A photo of the American Flag suspended from the tower ladder in front of the  church at last year’s Blue Mass.

I invite everyone from our parish and from the community at large to attend our 5th Annual Blue Mass tomorrow evening (Saturday) at 5:00pm.  This Mass is held each year to honor the men and women of our Fire Departments, Police Departments, EMS workers and Civic Officials.  It is always a beautiful community event which brings the people of our town and village together in a spirit of prayer, support and admiration. 

The Mass begins at 5:00pm and will include the singing of the National Anthem, the presentation of the Colors from the Police/Fire Honor Guard, blessing of personnel  in uniform and remarks from our County Executive Rob Astorino and our Mayor Ron Belmont.  The Mass will conclude on the front plaza of the church with a blessing of the emergency vehicles which will line the streets in front of church, a moment of silence, playing of taps and the singing of God bless America before the final blessing and dismissal.  I hope to see everyone there!

The American Flag is held high as the National Anthem is sung at the 4th Annual Blue Mass May 13, 2011.

The Honor Guard presents the Colors.

Nine years ago at this hour on this date I was being ordained to the priesthood along with my brother-priest classmates.  The Mass of Ordination was celebrated at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and the ordaining prelate was Cardinal Edward Egan, Archbishop of New York. 

That day and, indeed, the entire weekend surrounding the ordination festivities and my First Mass on May 18th was a most blessed experience for me, my family and so many of my friends who were present that weekend.  The years since have been exciting and filled with so many magnificent experiences.  My first assignment was at Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus Parish in Pelham Bay, Bronx, from May 31, 2003 until my appointment as Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Parish in West Harrison on December 1, 2007.  In both of these assignments I have been surrounded by so much support, love and encouragement.  I am grateful to all of the parishioners I have served and to the priests I have ministered with.  In particular, I am thankful to Cardinal Egan for ordaining me to the priesthood and for giving me two wonderful assignments.  Cardinal Egan has always been very supportive and encouraging to me personally during the years of my priesthood.  And, I am grateful to Cardinal Dolan for continuing to affirm my pastorate here at Saint Anthony’s and for his support and help to me since his arrival in New York three years ago.  Cardinal Dolan has become a dedicated leader for our Archdiocese and for the Catholic Church in the United States.  His enthusiastic delivery of faith has been an inspiration to us all. 

I feel very fortunate to be the pastor of such a vibrant, active, faith-filled parish.  Saint Anthony’s is a very special place and I am very blessed to be a part of it at this moment in its history.   

This was the scene on May 17, 2003 at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.  Eight priests were ordained before a packed cathedral, 3000 people, 225 priests, 8 bishops and 1 cardinal, not to mention 8 sets of very proud parents!

Above, those of us who were ordained priests lay prostrate on the floor of the Sanctuary as the Litany of the Saints is chanted.

Here, Cardinal Egan anoints my hands with Sacred Chrism.

Cardinal Egan places his hands on my head in silence.

Mass vestments are placed on me and my classmates for the first time.

I gave my first blessing to Cardinal Egan.

Above, I am seen at the right of Cardinal Egan at the Altar reciting my part of the Eucharistic Prayer thus celebrating Mass for the first time.

Cardinal Egan places the chalice filled with wine and the paten with the host into my hands giving me the authority to celebrate the Eucharist.

Above, Cardinal Egan recites the Prayer of Ordination.

The bishops who were in attendance lay hands on my classmates and I during the Mass.

Below are a few photos of the May Crowning during the 10:15 Family Mass last Sunday.  Thanks to Denise Serra for taking the photos during the Mass.  Enjoy!

The church was filled with people, especially young families.  That’s the greatest!

The statue of the Blessed Mother is displayed in the Sanctuary of the church prior to the May Crowning ceremony.

Before the Crowning we joined in singing the hymn ”Immaculate Mary”.

The 2nd Graders who received First Holy Communion this year led us in the May Crowning.  You can see a few of them dressed in their First Communion finery – dresses and suits!

The 2nd graders were excited to be leading the congregation in the May Crowning.

Above, I assist the children in making sure the crown of flowers is secure on Mary’s head.

Everyone expressed their enthusiastic approval with applause when Mary was crowned with flowers.

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Mothers.  Thank you for all of your love and sacrifice over the years.  May Our Blessed Mother watch over you and intercede for you always.  God bless you!

This morning at the 10:15 Mass we had a beautiful May Crowning ceremony and Mother’s Day Mass.  Jennifer Milliron received her First Holy Communion at the Mass and the church was filled to overflowing with the many parishioners and families who were in attendance.  The 2nd graders, dressed in their First Communion suits and dresses, led us in the procession prior to the May Crowning.  Thanks for coming and celebrating this beautiful holiday here with us at Saint Anthony’s.

Below are a few photos taken on Wednesday evening at the Confirmation ceremony here at Saint Anthony’s.  Enjoy!

Above, I present the candidates for Confirmation to Bishop Lagonegro

Bishop Lagonegro speaks with the students who are to be Confirmed

The chalice is raised for all to adore during the Confirmation Mass

We are looking forward to a great Family Mass this Sunday at 10:15am.  I invite all families and youngsters of our parish to join us for the May Crowning during that Mass.  Refreshments will be served immediately following and our First Communion children will be dressed in all of their finery as they lead us in the celebration.  Please plan to be here!

Deacon George Stewart has been moved to Burke Rehabiliation Facility in White Plains where he will be undergoing rehab for the time being.  He is making good progress and is in excellent spirits.  Deacon George has a very positive outlook on everything which is very important for a full recovery. 

I have visited Deacon George several times over the last few days and have brought communion to him and anointed him.  His son, Father George Stewart, has also been attending very carefully to him.  Each time I visit with him I bring the prayers and best wishes of all of our parishioners. 

Deacon George is able to receive visitors and he is very grateful for all of the prayers, support and love he has received from all of the people of Saint Anthony’s during the last couple of weeks.

We had a magnificent Confirmation Mass last evening!  Bishop Dominick Lagonegro was here to confer the Sacrament and the church was filled with people, expectation and the Holy Spirit.  I offer heartfelt congratulations to all of the young people of our parish who were confirmed last night and to their sponsors and family members. 

I also extend thanks to Mrs. Jean Jacksen, the Coordinator of our Religious Education Programs.  Jean did a great j0b preparing for last night and in bringing all of the details together so well.  At the conclusion of the Mass, I presented flowers to the three 8th grade catechists for their hard work and dedication this year.  Two of our catechists will not be returning next year.  Roseanne Ecklund and Richard Conrad have dedicated many years to the students of this parish and we can never say “thank you” enough to each of them for the hard work and constant dedication over the years.  Roseanne Ecklund has been a catechist here at Saint Anthony’s for 18 years and Richard Conrad for 12 years.  Thank you Roseanne and Richard!  We are deeply grateful to you both!

Each year as we celebrate the Confirmation ceremony here at Saint Anthony’s, memories return of my own Confirmation many years ago.  The date was April 24, 1986.  At that time I lived in Atlanta and the Mass was at  my home parish, Saint John Neumann in Lilburn.  Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan, Archbishop of Atlanta, was the bishop who confirmed me.  My sponsor was my great-aunt, Sister Muriel Monturo, R.S.M., who taught for more than 40 years at Good Shepherd School in Manhattan.  I remember my Confirmation very vividly and it is a special memory for me.  Most importantly, I have felt the Holy Spirit with me every day of my life since that time leading and guiding me in my actions and my decisions.

It is my hope and prayer that the students of our parish confirmed last night here at Saint Anthony’s will experience the same effects of the Spirit in their lives in the years to come and that they will always remain close to the Lord who will never leave them and never let them down!

This morning at 3:48am my great friends John and Kim Vigliante welcomed their first child, Thomas John Vigliante, into the world.  The birth took place at Stony Brook University Hospital on Long Island near their home.  Thomas John weighs 7 pounds 1 ounce and is, at this point, all of 16 hours old. 

Last June 18th I had the priviledge of marrying John and Kim at a beautiful wedding ceremony in Westhampton Beach followed by an unbelievable reception at the Westhampton Country Club.  The following day, a Sunday, dozens of guests gathered for a Mass I celebrated for everyone under a large white tent that had been erected in the back yard of the family’s beach house on the Great South Bay in Westhampton Beach.  It was a weekend I will never forget and a happy time in all of our lives surpassed only by the blessed event which took place earlier this morning!

 I have known John, Kim and the Vigliante family for many years.  They are the owners of the Branch Funeral Home in Smithtown, Long Island.  And, over the summer they will be opening a second location currently under construction in Miller Place, Long Island. 

Now 10 months after their nuptials we welcome the newest addition to the Vigliante family – Thomas John! 

Congratulations John and Kim and all the Vigliante Family!  I pray God gives Thomas John 100 years of happiness, success and good health!!

His first photo!

Mom, Dad and Son gather for their first family picture!

Unfortunately, Deacon George has suffered a setback in his recovery from the stroke he had last year.  On Wednesday evening he was on his way to Saint Anthony’s to attend the Parish Council meeting when he began to feel ill.  At that point his wife Agnes took over the driving and immediately headed for the hospital.

Currently Deacon George is admitted at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla where he is undergoing tests to try to determine the seriousness of this most recent episode. 

This afternoon I shared a very nice visit with Deacon George and his family at the hospital.  He asks for the prayers of all of the people of the parish.  And, parishioners are invited to visit Deacon George during the permitted visitation hours. 

All of us at Saint Anthony’s join in praying for Deacon George’s speedy recovery and his quick return to our parish!