queen concert; a New York City theater weekend (“Come From Away”); four NY Mets General Manager’s seats; and more.

Corporate sponsors currently include the Knights of Columbus Supreme Office, AEA, GoldPoint Partners, CrossBay Capital Partners, TD Bank, and Neuberger Berman.

Tickets to Saint Catherine Center’s “Joy & Gratitude” Dinner can be purchased and donations made online at www.501auctions.com/stcatherinecenterdinner.

Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs includes Saint Catherine Academy, a state-approved, private special education school in Fairfield, Conn., serving students ages 5-21 of all faiths who are impacted with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. It also includes an Adult Day Program, approved by the Department of Developmental Services, which offers opportunities for adults with disabilities to learn new skills and participate in vocational and community-based activities. The Office of Parish & Community Support at the Center serves as a resource for members of parishes throughout the Diocese of Bridgeport.

(For more information, visit the website at StCatherineCenter.org, call 203.540.5381, or email info@stcatherinecenter.org.)

BRIDGEPORT—The Leadership Institute began its final round of face-to-face formation sessions at the Catholic Center in Bridgeport last week.

Face-to-face gatherings were established as part of the introduction to the revised Norms Governing Liturgical Ministries and have been attended by more than 4,000 people throughout the diocese with more than 60 sessions being held since January.

The revised norms offer standards and required formation for those who serve as readers (proclaimers of the Word at Mass), Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC), altar servers and musicians.

Face-to-face formation gatherings offer resources, such as a video address from Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, reflection questions, a glossary of liturgical terms, a visual guide to items found at Mass, selected Scripture passages targeted to each group, and instructions about the new norms.

“It has been a remarkable experience for the men and women who have participated—an affirmation and updating of their role in the Church and an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the faith,” says Patrick Donovan, director of the Leadership Institute and coordinator of these formation gatherings.

The sessions cover a wide range of topics including a history of liturgical ministry and ways to engage in ministry prayerfully and respectfully. When participants gather, they watch a video in which Bishop Caggiano speaks of missionary discipleship and they share in small group discussions about their own experience of reaching out to the periphery.

In the video message from Bishop Caggiano presented at each formation gathering, he reflects on how one can become a missionary disciple in our daily lives. “Evangelization is all about a person…that person is Jesus. In our 21st century, the challenges are new. We must bring them in service of preaching the Good News,” says the bishop.

Patrick Donovan explains that these new norms are ad experimentum for a year after their promulgation in order to consider feedback from those participating in formation. He adds that during the Feast of Corpus Christi in June, each pastor in the diocese will preach on the liturgy in order to introduce parishioners to the meanings and reasonings behind the new norms.

The Leadership Institute, which was formed out of the desire of Synod delegates to offer formation and learning opportunities, has also launched an online platform to assist in formation. More than 3,000 liturgical ministers are participating in online and offline learning and the Institute will soon turn its attention to the formation of catechists—a number which tops 4,000.

(To learn more about the many resources and events sponsored by the Leadership Institute, including the remaining sessions for liturgical ministers, visit: www.formationreimagined.org.)

TRUMBULL—There was standing room only at the Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena (220 Shelton Road, Trumbull) on Monday evening, April 29, as people from far and wide gathered for a joyful and beautiful Mass in the presence of the incorrupt heart of St. John Vianney, Curé of Ars and patron saint of all Catholic priests.

The Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin, Archbishop Emeritus of Hartford, was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist for this Mass, which took place on the parish’s patronal feast, the Solemnity of Saint Catherine of Siena. In his homily, Archbishop Cronin reflected on St. John Vianney’s call to the priesthood, and his clear understanding of his mission, as a priest, to save souls. In the school Mass on Tuesday morning, which was well attended by parishioners, others from the community, and students from St. Catherine of Siena School, St. Mark School in Stratford, and St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Father John Connaughton, Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Bridgeport, noted further that each of us has an obligation to help others seek holiness as part of our own pathway to Heaven.

Throughout the all-night vigil, which immediately followed Mass and lasted well into the morning, people from all over Connecticut and beyond came in droves, pouring into the church to pray in the presence of the heart, which is still intact—perhaps miraculously—though Vianney died 160 years ago. “Many of the people who were there were from outside our parish. We were delighted to welcome them,” observed Father Joseph Marcello, Pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Parish. “The turnout on Monday and especially through the night was clear evidence that people are searching for the truth and recognizing holiness in our midst. It was so encouraging, and a very bright light in the midst of the shadows of the scandals which have caused such pain to everyone who loves Christ and the Church.”

“Through prayer we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the soul and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” – St. John Vianney

St. John Vianney was born in 1786 in Dardilly, France, and served for 41 years as a parish priest in the French town of Ars. His priestly ministry was so astoundingly fruitful that he became world-famous, especially for his work as a confessor. He spent as many as 18 hours a day hearing the confessions of people who traveled from throughout Europe to see the priest who was known for such extraordinary holiness and piety, and to experience the love and mercy of God. St. John Vianney died August 4, 1859. His heart, which is normally kept for veneration at the Shrine of Ars in France, is incorrupt. Pope Pius XI canonized him in 1925 and proclaimed him patron saint of parish priests and confessors in 1929. A century after his death, Pope St. John XXIII reflected on the life of the saint, and what it means to be a holy priest: The pastor of Ars lived a life of great penance, whose “only motives were the love of God and the desire for the salvation of the souls of his neighbors.”

The Catholic Church teaches that a relic is offered to the faithful for veneration, but neither the relic nor the saint is worshipped. Veneration recognizes the fact that God has worked through the saint.

The Shrine of Ars, France has entrusted the heart of St. John Vianney to the Knights of Columbus for a national US tour through June 2019. The Shrine and the Knights of Columbus had discussed a relic tour, which began at the Knights’ birthplace in New Haven, CT last November, before the Church’s sexual abuse scandals broke during the summer of 2018. After the scandals broke, Supreme Knight Carl Anderson said: “We now welcome as providential this opportunity to invoke the intercession of the patron of parish priests, whose holiness and integrity is a singular model for clergy…St. John Vianney offers an example to help the Church heal and rebuild.”

(For more information about St. John Vianney and the Relic Pilgrimage, please visit www.kofc.org/vianney.)

The Parish of Saint Catherine of Siena warmly welcomes anyone who is new to our area, anyone who is searching for the truth, or anyone who is looking for a spiritual home. We are joyfully and faithfully Roman Catholic in belief and practice—a community of faith, worship, service, and formation—and with open hearts we invite all our brothers and sisters into a living and saving friendship with the Lord Jesus Christ, in the communion of His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We are conveniently located at 220 Shelton Road in the Nichols area of Trumbull.

NEW ROCHELLE—Provincial Kevin Griffith, C.F.C., has announced the selection of Dr. James P. Keane as director of educational services for the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers, North American Province. “Dr. Keane brings decades of Catholic school experience, an enthusiasm for innovation, and a highly trained vision to our educational mission,” said Brother Griffith, “He is the ideal leader to ensure that each of our schools remains vitally Catholic in word, deed, and practice.”

Dr. Keane has 26 years’ experience in teaching and administration in Catholic schools, mostly in Christian Brother schools, including Rice High School in Harlem and Catholic Memorial in Boston. For the past four years, he has been the principal and academic leader at St. Joseph High School in Trumbull, Connecticut.

The director of educational services has prime responsibility for the order’s charism as outlined in the Essential Elements of a Christian Brother Education, which forms the guiding principles for some 29 Christian Brother-affiliated schools spread throughout the United States, Canada, and West Indies. As Director, Dr. Keane will lead a New York-based team to promote Catholic identity, mission integration, board formation, and quality teaching standards throughout the Christian Brother network. He will also have responsibility for the mission-based, immersion programs in North and South America.

Dr. Keane earned his undergraduate degree at Iona College and his Masters in Education at Emmanuel College. He holds the Masters of Divinity from Yale and a doctorate in Systematic Theology from Marquette University. He will assume this position on August 12, 2019.

NEWTOWN—My name is Tim Reilly and I am a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown. I was praying for an idea to do something different for lent this year and as I asked God to show me how I could strengthen my relationship with Him. He reminded me about something my Dad Jim Reilly and his friend Joe Surber did for a number of years. Each year on Good Friday they would walk to seven churches. Included in the seven were Assumption in Fairfield and the following churches in Bridgeport: St. Peter’s, St. Augustine’s Cathedral, St. Patrick’s, St. Andrew’s, St. Ann’s, and St. Margaret’s Shrine.

This practice inspired me to embark on an ambitious challenge. I decided that I would try to attend Mass at 40 different churches during Lent this year.

My wife Debbie and I were in Florida on Ash Wednesday so the first few masses I attended were in Fort Myers. We flew home early on March 11 which enabled me to make 5:30 pm mass at St. Theresa’s in Trumbull. The diocesan website was very helpful in providing information on parishes and mass times.

They say if you would like to make God laugh then tell Him your plans. This was certainly not an exact science. This experience evolved from day to day and did not have a lot in common with the way I drew it up.

For example, on Wednesday, April 3 I planned on going to 8:00 Mass at Holy Trinity in Sherman. When I arrived there were no cars in the parking lot (not a good sign as I learned during this process).  I went inside and looked at a bulletin where I learned that weekday masses are celebrated there on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. I Googled a plan B and drove to St. Francis of Assisi in New Milford. As I pulled into a parking space people were exiting the church where the mass had just ended. Plan C: I drove to St. Edward the Confessor in New Fairfield and arrived just in time for the 9:00 Mass. Tip to self – take a better look at the fine print on the diocesan website!

This journey enabled me to catch up with a number of friends and priests I had not seen in quite some time.

On Sunday, March 24 I met a friend and Fairfield Prep classmate Dave Roach for mass at Our Lady of Peace in Lordship. It was a beautiful morning and afterwards, we enjoyed a cup of coffee outside, while viewing Long Island Sound. We had plenty to discuss, as my son Sean is married to Dave’s daughter Claire and we have in common our beautiful granddaughter Quinn.

When Mass began on March 29 at Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown I was pleasantly surprised to see that the celebrant was Father John Inserra who had previously been at St. Rose.

On March 31 Debbie and I went to a Mass celebrated by Father Peter Towsley (also previously at St. Rose) at Sacred Heart in Danbury who was saying the mass for the intention for Debbie’s father Art Sheehan. On Good Friday we went to Blessed Sacrament in Bridgeport where Father Skip Karcsinski (who married us) celebrated the service in both English and Spanish).

On April 16 I went to 6:30 pm mass at St. Francis of Assisi in New Milford with my son Brendan. We first met in Kent and walked a section of the Appalachian Trail. We discussed my Lenten project and Brendan mentioned for the second time that this was pretty special and I should write a reflection and share the experience, so here it is.

This journey has truly been a blessing. The forty different churches included two states, three dioceses, twenty-three towns, thirty-seven hours and sixteen hundred miles driven.

During the course of this Lenten journey, I was able to reconnect with faith, family and friends. Someone asked me which church was my favorite and I have to say it is my parish, newly remodeled St. Rose of Lima (led by our amazing Pastor Msgr. Bob Weiss) where I returned on Easter morning.

There’s no place like Home!

VATICAN CITY (CNS)—God never tricks, traps or tempts his children to sin or commit evil, Pope Francis said.

God is with his people every step of the way—during times of joy and sadness, triumph and tribulation—and he always helps lead people away from the devil and his temptations, the pope said during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.

Marking the feast day, the pope prayed that the saint, a carpenter and Jesus’ guardian, would support people sacrificing so much to do good in the world and intercede on behalf of all those who have lost their job or cannot find employment.

Unemployment “is a global tragedy today,” he said at the end of his audience.

In his main audience talk, the pope continued his catechesis on the Lord’s Prayer, looking at the next to last invocation, “Lead us not into temptation.”

Modern translations from the original Greek expression “are a bit shaky” and do not give a precise rendering of the real meaning, he said. But recent Vatican-approved translations in some languages, like French, Italian and Spanish, include equivalents such as “Do not abandon us to temptation” or “Do not let us enter” or “fall into temptation.”

Pope Francis already highlighted the translation issue as part of a television series on the Lord’s Prayer in 2017 when he said some translations of the “Our Father” can give believers the wrong impression that God can and does lead people into temptation.

“I’m the one who falls. But it’s not (God) who pushes me into temptation to see how I fall. No, a father does not do this. A father helps us up immediately,” he had said in the interview.

The pope reiterated the same point at his general audience, saying that despite the various translations, one thing is undisputed: “We must exclude God as the source of the temptations that impede humanity in its journey as if God himself were on the prowl, setting snares and traps for his children.”

In the Gospels, Jesus has revealed the true image of God as a loving, protective father, he said.

“Christians don’t have anything to do with a jealous God who is competing with humanity or who enjoys testing them. These are images of many pagan divinities,” the pope said.

God the father is not the source of evil, he said. Rather, when evil appears in people’s lives, God is the one “fighting at their side so that they may be freed. (He is) a God who always fights for us, not against us.”

Evil and temptation come from the devil, who even targeted Jesus in the desert before his public ministry began, Pope Francis said.

“So many people say, ‘Oh, why do you talk about the devil when it is so old-fashioned? The devil doesn’t exist.’ Well, look at what the Gospel teaches. Jesus faced the devil and was tempted by Satan,” he said.

But Jesus rejects every temptation and is victorious in his battle against evil no matter the difficulties and anguish it causes, the pope said.

During his moment of great agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his friends to stay and “keep watch” with him, he said. Instead, they fell asleep.

But “during the worst moments in life, the most insufferable, the most distressing, God keeps watch with us, God fights with us, he is always near,” the pope said. “Why? Because he is a father” who never abandons his children.

The pope concluded by praying that God would “drive away from us” times of “trial and temptation.”

“But when this moment comes for us, show us that we are not alone, that Christ has already taken upon himself the weight of that cross and he calls us to carry it with him,” in faithful, trusting abandon to God’s love, Pope Francis prayed.

By Carol Glatz  |  Catholic News Service

NORWALK—Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 in Norwalk was honored with awards at the Knights of Columbus CT State Council’s 126th convention April 26-28 in Hartford.

As the fraternal year is concluding, K of C Council no.14360 in Norwalk is finishing one of the busiest years in the history of the council. From running service projects to fundraiser planning and holding prayer services, Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #14360 in Norwalk worked tirelessly the last nine months to help those in need at St. Matthew church and in the surrounding community.   Among the highlights over the past year was conducting a Marian ICON Prayer Service for persecuted Christians, providing labor for sprucing up playgrounds at All Saints and Our Lady of Fatima schools and sponsoring the FCA Family and Child Development Annual picnic.

At the state council’s 126th convention. It was awarded a state program award – the Family Program Award for sponsoring the Family & Children’s Agency Family & Child Development Annual picnic.  The council donated funds from various fundraisers to sponsor the food, games and rental of Fodor Farm in Norwalk on Friday, August 10, 2018.  In addition, many members of the council took the day off from work to prepare, grill and serve the families a delicious meal. FCA’s Child & Family Development programs provides positive parent support and programs to families and their young children. This program focuses on the critical early years of a child’s life, birth to age 5, to support strong foundations for future success

“It has been busy and productive fraternal year, but our purpose has always been first and foremost to help our priests at St. Matthew and the non-profit organizations in our community,” said Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo. “I am so proud of the members of the council for always being ready and willing to help those in need.”

In addition, the council’s Past Grand Knight and District Deputy George Ribellino was awarded the Donald L. Le Clair Leadership Award by the CT State Council Knights of Columbus.  Grand Knight Scott Criscuolo nominated Ribellino for his leadership over the years as a previous Grand Knight of the council and current 4^th Degree Faithful Navigator of Bishop Fenwick Assembly 100.  The Donald LeClair Leadership Award is presented to an individual in recognition of their outstanding leadership abilities. The Donald LeClair Leadership Award recognizes the leadership of the highest caliber of a member of the Order.  The State council officer’s form a committee to choose a recipient from all the nominations of knights throughout the state.

“George is the epitome of what our Order is all about. Getting out there and doing what it is needed for those in need. It’s as simple as that”, said Criscuolo.

Lastly, the council had state winner for the annual Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest held at All Saints Catholic School.  Maya Witczak won for her poster in the age’s 5-7 category.  Her poster will go on to the Supreme KofC International Competition. 

“What a wonderful year it’s been for our council. As it’s my final year as Grand Knight, it’s an honor knowing what our council did and what it will do”, said Criscuolo.

The goal of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 14360 at Saint Matthew Parish is to perform acts of charity, providing those in need with a range of support from financial to tactical help in dealing with a wide variety of challenges.

(For more information, visit saintmatthewknights.com.)

WATERBURY — Hundreds of faithful came from across Connecticut to Holy Land and gathered in the cold spring rain to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday and honor the life and legacy of Waterbury native Venerable Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus.

Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt concelebrated the Second Annual Mountaintop Mass with 11 priests beneath a banner that proclaimed, “Welcome to Holy Land USA.” Throughout the day buses and shuttles brought people up the mountain as the rain fell.

Bishop Betancourt told more than 1100 people huddled under tents and umbrellas in the shadow of the 56-foot cross: “In the name of Jesus our Savior, I want to thank you for being here. It is a glorious day according to grace but now a little bit cold and wet. Yet here we are, trying to love Jesus and take advantage of his love, celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday.”

He said the lives of the saints can help us when we have difficulty following Christ and that Venerable Michael McGivney is a model of holiness for our times.

“His strong faith in the risen Jesus was manifested in spending his life sharing his joy by taking care of his people, especially those who were going through difficulties or suffering, and by expressing interest in others while keeping an exemplary spiritual life through prayer and the celebration of the sacraments,” Bishop Betancourt said. “Giving himself to others was how Father Michael McGivney witnessed his faith in Jesus Christ. He is a great example of the Lord’s Divine Mercy as his life encourages us to be compassionate and merciful as well.”

He told the crowd spread out across the hillside: “One of the purposes of the Easter season, besides celebrating the glorious Resurrection of the Lord, is to encourage all people to return to the fundamentals of being a Christian.” Just like the newly baptized in the early Church, contemporary Catholics are encouraged to stand up for the faith, to withstand attacks on the faith, and to incorporate their faith in every aspect of their lives, he said.

The organizers of the Mountaintop Mass, which was cosponsored by Holy Land USA and the Knights of Columbus, believe the event will cause a revitalization of faith and increased devotion to Venerable Father McGivney, whose cause for sainthood is being considered by the Vatican.

Father James Sullivan, organizer of the event and rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, said, “This is a significant religious event for the city and the state, in the spirit of the new evangelization.”

“A powerful, strong feeling keeps coming to me, a feeling of hope,” he said. “Today was a day of great enthusiasm. Father McGivney was born in Waterbury, and in many ways this is holy ground. People love this mountain, and I think many would love to see a miracle here and the beginning of new spiritual life.”

The mountaintop offers a view of the places where Father McGivney was born, baptized, educated and buried for 92 years until his remains were moved to the Church of St. Mary in New Haven, where he began the Knights of Columbus.

Despite the cold and rain, people from all over — including 40 seminarians from the Legionnaires of Christ — made their personal pilgrimage to the mountaintop, walking or riding in golf carts to the place of prayer.

Sister Patricia McCarthy CND, who for 12 years was provincial superior of the U.S. Province of the Congregation of Notre Dame in Wilton, returned to her hometown, where she teaches algebra at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.

“I grew up in Waterbury,” she said, “And when I was a kid, the original Holy Land was being built and we would come up here, so I am delighted that it is back…This will bring in people who might not walk through the doors of a church, and there is a hope that this is a place where there will be a renewal of faith in Waterbury and beyond.”

James Tottenham, who came to the Mass for the second year with his wife Terry, said, “It is such a powerful experience, and it gets us closer to where the world should be when 1000 or more people can come together to pray and have hope.”

Walter Finneran, a volunteer and member of the Knights Council 24, said it was the pinnacle of his spiritual life “to be able to pray and celebrate Mass on top of this beautiful mountain and honor Father McGivney.” Frank Monaco of Valley Council 23, said, “We all wish for something to happen in the future.” And many expressed the hope that the miracle Father McGivney needs for beatification might occur among those who come there to pray.

Lorraine Greski of Ansonia said, “The most touching part for me was seeing all the priests process to the altar during the rain. I thought about their sacrifice and prayed for more priests and more vocations. I know God in his mercy will answer that prayer because this is what we need.”

Mayor Neil O’Leary thanked the Knights of Columbus and the many volunteers who made the event possible, “We have unbelievable momentum, and I credit Father Jim Sullivan and the other priests for that. We are excited about everything that’s happening. Father Sullivan put together the Mass last year and this year, and the board is proud to have him involved and leading the continuing revival of Holy Land.”

During the 1960s and 70s, the park, which opened in 1955, attracted 45,000 visitors a year — they were tourists and pilgrims who went to pray, meditate and recall the events of Jesus’ life, from his birth to his crucifixion, by following a path that circled the hill and led to a depiction of Calvary.

After falling into disrepair, Holy Land closed in 1984. However, it is experiencing a revival. The roads have been repaved, the hilltop is landscaped, exhibits are being restored and a new gate was installed at the entrance. Over the past year, community volunteers, members of the Knights of Columbus, and area construction crews have worked free of charge to refurbish the site.

The park has been an inspiration to countless people, particularly motorists passing on the highway who see the cross that stands majestically on the hilltop, illuminating the night sky. Holy Land, which is set on an 18-acre site on Pine Hill, was created by John Baptist Greco, a Waterbury attorney. His group of volunteers, called the Companions of Christ, helped build and maintain the biblical scenes depicting the life of Jesus, along with recreations of Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

When John Greco died in 1986, the property was given to the Religious Teachers Filippini. Over the years, various attempts to revive the park were unsuccessful although the original cross was replaced and dedicated in 2008.

In 2013, Mayor O’Leary and Waterbury businessman Fred “Fritz” Blasius purchased the site from the Filippini Sisters in a private transaction. They eventually erected a larger cross on the hill, and the park reopened in September 2014.

Father Sullivan said Holy Land will be used for liturgies, Christian prayer services, concerts and other events. He believes it will be a place where people will come to pray, find peace and meditate on Christ’s life, which was the vision that inspired John Greco 70 years ago.

Chuck Pagano, Chairman of Holy Land USA, said, “This is such a wonderful day. Holy Land has always been a labor of love for the volunteers, the community and the board, and while the impatient executive in me from a past life wants it done faster, little by little it is taking shape.”

Board member Rebecca Calabrese conducted tours of Holy Land as a young girl for her great-uncle John Baptist Greco. On Sunday, as she looked out at the hundreds of people who were waiting under tents and umbrellas for Mass to begin, she said, “This is as I remember it as a child, with so many buses coming here to bring people to honor God.”

By the end of the day, the rain had stopped, the storm clouds had cleared, and the sun began to set on Holy Land. Father Sullivan surveyed the city below and as the sky grew dark, the lights of the 56-foot cross went on.

“I’m sitting on top of the mountain and looking out at a city of 100,000 people,” he said. “My prayer is that the people of this city and this state and nation find God again … and that this cross will be the beacon.”

(For further information about Holy Land USA, go to holylandwaterbury.org.)