Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen declared ‘Blessed’ at beatification Mass in St. Louis #Catholic – 
ST. LOUIS (OSV News) — Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — the 20th-century theologian, evangelizer, Catholic communications pioneer, teacher and preacher — is now Blessed Fulton J. Sheen.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a pro-prefect for the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization and papal delegate, pronounced the Church’s declaration on Archbishop Sheen’s holiness of life and witness to Jesus Christ at a Sept. 24 Mass celebrated in The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis.
To the applause of pilgrims, Cardinal Tagle described Archbishop Sheen as a “son of Illinois, son of the United States of America” and “indeed, son of the world.”
Hundreds of clergy, including dozens of bishops and cardinals, had processed into the arena for the Mass as choirs, accompanied by an orchestra, performed a succession of hymns. The priests’ vestments were embroidered with “JMJ,” Archbishop Sheen’s signature dedication to Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
The location had been selected by Archbishop Sheen’s home Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, to accommodate the number of pilgrims who arrived for the beatification and its surrounding events. Around 50,000 people were in attendance, according to organizers.
During a press conference a few hours prior to the Mass, Bishop Louis Tylka of Peoria said that almost every U.S. state and several additional nations were represented by pilgrims. A number of the faithful hailed from Italy, Poland and Brazil, he said.
Close to 90 bishops, some 1,000 priests, an estimated 1,600 men and women religious, and almost 250 deacons were present, added Bishop Tylka, who wore Archbishop Sheen’s pectoral cross. Among the concelebrating prelates was Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
The beatification — a papal act affirming an individual’s presence in heaven is worthy of belief — officially occurred between the liturgy’s Penitential Rite and the Gloria. Bishop Tylka made a formal request for Archbishop Sheen’s beatification to Cardinal Tagle.
A short biography of Archbishop Sheen, who was born in El Paso, Illinois, in 1895 and died in New York in 1979, was read by Archbishop Sheen’s great-nephew, Paul Cunningham, after which Cardinal Tagle proclaimed the apostolic letter from Pope Leo XIV declaring the beatification in Latin. Bishop Tylka then read the letter in English, as applause followed both.
With the papal decree’s public proclamation, Archbishop Sheen became formally counted among the Church’s “beati,” from the Latin word for “blessed.”
James Fulton Engstrom — whose revival from stillbirth in 2010, attributed to Archbishop Sheen’s intercession, was formally declared the miracle that moved Archbishop Sheen to beatification — processed with his parents and siblings to present a major relic of Archbishop Sheen during the liturgy.
Enclosed in a special case called a reliquary, the relic is Archbishop Sheen’s mandible, or jawbone, chosen because it represents the archbishop’s tremendous gifts as an orator, teacher and evangelist.
As part of the beatification, a portrait of a haloed Blessed Fulton Sheen was also unveiled. In the image, he is notably holding a piece of chalk, which he famously used — along with a blackboard — during his Emmy-winning television show, “Life Is Worth Living.”
The image was also simultaneously unveiled in the Diocese of Peoria at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception.
The first reading from the beatification Mass, Isaiah 52:7-10, was delivered in Spanish, with the second reading, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, 5-7, proclaimed in Portuguese, while the Gospel taken from Mark 16:15-20 was proclaimed in English. The prayers of the faithful were offered in a variety of other languages, illustrating both the universal character of the Church and also the missionary mindset of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, who served as the U.S. director for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.
In his homily, Cardinal Tagle praised Archbishop Sheen as a “storyteller of Jesus” and “a “missionary who digs deep into the heart of the poor to meet Jesus there.”
The cardinal noted then-Bishop Sheen’s passionate advocacy for the poor during the Second Vatican Council. During the 1964 discussions on the document “Ad Gentes,” on the missionary activity of the Church, then-Bishop Sheen asked his brother bishops to “affirm” the notion of poverty and the bishops who came from poor and suffering parts of the Church.
“As only a wounded Christ could convert a doubting Thomas, so only a Church wounded by poverty can convert a doubting world,” he said.
Cardinal Tagle commended Archbishop Sheen for making genuine connections with the people he met and to whom he preached and ministered.
“The missionary evangelizer is blessed by the communion with persons and peoples, especially the poor and vulnerable, and this is communion in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Cardinal Tagle shared how Archbishop Sheen told a friend, who asked why he became a priest, that he was called to share the Gospel and tell the story of Jesus.
“I never tire of telling it; I never tire of improving my telling of it. I love my calling,” Archbishop Sheen said, as Cardinal Tagle recounted.
In remarks after Communion, Bishop Tylka urged all attendees to pray for Archbishop Sheen’s canonization, leading them together in a prayer for that intention.
“It is God who has given the Church the extraordinary witness of the man we may now call Blessed Fulton J. Sheen,” he said.
Thanking the many prelates involved in the Mass, including Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, whose archdiocese hosted the beatification, and representatives from the Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Rochester and the Pontifical Mission Societies, Bishop Tylka noted, “Your presence today is a beautiful reminder that while Peoria is incredibly proud to call Fulton Sheen one of our own, he is a gift to the whole Church.”
Bishop Tylka also expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Sheen’s family, individuals and benefactors involved in preparations and liturgy, and the faithful who made the pilgrimage to attend the beatification.
“Fulton Sheen has left us a great legacy,” he said. “He fearlessly proclaimed the Gospel in challenging cultural times. He supported the Church’s missions throughout the world. He won tens of thousands of converts and preached to millions. His time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament was the source of his insight into the Son of God. He used every gift God gave him for one purpose: to bring people to Christ. And his legacy is now ours.”
Following the Mass, attendees were invited to remain in prayer to venerate Archbishop Sheen’s relics.
Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina. Maria Wiering, senior managing editor of OSV News, contributed to this article.
– ST. LOUIS (OSV News) — Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen — the 20th-century theologian, evangelizer, Catholic communications pioneer, teacher and preacher — is now Blessed Fulton J. Sheen. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a pro-prefect for the Holy See’s Dicastery for Evangelization and papal delegate, pronounced the Church’s declaration on Archbishop Sheen’s holiness of life and witness to Jesus Christ at a Sept. 24 Mass celebrated in The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. To the applause of pilgrims, Cardinal Tagle described Archbishop Sheen as a “son of Illinois, son of the United States of America” and “indeed, son of the
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![More than 1,000 spend a day at ‘Mary’s Shrine’ in Washington, D.C. for triennial pilgrimage #Catholic – Boarding buses as early as 6 a.m., more than 1,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. traveled to Washington, D.C. to spend the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Oct. 17. Affectionately known as “Mary’s Shrine,” the pilgrimage to the basilica is a triennial diocesan event, with the last one held in 2023.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led the daylong event, which included a crowning of an image of the Blessed Mother, the opportunity for confessions, a catechetical presentation, multilingual recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Mass. Priests from all three counties of the diocese led 17 bus groups. Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of pilgrimages and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Hardyston, coordinated the buses and an overnight trip in which about 100 pilgrims participated.
Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of worship and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, organized the liturgical events of the day.
The Marian-themed pilgrimage allowed diocesan visitors to see more than 80 chapels dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Some of the chapels are dedicated to Marian titles such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Miraculous Medal.
The apses in the basilica’s Great Upper Church retell the life of Jesus through the mysteries of the rosary depicted through mosaics. The basilica’s Trinity Dome, the central and largest dome of the National Shrine, is another visual highlight.
In the Lower Church, confessions were held for pilgrims seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There were also catechetical talks led by Father Yojaneider Garcia, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Randolph and diocesan director of the Catechetical Office and Faith Formation. The basilica also remembers the many Americans who have helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States in its Hall of American Saints.
BEACON PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/more-than-1000-spend-a-day-at-marys-shrine-in-washington-d-c-for-triennial-pilgrimage-catholic-boarding-buses-as-early-as-6-a-m-more-than-1000-pilgrims-from-the-dio.jpg "More than 1,000 spend a day at ‘Mary’s Shrine’ in Washington, D.C. for triennial pilgrimage #Catholic – Boarding buses as early as 6 a.m., more than 1,000 pilgrims from the Diocese of Paterson, N.J. traveled to Washington, D.C. to spend the day at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on Oct. 17. Affectionately known as “Mary’s Shrine,” the pilgrimage to the basilica is a triennial diocesan event, with the last one held in 2023.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led the daylong event, which included a crowning of an image of the Blessed Mother, the opportunity for confessions, a catechetical presentation, multilingual recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, and Mass. Priests from all three counties of the diocese led 17 bus groups. Father Michael Rodak, diocesan director of pilgrimages and pastor of St. Jude the Apostle Parish in Hardyston, coordinated the buses and an overnight trip in which about 100 pilgrims participated.
Father Jared Brogan, diocesan director of worship and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, organized the liturgical events of the day.
The Marian-themed pilgrimage allowed diocesan visitors to see more than 80 chapels dedicated to the Blessed Mother. Some of the chapels are dedicated to Marian titles such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Miraculous Medal.
The apses in the basilica’s Great Upper Church retell the life of Jesus through the mysteries of the rosary depicted through mosaics. The basilica’s Trinity Dome, the central and largest dome of the National Shrine, is another visual highlight.
In the Lower Church, confessions were held for pilgrims seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. There were also catechetical talks led by Father Yojaneider Garcia, pastor of Resurrection Parish in Randolph and diocesan director of the Catechetical Office and Faith Formation. The basilica also remembers the many Americans who have helped shape the Catholic Church in the United States in its Hall of American Saints.
BEACON PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Paterson rector hailed for inspiring hope and supporting children #Catholic – The community of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., beamed with pride on Oct. 18 as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh presented the Key to the City to Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector, for “being a champion for children and a beacon of hope for Paterson.” The mayor made the presentation that day at the end of the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Msgr. Sylva has served as rector of St. John’s, the mother church of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., for about eight years. He also serves as diocesan vicar for special projects. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Holy See, reflecting his commitment to evangelization.
Under Msgr. Sylva’s leadership, St. John’s has expanded its outreach to children. The cathedral established Compostela, a faith-filled after-school and catechetical program for K- 8; Young Prophets youth ministry; a Special Needs Ministry with a monthly Mass; and a Cathedral Summer Camp. It’s active music ministry includes a Children’s Choir. St. John’s also welcomed KIPP Paterson Elementary Prep, a K-4 public charter school housed in its Catechetical and Educational Building.
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St. John’s holds Bethlehem in Paterson, a major holiday outreach and gift-giving program that transforms the cathedral area, also known as the Block of Mercy, into a festive setting to share the spirit of Christmas. The cathedral has also expanded its social justice ministries and outreach to Hispanic Catholics among many other initiatives.
After the Mass, Mayor Sayegh called Msgr. Sylva “an MVP: Most Valuable Priest,” on social media.
“He’s also a champion for children, especially our youth at the Paterson Prep School and the Young Prophets program,” Mayor Sayegh said about Msgr. Sylva. “He’s a credit to our community, and he has been a blessing everywhere he has served, including the Vatican. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating a Mighty Man of God!” he said.
Msgr. Sylva called the Key to the City presentation “a beautiful celebration of our mission here to the children of the city through the school and Compostela. We are blessed.”
In his homily at the Mass before the presentation, Msgr. Sylva thanked all those involved in St. John’s, Compostela, KIPP Paterson Prep, diocesan leadership, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Paterson emergency services and government, including Mayor Sayegh.
“As I receive the key to the City of Paterson, I find myself thinking about the children of this city and about [William] Wordsworth’s beautiful image of those children trailing clouds of glory. What a responsibility and opportunity we have to give our children the keys of beauty, truth, and goodness with which to unlock the gates of heaven. Nothing more merciful than that,” Msgr. Sylva said in his homily. “Mr. Mayor, thank you for presenting us with the key to the City. I promise, we will keep working to place these keys in the hands of our children, for Wordsworth was right: children come into this world trailing clouds of glory. Our responsibility is to make sure that as they grow older, those clouds of glory do not simply disappear into the darkness of the world, but lead them to the eternal Compostela, that heavenly field of stars,” the rector said.
Ordained a priest in 1993, Msgr. Sylva also sits on the Board of the Paterson Prep Charter School as one of its founding members. He also serves as chaplain for the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York Division of the FBI.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/paterson-rector-hailed-for-inspiring-hope-and-supporting-children-catholic-the-community-of-the-cathedral-of-st-john-the-baptist-in-paterson-n-j-beamed-with-pride-on-oct-18-as-paterson-mayor-a.jpg "Paterson rector hailed for inspiring hope and supporting children #Catholic – The community of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J., beamed with pride on Oct. 18 as Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh presented the Key to the City to Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector, for “being a champion for children and a beacon of hope for Paterson.” The mayor made the presentation that day at the end of the 11:30 a.m. Mass.
Msgr. Sylva has served as rector of St. John’s, the mother church of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., for about eight years. He also serves as diocesan vicar for special projects. In 2023, Pope Francis appointed him to the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Holy See, reflecting his commitment to evangelization.
Under Msgr. Sylva’s leadership, St. John’s has expanded its outreach to children. The cathedral established Compostela, a faith-filled after-school and catechetical program for K- 8; Young Prophets youth ministry; a Special Needs Ministry with a monthly Mass; and a Cathedral Summer Camp. It’s active music ministry includes a Children’s Choir. St. John’s also welcomed KIPP Paterson Elementary Prep, a K-4 public charter school housed in its Catechetical and Educational Building.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
St. John’s holds Bethlehem in Paterson, a major holiday outreach and gift-giving program that transforms the cathedral area, also known as the Block of Mercy, into a festive setting to share the spirit of Christmas. The cathedral has also expanded its social justice ministries and outreach to Hispanic Catholics among many other initiatives.
After the Mass, Mayor Sayegh called Msgr. Sylva “an MVP: Most Valuable Priest,” on social media.
“He’s also a champion for children, especially our youth at the Paterson Prep School and the Young Prophets program,” Mayor Sayegh said about Msgr. Sylva. “He’s a credit to our community, and he has been a blessing everywhere he has served, including the Vatican. Please join me in celebrating and congratulating a Mighty Man of God!” he said.
Msgr. Sylva called the Key to the City presentation “a beautiful celebration of our mission here to the children of the city through the school and Compostela. We are blessed.”
In his homily at the Mass before the presentation, Msgr. Sylva thanked all those involved in St. John’s, Compostela, KIPP Paterson Prep, diocesan leadership, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, and Paterson emergency services and government, including Mayor Sayegh.
“As I receive the key to the City of Paterson, I find myself thinking about the children of this city and about [William] Wordsworth’s beautiful image of those children trailing clouds of glory. What a responsibility and opportunity we have to give our children the keys of beauty, truth, and goodness with which to unlock the gates of heaven. Nothing more merciful than that,” Msgr. Sylva said in his homily. “Mr. Mayor, thank you for presenting us with the key to the City. I promise, we will keep working to place these keys in the hands of our children, for Wordsworth was right: children come into this world trailing clouds of glory. Our responsibility is to make sure that as they grow older, those clouds of glory do not simply disappear into the darkness of the world, but lead them to the eternal Compostela, that heavenly field of stars,” the rector said.
Ordained a priest in 1993, Msgr. Sylva also sits on the Board of the Paterson Prep Charter School as one of its founding members. He also serves as chaplain for the Paterson Police and Fire Departments, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York Division of the FBI.")
![Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/advocates-speak-for-voiceless-at-n-j-march-for-life-catholic-from-around-the-paterson-diocese-and-throughout-new-jersey-thousands-of-pro-life-advocates-traveled-to-trenton-to-be-a-voice-for-the-v.jpg "Advocates speak for voiceless at N.J. March for Life #Catholic – From around the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey, thousands of pro-life advocates traveled to Trenton to be a voice for the voiceless in the womb and the most vulnerable at the annual N.J. March for Life on Oct. 8.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney participated in the daylong event, which began with a Mass for Life in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Trenton. After the Mass, a rally took place in front of the N.J. Statehouse Annex, followed by a march through downtown Trenton.
At the Mass, several bishops, including Bishop Sweeney, concelebrated. Bishop David M. O’Connell of the Trenton Diocese was the main celebrant, with Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau of the Newark Archdiocese as the homilist. The Mass drew a standing-room-only crowd, with overflow from the congregation participating in the church basement.
In his homily, Bishop Chau said, “God created us in his image and likeness. We have been wonderfully made. Do not forget that. And this morning, we gather from around the state of New Jersey, and we embarked on a pilgrimage to celebrate life.”
A large presence at the Mass and March was young people from Catholic high schools from across the state. Many Knights of Columbus councils also participated in the daylong event.
At the Rally, many pro-life advocates serving in communities around the state spoke. Jean Marie Davis, executive director of Branches Family Resource Center, was the keynote speaker. With the theme, “Life is a gift,” this year’s March hoped to reach out to those experiencing crisis pregnancies and support mothers.
Bishop Sweeney gave the closing prayer at the Rally and said, “Giving thanks to God for the gift of life, this gift of this beautiful day. For our parents who said yes to the gift of life, for any mom and dad who are struggling with a crisis pregnancy at this moment. For our elected officials, for our great country of the United States, that we would live up to our founding principles that life is sacred and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are given to us by God.”
PHOTOS | CECILE PAGLIARULO, SUBMITTED
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Emaús Retreat at cathedral fosters deeper life of evangelization #Catholic – Linked arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand in sung prayer, believers filled the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist as alumni of a retreat experience that has connected thousands across the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey.
Pilgrims who have experienced the powerful Emaús retreat celebrated Christ’s love at a Spanish-language Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 25 at the cathedral.
Each of them has participated in the three-day, mainly Spanish-language experience, in which Deacon German Vargas from the cathedral has played a major part in infusing the life of faith in the diocese. He calls the “siblinghood” of Emaús a community of brothers and sisters who, after the retreat, encounter the presence, grace, love, and mercy of Christ and make the Catholic faith the center of their lives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“The bishop affirmed that the movement of the Holy Spirit has gifted us the Emaús fellowship,” Deacon Vargas shared. “The bishop emphasized the need not to be afraid and to keep walking together, like the disciples of Emmaus, strengthened by the Word of God,” he said.
The retreat program has touched thousands of New Jerseyans. Its title comes from the story of the road to Emmaus as shared in Luke. In it, Christ draws near to two people taking that road without identifying himself until he breaks bread with them in a Eucharistic expression, following the pattern of the Last Supper.
“Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” the two men say about Jesus.
Emaús, a retreat program that began at a parish in 1978 at St. Louis Parish in Miami, came to St. Mary Help of Christians in Paterson, N.J., in 2017 and has spread to 10 parishes in the diocese.
“The idea was to make a retreat for people who didn’t have the chance to go to other retreats,” said Father Duberney Villamizar, pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Morristown, N.J., who also helps facilitate Emaús.
Father Villamizar added, “There are some retreats that require some background for the people — a discernment retreat for those thinking about vocations or retreats for couples, married couples. There were other requirements at the time this Emmaus retreat started in Florida. The parish priest wanted to have a retreat for anybody, those who are in the pews, those who are just arriving in the church.”
Through Emaús, men and women hold separate retreats that become deeply personal encounters with the Lord.
“It grew organically here at the cathedral,” said Msgr. Geno Sylva, the rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects. “After the retreat, I started seeing not only that the lives of people who went on the retreat converted and changed, but they became so faithful, not only with being here [on] Sunday, but getting involved in so many other areas of the cathedral’s life. It’s part of my vision for evangelization here at the cathedral,” he said.
Msgr. Sylva credits Deacon Vargas and Father Villamizar with helping expand the retreat, which has become a key outreach tool, inviting people into the faith who have not had that deeper encounter with Christ.
“I have a St. John Paul II, Pope Francis, and Benedict XIV [approach] to New Evangelization. It has to be about going beyond the walls to inviting people to a larger communion and to Sunday Mass,” Msgr. Sylva said.
That invitation often comes from Emaús alums who also help make the retreat happen.
“It started forming what we call now the brotherhoods and the sisterhoods in the different parishes,” Father Villamizar said. “Those who leave the retreat already are the ones who prepare a new retreat and invite new people,” he said.
Those alumni also create regular follow-up opportunities for others who have gone on the retreat to continue the spiritual growth in community with others who know the power of the experience.
“They meet biweekly after the retreat,” Msgr. Sylva said, “and you have to make the retreat to be at those meetings because there’s a real focus on trust and confidentiality at that level of faith sharing.”
Leaders are launching a school with Emaús alums to form disciples who can support the New Evangelization. They aim to bring the fire for Christ that was launched when the Lord approached a pair of people who didn’t initially recognize him — the kind that changes hearts so passionately that they come together on a Friday night for a Mass that fills a cathedral.
“Just like the disciples of Emmaus,” said Deacon Vargas, “we must ask the Lord to stay with us, in our hearts and in our families.”
Click here to find more on Emaús in New Jersey.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/emaus-retreat-at-cathedral-fosters-deeper-life-of-evangelization-catholic-linked-arm-in-arm-hand-in-hand-in-sung-prayer-believers-filled-the-cathedral-of-st-john-the-baptist-as-alumni-of-a-retre.jpg "Emaús Retreat at cathedral fosters deeper life of evangelization #Catholic – Linked arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand in sung prayer, believers filled the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist as alumni of a retreat experience that has connected thousands across the Paterson Diocese and throughout New Jersey.
Pilgrims who have experienced the powerful Emaús retreat celebrated Christ’s love at a Spanish-language Mass with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney on Sept. 25 at the cathedral.
Each of them has participated in the three-day, mainly Spanish-language experience, in which Deacon German Vargas from the cathedral has played a major part in infusing the life of faith in the diocese. He calls the “siblinghood” of Emaús a community of brothers and sisters who, after the retreat, encounter the presence, grace, love, and mercy of Christ and make the Catholic faith the center of their lives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“The bishop affirmed that the movement of the Holy Spirit has gifted us the Emaús fellowship,” Deacon Vargas shared. “The bishop emphasized the need not to be afraid and to keep walking together, like the disciples of Emmaus, strengthened by the Word of God,” he said.
The retreat program has touched thousands of New Jerseyans. Its title comes from the story of the road to Emmaus as shared in Luke. In it, Christ draws near to two people taking that road without identifying himself until he breaks bread with them in a Eucharistic expression, following the pattern of the Last Supper.
“Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” the two men say about Jesus.
Emaús, a retreat program that began at a parish in 1978 at St. Louis Parish in Miami, came to St. Mary Help of Christians in Paterson, N.J., in 2017 and has spread to 10 parishes in the diocese.
“The idea was to make a retreat for people who didn’t have the chance to go to other retreats,” said Father Duberney Villamizar, pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in Morristown, N.J., who also helps facilitate Emaús.
Father Villamizar added, “There are some retreats that require some background for the people — a discernment retreat for those thinking about vocations or retreats for couples, married couples. There were other requirements at the time this Emmaus retreat started in Florida. The parish priest wanted to have a retreat for anybody, those who are in the pews, those who are just arriving in the church.”
Through Emaús, men and women hold separate retreats that become deeply personal encounters with the Lord.
“It grew organically here at the cathedral,” said Msgr. Geno Sylva, the rector of St. John’s and diocesan vicar for special projects. “After the retreat, I started seeing not only that the lives of people who went on the retreat converted and changed, but they became so faithful, not only with being here [on] Sunday, but getting involved in so many other areas of the cathedral’s life. It’s part of my vision for evangelization here at the cathedral,” he said.
Msgr. Sylva credits Deacon Vargas and Father Villamizar with helping expand the retreat, which has become a key outreach tool, inviting people into the faith who have not had that deeper encounter with Christ.
“I have a St. John Paul II, Pope Francis, and Benedict XIV [approach] to New Evangelization. It has to be about going beyond the walls to inviting people to a larger communion and to Sunday Mass,” Msgr. Sylva said.
That invitation often comes from Emaús alums who also help make the retreat happen.
“It started forming what we call now the brotherhoods and the sisterhoods in the different parishes,” Father Villamizar said. “Those who leave the retreat already are the ones who prepare a new retreat and invite new people,” he said.
Those alumni also create regular follow-up opportunities for others who have gone on the retreat to continue the spiritual growth in community with others who know the power of the experience.
“They meet biweekly after the retreat,” Msgr. Sylva said, “and you have to make the retreat to be at those meetings because there’s a real focus on trust and confidentiality at that level of faith sharing.”
Leaders are launching a school with Emaús alums to form disciples who can support the New Evangelization. They aim to bring the fire for Christ that was launched when the Lord approached a pair of people who didn’t initially recognize him — the kind that changes hearts so passionately that they come together on a Friday night for a Mass that fills a cathedral.
“Just like the disciples of Emmaus,” said Deacon Vargas, “we must ask the Lord to stay with us, in our hearts and in our families.”
Click here to find more on Emaús in New Jersey.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![In Morristown, Bishop offers hope to fearful migrants, refugees #Catholic – On Sept. 27, many Hispanic Catholics joined Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Spanish Mass for the 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Morristown, N.J. During the liturgy, the bishop offered Latino Catholics hope at a time when many of them are in fear of being targeted by law enforcement in the current immigration crisis or mistreated because of their ethnicity.
“The message is [to] know that whatever is going on, you are not alone, and the Church is here for you,” Father Duberney Villamizar, the pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, said.
The Mass was filled with praiseful songs, assisted by dozens of altar servers, and concelebrated by many priests. Bishop Sweeney and the other clergy shared a bilingual message of solidarity and symbolism with the pilgrimage to heaven.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“We’re blessed to live in a community, an immigrant community here in Morristown,” said Bishop Sweeney in English during the mostly Spanish Mass.
“As members of the Church, we’re all migrants; we’re all peregrinos [pilgrims] in pilgrimage together, hopefully one day to God, to the life of Heaven. Pope Leo invited us all to be part of this 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees. We pray for migrants and refugees in a special way during this Mass,” Bishop Sweeney said.
Bishop Sweeney said that while the Church respects the law, every person is a child of God and deserves treatment that reflects that human dignity.
Bishop Sweeney’s message of “you are not alone” reflects the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Justice for Immigrants Initiative. It offers Church resources for emergency support, solidarity in public witness and prayer, and pastoral support for immigrants and those suffering during the current crisis.
The Mass at St. Margaret’s was part of a week planned by the USCCB dedicated to immigrants and refugees in the U.S. St. Margaret of Scotland Parish held an additional rosary this week.
“It’s something that we have been trying to do in the last almost two years [with] everything that is going on in the country,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar estimates that about 800 people came to Sunday’s Mass, which happened just five days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted activity in the Morristown.
“People are afraid to even go to church,” Father Villamizar said. “People are really concerned, not because we are doing anything wrong.”
Father Villamizar even shared his own concern, as he is an immigrant from Colombia who took the proper steps to become an American citizen.
“What if I just work without my wallet, or I don’t have any proof that I am an American citizen? They can detain me until I prove that I am here doing good things,’ Father Villamizar said.
In this climate, the Mass celebrated on Sunday at his church helps people enduring such fear recognize the human sanctity they have, which cannot be taken away from them, and gives them the courage to endure while living their lives, Father Villamizar said.
“There is a dignity that comes only from God,” Father Villamizar said.
“The suffering is real. So many people try to keep going on with their lives, with their businesses, with whatever they are doing, making this place a better place with everything they are, with everything they are giving,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar said the message on Sept. 27 will remain true for everyone who feels the anxiety of the current age and culture surrounding Latinos: that the Catholic Church may not be able to fix every issue, but that Christ and his Church will be here to accompany them every step, no matter what happens.
“We are not promising to solve everyone’s problems, but at least you know that you are not by yourself,” Father Villamizar said. “Somebody cares about you, somebody wants to be with you, somebody wants to be in this experience with you,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/in-morristown-bishop-offers-hope-to-fearful-migrants-refugees-catholic-on-sept-27-many-hispanic-catholics-joined-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-who-celebrated-a-spanish-mass-for-the-112th-world-day-f.jpg "In Morristown, Bishop offers hope to fearful migrants, refugees #Catholic – On Sept. 27, many Hispanic Catholics joined Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Spanish Mass for the 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees at St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Morristown, N.J. During the liturgy, the bishop offered Latino Catholics hope at a time when many of them are in fear of being targeted by law enforcement in the current immigration crisis or mistreated because of their ethnicity.
“The message is [to] know that whatever is going on, you are not alone, and the Church is here for you,” Father Duberney Villamizar, the pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland, said.
The Mass was filled with praiseful songs, assisted by dozens of altar servers, and concelebrated by many priests. Bishop Sweeney and the other clergy shared a bilingual message of solidarity and symbolism with the pilgrimage to heaven.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“We’re blessed to live in a community, an immigrant community here in Morristown,” said Bishop Sweeney in English during the mostly Spanish Mass.
“As members of the Church, we’re all migrants; we’re all peregrinos [pilgrims] in pilgrimage together, hopefully one day to God, to the life of Heaven. Pope Leo invited us all to be part of this 112th World Day for Migrants and Refugees. We pray for migrants and refugees in a special way during this Mass,” Bishop Sweeney said.
Bishop Sweeney said that while the Church respects the law, every person is a child of God and deserves treatment that reflects that human dignity.
Bishop Sweeney’s message of “you are not alone” reflects the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Justice for Immigrants Initiative. It offers Church resources for emergency support, solidarity in public witness and prayer, and pastoral support for immigrants and those suffering during the current crisis.
The Mass at St. Margaret’s was part of a week planned by the USCCB dedicated to immigrants and refugees in the U.S. St. Margaret of Scotland Parish held an additional rosary this week.
“It’s something that we have been trying to do in the last almost two years [with] everything that is going on in the country,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar estimates that about 800 people came to Sunday’s Mass, which happened just five days after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers conducted activity in the Morristown.
“People are afraid to even go to church,” Father Villamizar said. “People are really concerned, not because we are doing anything wrong.”
Father Villamizar even shared his own concern, as he is an immigrant from Colombia who took the proper steps to become an American citizen.
“What if I just work without my wallet, or I don’t have any proof that I am an American citizen? They can detain me until I prove that I am here doing good things,’ Father Villamizar said.
In this climate, the Mass celebrated on Sunday at his church helps people enduring such fear recognize the human sanctity they have, which cannot be taken away from them, and gives them the courage to endure while living their lives, Father Villamizar said.
“There is a dignity that comes only from God,” Father Villamizar said.
“The suffering is real. So many people try to keep going on with their lives, with their businesses, with whatever they are doing, making this place a better place with everything they are, with everything they are giving,” Father Villamizar said.
Father Villamizar said the message on Sept. 27 will remain true for everyone who feels the anxiety of the current age and culture surrounding Latinos: that the Catholic Church may not be able to fix every issue, but that Christ and his Church will be here to accompany them every step, no matter what happens.
“We are not promising to solve everyone’s problems, but at least you know that you are not by yourself,” Father Villamizar said. “Somebody cares about you, somebody wants to be with you, somebody wants to be in this experience with you,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/denville-parish-celebrates-century-of-catholic-faith-and-generosity-catholic-the-st-mary-parish-community-in-denville-n-j-consistently-demonstrates-phenomenal-generosity-to-pe.jpg "Denville parish celebrates century of Catholic faith and generosity #Catholic – The St. Mary Parish community in Denville, N.J., consistently demonstrates “phenomenal generosity” to people in need, whether donating to the parish food pantry, the Christmas Giving Tree, or the annual Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney visited St. Mary’s to help the parish celebrate a century of Catholic faith, community — and boundless generosity — during a Mass he presided over in the church. Father Martin Glynn, pastor of St. Mary’s since 2007, was among several priests who concelebrated the historic Mass with the bishop.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 100 years since St. Mary’s was founded as a mission from St. Cecilia Parish in Rockaway, N.J.,” said Father Glynn, who also serves as president of the Board of Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J. “It was great to see so many people come and celebrate with us and to have the bishop here,” he said.
Guided by the theme, “A Century of Faith, Service and Unity Rooted in Christ,” St. Mary’s held 100th anniversary activities, including a picnic in August and a gala after the Mass on Sept. 26. In addition, the parish plans to build a grotto dedicated to the Blessed Mother on the property next year.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“St. Mary’s has a phenomenal sense of generosity — caring for those on the margins,” Father Glynn said. “This parish is a close-knit community. When parishioners retire, most of them stay in Denville,” he said.
With Father Glynn, other priests who concelebrated the centennial Mass included Father Stephen Delia Jr., St. Mary’s current parochial vicar; Father Richard Tartaglia, a retired diocesan priest, who is a weekend assistant at St. Mary’s and preceded Father Glynn’s as pastor of the parish; Msgr. Martin McDonnell, a retired diocesan priest who served the parish on his first assignment; Msgr. Mark Olenowski, pastor of St. Pius X Parish in Montville, N.J., a former resident of Denville; and Father Paddy O’Donovan, a retired diocesan priest.
St. Mary’s has an array of ministries, including liturgical ministries such as lectoring, as well as faith formation, high-school youth group, centering prayer, nocturnal adoration, Bible study, bereavement, Respect Life Ministry, and MASH, or St. Mary’s Association of Service and Help.
Founded as a mission of St. Cecilia Parish in 1926, St. Mary’s was raised to full parish status by Bishop Thomas McLaughlin in1941. A small brick English Gothic church was built at the intersection of Route 46 and Myers Avenue. Early parishioners were primarily Irish or German, coming from the old minefields in Hibernia.
The parish built its school in 1954 and enlarged the church building in 1956 to accommodate the growing year-round community as Denville transitioned from a summer lake resort into a permanent residential town.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org] ‘")
![Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/diocese-joins-randolph-tribute-to-fallen-war-on-terror-veterans-catholic-on-sept-26-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-joined-local-officials-and-veterans-groups-to-welcome-a-national-traveling-memorial-hon.jpg "Diocese joins Randolph tribute to fallen War on Terror veterans #Catholic – On Sept. 26, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney joined local officials and veterans groups to welcome a national traveling memorial honoring U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the Global War on Terrorism, which stopped for a public visit at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J., from Sept. 25 to 27. The poignant visit of the memorial occurred almost two weeks after the United States commemorated the 25th anniversary of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial with large panels that display more than 5,500 U.S. Armed Forces members lost in the global war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. The memorial features the faces, names, and biographies of the featured fallen heroes, making the experience personal for visitors. It includes those who served in the combat zone, died in training accidents stateside or overseas, and those who died because of post-traumatic stress syndrome.
The NJ SOS Veteran Stakeholders Group made this tribute possible, in partnership with Catholic Charities of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., the County College of Morris, Morris County Government, the N.J. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the N.J. National Guard. Proceeds from the annual Tank Pull fundraiser, a collaboration between the Knights of Columbus and diocesan Catholic Charities which raises funds to support New Jersey veterans in need, funded the memorial visit.
Bishop Sweeney delivered the invocation during the opening ceremony on Sept. 26 at the County College of Morris. It included remarks from Vincent Solomeno, U.S. Army veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and New Jersey’s first commissioner of Veterans Affairs; retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Vivyen Ray, the college’s vice president of human resources and labor relations; and David Pearson, assistant director of Veteran Services for Catholic Charities.
Pearson coordinated the three-day visit with disabled combat veteran A.J. Luna, program manager of the NJ Veterans Stakeholders Group, who served as master of ceremonies of the opening ceremony.
Veteran Services provides comprehensive support for military veterans facing crisis, homelessness, or housing instability, collaborating closely with local networks and media outlets such BeaconNJ.org to highlight resources and stakeholder groups
In his remarks, Pearson spoke about each generation “having the responsibility to carry on the memories” of those who sacrificed their lives to keep their fellow Americans safe from terrorism.
During the ceremony, Randolph Township Mayor Mark Forstenhausler presented a proclamation, while Rabbi Lenny Mandel and Deacon Richard Reck of Resurrection Parish offered prayers.
The three-day visit of the memorial also included a veterans dinner and a day for Gold Star families, immediate relatives of the fallen U.S. military service members.
“This memorial is not just a display — it is a sacred space where our community can come together to remember and honor those who gave everything for our freedom,” said Luna. “We are honored to bring Remembering Our Fallen to Morris County to bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of our fallen heroes,” he said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![New pastor unites Paterson parish during historic merger #Catholic – Two Catholic churches in the Stoney Road section of Paterson and Woodland Park, N.J., became one parish on Divine Mercy Sunday this year, on April 12, when Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) and St. Bonaventure parishes were merged into the newly formed Padre Pio Parish.
Father Manuel Cuellar, Padre Pio’s pastor since that day, knew that bringing distinct, bilingual parish communities into one cohesive Catholic parish wouldn’t happen immediately.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney officially installed Father Cuellar as pastor of Padre Pio on Sept. 12. The new pastor used the last few months to weave the parish communities into a tapestry of God’s presence among the faithful. Padre Pio has been providing three Masses at each of the parish’s two churches, while also helping connect each former parish into the shared ministries of the singular Padre Pio Parish.
“We are one now,” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two or four, we are one.”
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The newly formed parish is officially named for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as “Padre Pio. With the merger streamlining the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP parishes, each with its own histories and traditions, both churches have remained open with adjusted Mass schedules to ensure the parish continues to meet people’s spiritual and pastoral needs.
During this merger, Father Cuellar has encountered people who often want to hold onto their traditions. Yet he sees the steps his parishioners have taken to embrace each other and unify.
“People were attached to their own buildings. People were attached to their own cultures. They wanted the same Mass times at the beginning. Now, I think they understand it in a better way.” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two different communities, I see one now trying to be together, trying to celebrate together, trying to get to know each other,” he said.
Father Cuellar’s installation Mass provided an impactful example of how two parishes with a combined 260 years of distinct traditions have become one.
The installation Mass for Father Cuellar was held at the St. Bonaventure Church site and celebrated in English and Spanish. The liturgy utilized two different sets of lectors and music ministries working together to create one unified faith experience.
“It was such a beautiful Mass. You really felt the love,” said Raysa Gonzalez, a parishioner who came from OLP and assists with Mass planning and the team of lectors.
Gonzalez added, “We had goosebumps because the music is a combination of the Spanish and the English. I had people from the English Mass that do not speak any Spanish come up to me and tell me that even though they didn’t obviously understand the words in the readings that I was saying because it was in a different language that they don’t speak, they were able to feel the readings.”
Father Cuellar says the installation Mass also connected people whose exposure to fellow parishioners usually comes only from attending the same liturgy every week, which doesn’t normally increase the chance of meeting other church members.
“If they come to the 10 a.m. Mass, they know the people there, but they don’t know the other people from the 7.30 a.m. Mass, from the noon Mass or the 5.30 Mass on Sunday,” he said. “But now this event helped everybody to be together,” he said.
A Colombian-born, bilingual priest, Father Cuellar has especially helped bridge the gap between the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the combined parish. As parochial vicar at OLP in 2024, he helped establish a Spanish-speaking Mass, which St. Bonaventure already had for about 10 years.
Father Cuellar has also helped combine ministries across parishes and languages, often turning important Masses involving the sacraments of initiation into bilingual experiences that touch every parishioner’s faith journey.
“We had a lot of kids do their first Holy Communion. Some of them even got baptized, and it was a mix because it was in Spanish and English,” Gonzalez said.
Father Cuellar has also encouraged members of both parishes, representing both languages, to come together in ministries like the lectoring. Gonzalez has joined a bilingual Liturgy Committee from both former church communities that is helping shape people’s experiences of faith in both languages.
“A parish becomes truly alive when its members recognize that each of us has a unique role to play in the mission of the Church,” Father Cuellar wrote in a bulletin announcement about forming the Liturgy Committee.
He has also used a pilgrimage and mission to help earthquake victims in his native Colombia as a chance to unite the parish. They raised more than ,600, which helped empower those in need during the trip he and 22 others took in early September.
While Father Cuellar credits the countless parishioners who have embraced two parishes becoming one, those parishioners feel the newly installed pastor has been the main force that God has used to connect these parishes as one body of Christ.
“Father Manuel has such a blessing to guide us through the change, through the combination, through the different languages of the different communities and putting it together,” Gonzalez said. “Father Manuel has a good balance in respecting everyone’s ways in a way that no one feels excluded. It makes you really want to be part of this parish, this community,” she said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/new-pastor-unites-paterson-parish-during-historic-merger-catholic-two-catholic-churches-in-the-stoney-road-section-of-paterson-and-woodland-park-n-j-became-one-parish-on-divine-mercy-sunday-this.jpg "New pastor unites Paterson parish during historic merger #Catholic – Two Catholic churches in the Stoney Road section of Paterson and Woodland Park, N.J., became one parish on Divine Mercy Sunday this year, on April 12, when Our Lady of Pompei (OLP) and St. Bonaventure parishes were merged into the newly formed Padre Pio Parish.
Father Manuel Cuellar, Padre Pio’s pastor since that day, knew that bringing distinct, bilingual parish communities into one cohesive Catholic parish wouldn’t happen immediately.
Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney officially installed Father Cuellar as pastor of Padre Pio on Sept. 12. The new pastor used the last few months to weave the parish communities into a tapestry of God’s presence among the faithful. Padre Pio has been providing three Masses at each of the parish’s two churches, while also helping connect each former parish into the shared ministries of the singular Padre Pio Parish.
“We are one now,” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two or four, we are one.”
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
The newly formed parish is officially named for St. Pio of Pietrelcina, also known as “Padre Pio. With the merger streamlining the administration of St. Bonaventure’s and OLP parishes, each with its own histories and traditions, both churches have remained open with adjusted Mass schedules to ensure the parish continues to meet people’s spiritual and pastoral needs.
During this merger, Father Cuellar has encountered people who often want to hold onto their traditions. Yet he sees the steps his parishioners have taken to embrace each other and unify.
“People were attached to their own buildings. People were attached to their own cultures. They wanted the same Mass times at the beginning. Now, I think they understand it in a better way.” Father Cuellar said. “Instead of two different communities, I see one now trying to be together, trying to celebrate together, trying to get to know each other,” he said.
Father Cuellar’s installation Mass provided an impactful example of how two parishes with a combined 260 years of distinct traditions have become one.
The installation Mass for Father Cuellar was held at the St. Bonaventure Church site and celebrated in English and Spanish. The liturgy utilized two different sets of lectors and music ministries working together to create one unified faith experience.
“It was such a beautiful Mass. You really felt the love,” said Raysa Gonzalez, a parishioner who came from OLP and assists with Mass planning and the team of lectors.
Gonzalez added, “We had goosebumps because the music is a combination of the Spanish and the English. I had people from the English Mass that do not speak any Spanish come up to me and tell me that even though they didn’t obviously understand the words in the readings that I was saying because it was in a different language that they don’t speak, they were able to feel the readings.”
Father Cuellar says the installation Mass also connected people whose exposure to fellow parishioners usually comes only from attending the same liturgy every week, which doesn’t normally increase the chance of meeting other church members.
“If they come to the 10 a.m. Mass, they know the people there, but they don’t know the other people from the 7.30 a.m. Mass, from the noon Mass or the 5.30 Mass on Sunday,” he said. “But now this event helped everybody to be together,” he said.
A Colombian-born, bilingual priest, Father Cuellar has especially helped bridge the gap between the English- and Spanish-speaking members of the combined parish. As parochial vicar at OLP in 2024, he helped establish a Spanish-speaking Mass, which St. Bonaventure already had for about 10 years.
Father Cuellar has also helped combine ministries across parishes and languages, often turning important Masses involving the sacraments of initiation into bilingual experiences that touch every parishioner’s faith journey.
“We had a lot of kids do their first Holy Communion. Some of them even got baptized, and it was a mix because it was in Spanish and English,” Gonzalez said.
Father Cuellar has also encouraged members of both parishes, representing both languages, to come together in ministries like the lectoring. Gonzalez has joined a bilingual Liturgy Committee from both former church communities that is helping shape people’s experiences of faith in both languages.
“A parish becomes truly alive when its members recognize that each of us has a unique role to play in the mission of the Church,” Father Cuellar wrote in a bulletin announcement about forming the Liturgy Committee.
He has also used a pilgrimage and mission to help earthquake victims in his native Colombia as a chance to unite the parish. They raised more than ,600, which helped empower those in need during the trip he and 22 others took in early September.
While Father Cuellar credits the countless parishioners who have embraced two parishes becoming one, those parishioners feel the newly installed pastor has been the main force that God has used to connect these parishes as one body of Christ.
“Father Manuel has such a blessing to guide us through the change, through the combination, through the different languages of the different communities and putting it together,” Gonzalez said. “Father Manuel has a good balance in respecting everyone’s ways in a way that no one feels excluded. It makes you really want to be part of this parish, this community,” she said.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Venerable Fulton Sheen’s powerful messages still resonate with audiences #Catholic – If he were alive today, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen might be lighting up social media — like TikTok, Facebook, and X — with his simple, engaging lessons and stories about how to live a fulfilling life in Christ.
Matthew E. Bunson, vice president and editorial director of EWTNNews, said that Venerable Sheen, one of the 20th Century’s most influential Catholic evangelists, would already have attracted “millions of followers” on digital platforms by now. On the night of Sept. 16, Bunson made that assertion during his talk, “The Life and Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen,” at St. Thomas More Church in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.
The well-attended presentation in Morris County occurred less than a week before Venerable Sheen is beatified this Thursday, Sept. 24, at a Mass at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Mo. At that time, he will be designated as “blessed.” During his life, the nationally known TV and radio evangelist, author, and speaker traveled from his New York City residence to the Paterson Diocese, N.J., many times to give presentations and visit family and friends.
Fulton J. Sheen’s family overjoyed about his beatification
Long before digital media, Venerable Sheen transformed religious communications. Starting in the 1930s, he rose to fame, touching the lives of millions with the Catholic Hour radio show and, even more lives in the 1950s, with his popular TV program, Life is Worth Living. He also authored 73 books and countless pamphlets and essays explaining how the tenets of the Catholic faith enrich lives.
“The archbishop’s magnetic personality and presentations quickly drew an estimated 30 million viewers each week [to the TV show]. Jews, Protestants, Catholics and skeptics tuned in, quickly making him a household name,” Bunson said. The archbishop often beat his TV competitors on Sunday nights using little more than his engaging presentation, direct and into the camera, a corny joke, and writings on a chalkboard, he said. “It shows us [Catholic evangelizers] how to speak truth with clarity and charity. He possessed a variability to explain profound truths in language ordinary people could understand,” Bunson said.
Even today, Venerable Sheen reminds Catholics that no matter their walk of life, they are all called to be evangelists of the Gospel and to become saints, said Bunson, also a prominent Catholic historian, author, and theologian. In the modern age, Venerable Sheen has cultivated a huge following among Gen Z, he said.
Venerable Sheen’s “dramatic gestures or actual illustrations, and stories, were not entertainment for their own sake.” Instead, they were tools placed in the service of God’s truth, not to make himself famous. In accepting his Emmy award in 1952, he quipped, “I feel it is time I pay tribute to my four writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,” Bunson said.
“The archbishop understood that people are not searching for theories. They’re searching for meaning, forgiveness, truth, love, mercy, and hope. Christianity answers that search to a person,” said Bunson, adding Venerable Sheen spoke about the beauty of life and faith as well as the demands of the Gospel. “He challenged people to examine their consciousness and warned against materialism, pride, sexual immorality, indifference, resentment, and worship of social. The archbishop reminded his listeners that a person can gain the whole world and still lose their soul,” he said.
Venerable Sheen also staunchly promoted the pro-life cause long before legalized abortion and was a prophet of the Eucharistic revival. He also taught at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., was national director of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, and served as bishop of Rochester, N.Y. He died in 1979 at 84.
The New Jersey Area Order of Malta, a lay religious order of the Church that seeks to glorify God through work with the sick and the poor and witness of the Catholic faith, sponsored the presentation. Christine Myers of the Order of Malta served as master of ceremonies. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and members of Venerable Sheen’s family attended.
After Bunson’s talk, the bishop told the crowd, “Thank God for Archbishop Sheen’s ministry, and we look forward to his beatification next Thursday.”
In his presentation, Bunson said, “The archbishop reminds us that the salvation of souls must remain our priority. Evangelization, however, can also take place through a microphone, television camera, classroom, a newspaper, conversation, in an ordinary home, or anyone who lives,” Bunson said.
BEACON PHOTOS | MATTHEW GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/venerable-fulton-sheens-powerful-messages-still-resonate-with-audiences-catholic-if-he-were-alive-today-venerable-archbishop-fulton-j-sheen-might-be-lighting-up-social-media-li.jpg "Venerable Fulton Sheen’s powerful messages still resonate with audiences #Catholic – If he were alive today, Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen might be lighting up social media — like TikTok, Facebook, and X — with his simple, engaging lessons and stories about how to live a fulfilling life in Christ.
Matthew E. Bunson, vice president and editorial director of EWTNNews, said that Venerable Sheen, one of the 20th Century’s most influential Catholic evangelists, would already have attracted “millions of followers” on digital platforms by now. On the night of Sept. 16, Bunson made that assertion during his talk, “The Life and Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen,” at St. Thomas More Church in the Convent Station neighborhood of Morris Township, N.J.
The well-attended presentation in Morris County occurred less than a week before Venerable Sheen is beatified this Thursday, Sept. 24, at a Mass at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis, Mo. At that time, he will be designated as “blessed.” During his life, the nationally known TV and radio evangelist, author, and speaker traveled from his New York City residence to the Paterson Diocese, N.J., many times to give presentations and visit family and friends.
Fulton J. Sheen’s family overjoyed about his beatification
Long before digital media, Venerable Sheen transformed religious communications. Starting in the 1930s, he rose to fame, touching the lives of millions with the Catholic Hour radio show and, even more lives in the 1950s, with his popular TV program, Life is Worth Living. He also authored 73 books and countless pamphlets and essays explaining how the tenets of the Catholic faith enrich lives.
“The archbishop’s magnetic personality and presentations quickly drew an estimated 30 million viewers each week [to the TV show]. Jews, Protestants, Catholics and skeptics tuned in, quickly making him a household name,” Bunson said. The archbishop often beat his TV competitors on Sunday nights using little more than his engaging presentation, direct and into the camera, a corny joke, and writings on a chalkboard, he said. “It shows us [Catholic evangelizers] how to speak truth with clarity and charity. He possessed a variability to explain profound truths in language ordinary people could understand,” Bunson said.
Even today, Venerable Sheen reminds Catholics that no matter their walk of life, they are all called to be evangelists of the Gospel and to become saints, said Bunson, also a prominent Catholic historian, author, and theologian. In the modern age, Venerable Sheen has cultivated a huge following among Gen Z, he said.
Venerable Sheen’s “dramatic gestures or actual illustrations, and stories, were not entertainment for their own sake.” Instead, they were tools placed in the service of God’s truth, not to make himself famous. In accepting his Emmy award in 1952, he quipped, “I feel it is time I pay tribute to my four writers — Matthew, Mark, Luke and John,” Bunson said.
“The archbishop understood that people are not searching for theories. They’re searching for meaning, forgiveness, truth, love, mercy, and hope. Christianity answers that search to a person,” said Bunson, adding Venerable Sheen spoke about the beauty of life and faith as well as the demands of the Gospel. “He challenged people to examine their consciousness and warned against materialism, pride, sexual immorality, indifference, resentment, and worship of social. The archbishop reminded his listeners that a person can gain the whole world and still lose their soul,” he said.
Venerable Sheen also staunchly promoted the pro-life cause long before legalized abortion and was a prophet of the Eucharistic revival. He also taught at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., was national director of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, and served as bishop of Rochester, N.Y. He died in 1979 at 84.
The New Jersey Area Order of Malta, a lay religious order of the Church that seeks to glorify God through work with the sick and the poor and witness of the Catholic faith, sponsored the presentation. Christine Myers of the Order of Malta served as master of ceremonies. Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney and members of Venerable Sheen’s family attended.
After Bunson’s talk, the bishop told the crowd, “Thank God for Archbishop Sheen’s ministry, and we look forward to his beatification next Thursday.”
In his presentation, Bunson said, “The archbishop reminds us that the salvation of souls must remain our priority. Evangelization, however, can also take place through a microphone, television camera, classroom, a newspaper, conversation, in an ordinary home, or anyone who lives,” Bunson said.
BEACON PHOTOS | MATTHEW GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![St. Carlo Acutis relic inspires faith at Wayne parish #Catholic – On Sept. 13, young people, their families, catechists, and parishioners filled Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church in Wayne, N.J., with joy as the parish embarked on the new religious education year. With help from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the faith community also welcomed the arrival of a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis — canonized last year as the first millennial saint — to inspire people’s faith at its new home in IHM’s church.
Pope Leo XIV canonized two young men as saints, St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, on Sept. 7 last year in Rome. They have become models of the Catholic faith, especially for youth and young adults in the Church.
Considered to be the first millennial saint, British-born St. Carlo died from incurable leukemia in 2006 at age 15 in Italy. Active in parish life, he served as a catechist and helped inspire several people to convert to Catholicism. Called “God’s influencer,” St. Carlo received the Eucharist daily and used his digital media skills to share the joy of Christ’s Real Presence with the world. He developed what have become traveling exhibitions about Eucharistic miracles, which have visited the Paterson Diocese on several occasions.
On that Sept. 13, Sunday morning, Bishop Sweeney celebrated a Mass at IHM with Father Mateusz “Fr. Matt” Jasniewicz, its pastor. Children from the parish’s religious education program led the congregation in songs of praise during the liturgy.
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“It’s wonderful that one of St. Carlo’s relics has been entrusted to IHM and is available for prayer and veneration. It’s significant because St. Carlo shows young people and everybody that holiness is possible now — not only in the Middle Ages or in the future,” Father Jasniewicz said. “St. Carlo also had a devotion to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. He can open youth to learning more about the Church and our faith and how to have a relationship with Jesus — to fall in love with him — and share that love with others,” he said.
After undergoing a formal process with the Diocese of Assisi in Italy that included Bishop Sweeney, Father Jasniewicz flew to Assisi in August to secure one of St. Carlo’s first-class relics — a snippet of his hair — for IHM. In Assisi, St. Carlo is entombed in the Shrine of Renunciation inside the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Housed in a reliquary, the St. Carlo relic is displayed in a shrine in the rear of IHM’s church near the confessional. It joins several other relics at the shrine in IHM, including ones of St. John Paul II, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Lucy Filippini.
St. Mary Parish in Dover, N.J., also has a first-class relic of St. Carlo from Assisi.
Father Jasniewicz also said St. Carlo is relatable to young people in their own lives — with backpacks, computers, and soccer balls.
“St. Carlo was a young person who loved life, technology, his friends, and above all, Jesus in the Eucharist. His life reminds our young people that becoming a saint does not mean becoming someone else. It means allowing God to work through who you are and the gifts He has given you,” Father Jasniewicz posted on social media after the Mass.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/st-carlo-acutis-relic-inspires-faith-at-wayne-parish-catholic-on-sept-13-young-people-their-families-catechists-and-parishioners-filled-immaculate-heart-of-mary-ihm-church-in-wayne-n-j-w.jpg "St. Carlo Acutis relic inspires faith at Wayne parish #Catholic – On Sept. 13, young people, their families, catechists, and parishioners filled Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Church in Wayne, N.J., with joy as the parish embarked on the new religious education year. With help from Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, the faith community also welcomed the arrival of a first-class relic of St. Carlo Acutis — canonized last year as the first millennial saint — to inspire people’s faith at its new home in IHM’s church.
Pope Leo XIV canonized two young men as saints, St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, on Sept. 7 last year in Rome. They have become models of the Catholic faith, especially for youth and young adults in the Church.
Considered to be the first millennial saint, British-born St. Carlo died from incurable leukemia in 2006 at age 15 in Italy. Active in parish life, he served as a catechist and helped inspire several people to convert to Catholicism. Called “God’s influencer,” St. Carlo received the Eucharist daily and used his digital media skills to share the joy of Christ’s Real Presence with the world. He developed what have become traveling exhibitions about Eucharistic miracles, which have visited the Paterson Diocese on several occasions.
On that Sept. 13, Sunday morning, Bishop Sweeney celebrated a Mass at IHM with Father Mateusz “Fr. Matt” Jasniewicz, its pastor. Children from the parish’s religious education program led the congregation in songs of praise during the liturgy.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
“It’s wonderful that one of St. Carlo’s relics has been entrusted to IHM and is available for prayer and veneration. It’s significant because St. Carlo shows young people and everybody that holiness is possible now — not only in the Middle Ages or in the future,” Father Jasniewicz said. “St. Carlo also had a devotion to the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. He can open youth to learning more about the Church and our faith and how to have a relationship with Jesus — to fall in love with him — and share that love with others,” he said.
After undergoing a formal process with the Diocese of Assisi in Italy that included Bishop Sweeney, Father Jasniewicz flew to Assisi in August to secure one of St. Carlo’s first-class relics — a snippet of his hair — for IHM. In Assisi, St. Carlo is entombed in the Shrine of Renunciation inside the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore.
Housed in a reliquary, the St. Carlo relic is displayed in a shrine in the rear of IHM’s church near the confessional. It joins several other relics at the shrine in IHM, including ones of St. John Paul II, St. Vincent de Paul, and St. Lucy Filippini.
St. Mary Parish in Dover, N.J., also has a first-class relic of St. Carlo from Assisi.
Father Jasniewicz also said St. Carlo is relatable to young people in their own lives — with backpacks, computers, and soccer balls.
“St. Carlo was a young person who loved life, technology, his friends, and above all, Jesus in the Eucharist. His life reminds our young people that becoming a saint does not mean becoming someone else. It means allowing God to work through who you are and the gifts He has given you,” Father Jasniewicz posted on social media after the Mass.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
[See image gallery at beaconnj.org]")
![Bishop to Catholics: let 9/11 heroes energize your vocations #Catholic – On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney urged Catholics to find inspiration from the “ordinary heroes” of that terrible day as they live their faith and the vocation to which Christ has called them. He said these heroes “were filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” courageously sacrificing their lives to save others that day.
Bishop Sweeney offered those reflections on Friday as the main celebrant and homilist of a Memorial Mass for the 9/11 anniversary for the staff of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., in the chapel of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J. The faithful joined their fellow Americans across the country to “never forget” a quarter-century since that horrible day that shocked and changed the United States and the world.
Today, parishes around the diocese are prayerfully holding Memorial Masses and prayer services. They will pray for the souls of the victims, God’s continued comfort for their families and friends, the safety of first responders, and for God’s peace for the world.
In his homily, Bishop Sweeney praised the 9/11 heroes: first responders who assisted at the catastrophic disaster sites, including those who perished in the line of duty, and airline passengers who tried to stop the hijackers. Almost 3,000 people perished at the World Trade Center that day, but 17,000 were saved thanks to people who laid down their lives, he said.
“These ordinary people showed extraordinary courage, generosity, and wisdom, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the most challenging moments,” said Bishop Sweeney, who mentioned the 250th birthday of the nation this year. “We saw our country at our best on that day [9/11]. We saw citizens who were grateful for the freedoms that they received, because others were willing to sacrifice for previous generations,” he said.
These heroes modeled how Catholics should live their faith and “try to be open to God’s will and respond to our vocation” in their various roles in life, Bishop Sweeney told the congregation at St. Paul’s. In our vocations, Jesus calls all Catholics to become “servant leaders,” he said.
“We remember those who were lost 25 years ago. They gave so much. We remember them with gratitude, and we pray that we might be the disciples that Jesus is calling us to be, asking that we would be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Concelebrating the Memorial Mass with Bishop Sweeney were Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J.; Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Pawel Tomczyk, diocesan vicar for evangelization at St. Paul’s; Father Charles Lana Jr., director of the diocesan Vocations Office; and Msgr. Joseph Anginoli, a retired diocesan priest and adjutant judicial vicar for the diocesan Tribunal.
On social media, Bishop Sweeney added, “As we remember, we pray and, as Archbishop Hicks reminded us in a powerful homily yesterday, ‘healing takes time, Hope is Eternal.’ May they rest in Peace as we continue to pray and work for Peace on Earth.”
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/bishop-to-catholics-let-9-11-heroes-energize-your-vocations-catholic-on-the-25th-anniversary-of-the-sept-11-2001-terrorist-attacks-bishop-kevin-j-sweeney-urged-catholics-to-find-inspiration-fr.jpg "Bishop to Catholics: let 9/11 heroes energize your vocations #Catholic – On the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney urged Catholics to find inspiration from the “ordinary heroes” of that terrible day as they live their faith and the vocation to which Christ has called them. He said these heroes “were filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” courageously sacrificing their lives to save others that day.
Bishop Sweeney offered those reflections on Friday as the main celebrant and homilist of a Memorial Mass for the 9/11 anniversary for the staff of the Paterson Diocese, N.J., in the chapel of St. Paul Inside the Walls in Madison, N.J. The faithful joined their fellow Americans across the country to “never forget” a quarter-century since that horrible day that shocked and changed the United States and the world.
Today, parishes around the diocese are prayerfully holding Memorial Masses and prayer services. They will pray for the souls of the victims, God’s continued comfort for their families and friends, the safety of first responders, and for God’s peace for the world.
In his homily, Bishop Sweeney praised the 9/11 heroes: first responders who assisted at the catastrophic disaster sites, including those who perished in the line of duty, and airline passengers who tried to stop the hijackers. Almost 3,000 people perished at the World Trade Center that day, but 17,000 were saved thanks to people who laid down their lives, he said.
“These ordinary people showed extraordinary courage, generosity, and wisdom, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the most challenging moments,” said Bishop Sweeney, who mentioned the 250th birthday of the nation this year. “We saw our country at our best on that day [9/11]. We saw citizens who were grateful for the freedoms that they received, because others were willing to sacrifice for previous generations,” he said.
These heroes modeled how Catholics should live their faith and “try to be open to God’s will and respond to our vocation” in their various roles in life, Bishop Sweeney told the congregation at St. Paul’s. In our vocations, Jesus calls all Catholics to become “servant leaders,” he said.
“We remember those who were lost 25 years ago. They gave so much. We remember them with gratitude, and we pray that we might be the disciples that Jesus is calling us to be, asking that we would be filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit,” he said.
Concelebrating the Memorial Mass with Bishop Sweeney were Msgr. T. Mark Condon, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the Curia and pastor of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish in Little Falls, N.J.; Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office and pastor of St. Brendan and St. George Parish in Clifton, N.J.; Father Pawel Tomczyk, diocesan vicar for evangelization at St. Paul’s; Father Charles Lana Jr., director of the diocesan Vocations Office; and Msgr. Joseph Anginoli, a retired diocesan priest and adjutant judicial vicar for the diocesan Tribunal.
On social media, Bishop Sweeney added, “As we remember, we pray and, as Archbishop Hicks reminded us in a powerful homily yesterday, ‘healing takes time, Hope is Eternal.’ May they rest in Peace as we continue to pray and work for Peace on Earth.”
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.")
![Memory of brother killed on 9/11 still inspires priest #Catholic – On Sept. 11, 2001, Father Daniel Murphy and his family were dealt pain almost too agonizing to bear. His brother, Edward, 42, was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in Manhattan, leaving his entire family distraught.
Shortly after the attacks, Father Murphy, then pastor of Blessed [now St.] Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J., found Jesus’ comfort in the following Sunday’s Gospel: Luke 15. It tells the parables of the Lost Coin, Lost Sheep, and Prodigal Son.
EDWARD MURPHY
As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches on Friday, Father Murphy is again reflecting on Luke 15 and what he has lost — and found —in his life since the attacks that changed the United States — and the world — forever. Today, he is a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
“I lost knowing a brother as an older adult, which I would have liked, and my mother, Evelyn, lost her youngest son and struggled with that,” said Father Murphy, the oldest of three Murphy brothers. In the tragedy’s aftermath, he has been meditating on the saving “Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection celebrated at Mass that leads us Christians from death to life.”
That’s because Father Murphy has gained much in the wake of his brother Edward’s tragic death on 9/11. For example, the priest had become Evelyn’s caregiver after the death of Edward, who lived in Clifton, N.J., and cared for her.
FATHER DANIEL MURPHY
“In caring for my mother, I learned more about who she is — her humor, strength and faithfulness — despite her great loss,” said Father Murphy, noting that Evelyn died five years after 9/11.
Along with Father Murphy, the faithful of the Paterson Diocese will unite with all Americans on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Faith communities across the diocese will hold memorial Masses and prayer services to pray for the victims, their families, first responders, and world peace.
The 25th anniversary is especially difficult for people in the diocese and the wider Tri-State area. Many of them had loved ones — or knew people — who were murdered in the attacks on that tragic day. All those who witnessed the brutality of 9/11 will never forget it.
In the attacks, Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and former pastor of St. Joseph Parish in West Milford, N.J., was killed while serving with the N.Y. Fire Department at Ground Zero. He is buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa, N.J. Several priests ministered to law enforcement, fire departments, and recovery workers at Ground Zero.
In his recent column on BeaconNJ., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gives a personal reflection on 9/11. He urges Americans to remember the courage, kindness, gratitude, unity and prayer that were fostered during that dark time. He praises first responders, who arrived at the disaster zones at the WTC, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Penn., including many who died. Bishop Sweeney also commends those who inspired these “ordinary citizens,” many of whom were formed in Catholic schools and parishes.
“If we remember and if we continue to learn the lessons taught to us by the Heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, I believe we can be stronger, kinder, more united, grateful, and prayerful as individuals and families, as communities, as a nation, and as a Church,” Bishop Sweeney writes in his column.
Father Murphy’s brother, Edward, 42, was managing director of Cantor Fitzgerald, which occupied several upper floors in WTC’s North Tower. That morning, Father Murphy was having breakfast in the Sparta Diner and overheard people talking about a plane that hit one of WTC’s towers. Fortunately, the priest’s nephew, Ryan, who worked on a lower floor at WTC, managed to escape.
“Priests often feel that they need to be the ones supporting their parishes. But after the attacks, I learned that priests also need the support of their parish families,” Father Murphy said. “My Blessed Kateri parishioners carried my family and me with their kindness and compassion. It’s important that priests learn to be vulnerable,” he said.
Also, Father Murphy discovered a passion for initiating interfaith dialogues in parishes, especially among Catholics, Jews and Moslems.
“I was determined to remember the pain and loss of my brother’s violent death and make sure it did not become a source for more violence, division and animosity in our world,” Father Murphy said. “I know that my faith life and the lives of many others have been deepened by better understanding and appreciating the faith lives of people different from Christians,” he said.
Deeply affected by the pain of 9/11, Father Murphy had the opportunity to be present in 2015 when Pope Francis visited the WTC site for an interfaith prayer service. Father Murphy said, “I was very touched by the simple gesture of his lighting a candle at the site as a sign of our call to find light in the midst of darkness.”
Together, the Murphy family found some comfort in Edward’s death by establishing a scholarship in his name for a deserving student at Xavier High School in Manhattan. Father Murphy serves there as a part-time chaplain and is a graduate.
On Friday, the day of the 25th anniversary, Father Murphy will not celebrate Memorial Masses or speak. He will concelebrate a Mass at Xavier High School the day before. Instead, he will travel to Boston, Mass., to visit Richard, the middle of the Murphy brothers, and his family.
They will inevitably share memories of Edward, a lifelong Clifton resident. He was chairman of the township’s Traffic Safety Commission and a former Supreme Knight of the Regina Mundi Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Edward was also an avid golfer and a marathon runner who competed in the New York and Boston marathons.
“Ed was quiet — an introvert. He was intense about his interests like running, golf, or finances. I still miss him,” Father Murphy said.
To read Bishop Sweeney’s column, “Remembering Sept. 11, 2001: What do we Remember?” click here.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.](https://unitedyam.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/memory-of-brother-killed-on-9-11-still-inspires-priest-catholic-on-sept-11-2001-father-daniel-murphy-and-his-family-were-dealt-pain-almost-too-agonizing-to-bear-his-brother-edward-42-was-kil.jpg "Memory of brother killed on 9/11 still inspires priest #Catholic – On Sept. 11, 2001, Father Daniel Murphy and his family were dealt pain almost too agonizing to bear. His brother, Edward, 42, was killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in Manhattan, leaving his entire family distraught.
Shortly after the attacks, Father Murphy, then pastor of Blessed [now St.] Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Sparta, N.J., found Jesus’ comfort in the following Sunday’s Gospel: Luke 15. It tells the parables of the Lost Coin, Lost Sheep, and Prodigal Son.
EDWARD MURPHY
As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches on Friday, Father Murphy is again reflecting on Luke 15 and what he has lost — and found —in his life since the attacks that changed the United States — and the world — forever. Today, he is a retired priest of the Paterson Diocese, N.J.
“I lost knowing a brother as an older adult, which I would have liked, and my mother, Evelyn, lost her youngest son and struggled with that,” said Father Murphy, the oldest of three Murphy brothers. In the tragedy’s aftermath, he has been meditating on the saving “Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ death and resurrection celebrated at Mass that leads us Christians from death to life.”
That’s because Father Murphy has gained much in the wake of his brother Edward’s tragic death on 9/11. For example, the priest had become Evelyn’s caregiver after the death of Edward, who lived in Clifton, N.J., and cared for her.
FATHER DANIEL MURPHY
“In caring for my mother, I learned more about who she is — her humor, strength and faithfulness — despite her great loss,” said Father Murphy, noting that Evelyn died five years after 9/11.
Along with Father Murphy, the faithful of the Paterson Diocese will unite with all Americans on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Faith communities across the diocese will hold memorial Masses and prayer services to pray for the victims, their families, first responders, and world peace.
The 25th anniversary is especially difficult for people in the diocese and the wider Tri-State area. Many of them had loved ones — or knew people — who were murdered in the attacks on that tragic day. All those who witnessed the brutality of 9/11 will never forget it.
In the attacks, Father Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and former pastor of St. Joseph Parish in West Milford, N.J., was killed while serving with the N.Y. Fire Department at Ground Zero. He is buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Totowa, N.J. Several priests ministered to law enforcement, fire departments, and recovery workers at Ground Zero.
In his recent column on BeaconNJ., Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney gives a personal reflection on 9/11. He urges Americans to remember the courage, kindness, gratitude, unity and prayer that were fostered during that dark time. He praises first responders, who arrived at the disaster zones at the WTC, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Penn., including many who died. Bishop Sweeney also commends those who inspired these “ordinary citizens,” many of whom were formed in Catholic schools and parishes.
“If we remember and if we continue to learn the lessons taught to us by the Heroes of Sept. 11, 2001, I believe we can be stronger, kinder, more united, grateful, and prayerful as individuals and families, as communities, as a nation, and as a Church,” Bishop Sweeney writes in his column.
Father Murphy’s brother, Edward, 42, was managing director of Cantor Fitzgerald, which occupied several upper floors in WTC’s North Tower. That morning, Father Murphy was having breakfast in the Sparta Diner and overheard people talking about a plane that hit one of WTC’s towers. Fortunately, the priest’s nephew, Ryan, who worked on a lower floor at WTC, managed to escape.
“Priests often feel that they need to be the ones supporting their parishes. But after the attacks, I learned that priests also need the support of their parish families,” Father Murphy said. “My Blessed Kateri parishioners carried my family and me with their kindness and compassion. It’s important that priests learn to be vulnerable,” he said.
Also, Father Murphy discovered a passion for initiating interfaith dialogues in parishes, especially among Catholics, Jews and Moslems.
“I was determined to remember the pain and loss of my brother’s violent death and make sure it did not become a source for more violence, division and animosity in our world,” Father Murphy said. “I know that my faith life and the lives of many others have been deepened by better understanding and appreciating the faith lives of people different from Christians,” he said.
Deeply affected by the pain of 9/11, Father Murphy had the opportunity to be present in 2015 when Pope Francis visited the WTC site for an interfaith prayer service. Father Murphy said, “I was very touched by the simple gesture of his lighting a candle at the site as a sign of our call to find light in the midst of darkness.”
Together, the Murphy family found some comfort in Edward’s death by establishing a scholarship in his name for a deserving student at Xavier High School in Manhattan. Father Murphy serves there as a part-time chaplain and is a graduate.
On Friday, the day of the 25th anniversary, Father Murphy will not celebrate Memorial Masses or speak. He will concelebrate a Mass at Xavier High School the day before. Instead, he will travel to Boston, Mass., to visit Richard, the middle of the Murphy brothers, and his family.
They will inevitably share memories of Edward, a lifelong Clifton resident. He was chairman of the township’s Traffic Safety Commission and a former Supreme Knight of the Regina Mundi Council of the Knights of Columbus.
Edward was also an avid golfer and a marathon runner who competed in the New York and Boston marathons.
“Ed was quiet — an introvert. He was intense about his interests like running, golf, or finances. I still miss him,” Father Murphy said.
To read Bishop Sweeney’s column, “Remembering Sept. 11, 2001: What do we Remember?” click here.
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