saint stephen’s roman catholic church · marriage – the roman catholic church affirms the...
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Street Address 676 Kearny Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032
Office Hours Monday through Friday Saturday and Sunday 9:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M.
Mailing Address 141 Washington Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032
Phone: 201-998-3314 FAX: 201-998-4924 Web: www.ststephenkearny.com E-mail: [email protected] Saint Stephen C.C.D. - Hedges Hall 676 Kearny Avenue Phone: 201-998-3314 ext. 338 Kearny, NJ 07032
Saint Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church The Archdiocesan Sanctuary of the Four Chaplains
Worship & Sacramental Schedule
The Holy Sacrifice of the MassSaturday: 5:00 P.M.
(Anticipated Mass for Sunday)Sunday: 8:00 A.M., 10:00 A.M.,
12 Noon, 7:00 P.M.
Monday-Friday: 9:00 A.M.
Saturday: 8:30 A.M.
Holy Days refer to Bulletin
The Sacrament of ReconciliationSaturday: 4:15 P.M.- 4:45 P.M.Sunday: 7:30 A.M., 9:30 AM., 11:30 A.M.
Or anytime by appointment
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Parish Staff:
Very Reverend Joseph A. Mancini, V.F., Pastor
Reverend Juan Rojas, Parochial Vicar
Monsignor Anthony Kulig, K.H.S. Weekend Assistant
Reverend Roberto Ortiz, Weekend Assistant
Deacon Earl W. White
Mrs. Martha Lane, Director of Religious Education
Mr. Robert Maidhof, Director of Music
Ms. Patricia Sherwen, Youth Minister
Matthew Schirm, Technology & Youth Activities
Mrs. Theresa Zaccardo, Parish Secretary
PARISH INFORMATION
WELCOME! We are happy you have chosen to worship with us and hope that you will make Saint Stephen’s parish your spiritual home.
BAPTISM – The Church asks that children be baptized soon after birth. Baptisms are celebrated once a month on a Sunday
afternoon. Our parish has implemented a three-month preparation period for baptism; the parents of the child should call as soon
as they want to schedule the baptism. Godparents must meet the requirements as set forth by Church Law.
MARRIAGE – The Roman Catholic Church affirms the belief that marriage is defined as the union of one man and one woman.
Baptized Catholics are bound by Church Law to marry in a Catholic Church and have the marriage witnessed by a validly ordained
priest or deacon in the presence of two witnesses. The engaged couple is to contact the parish office at least one year prior to the
intended marriage date.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK – Catholics who are advanced in age or seriously ill should make arrangements to contact the
parish office to receive the Sacrament. Visits to the homebound can be arranged upon request. When a loved one is near death,
please notify one of the priests. Catholics who are in a hospital should first contact the hospital chaplain in the event of an
emergency.
HOLY ORDERS – Any Catholic man who feels the Lord is calling him to the happy and fulfilling life of a priest can speak to
one of the priests or contact the Vocations Office at 973-313-6190. You can also visit their website at www.newarkpriest.com.
PARISH REGISTRATION – All Catholics who live within the territorial boundaries of Saint Stephen’s parish are considered
parishioners by virtue of their residence. We encourage all parishioners to fill out a census form so that we might better identify and
serve you in our ministries and programs. Census forms can be obtained in the front vestibule of Church or at the parish office.
Saint Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church
Text SSKearny to 84576 to receive FREE text notifications about parish events
February 2, 2020
The Presentation of the Lord
THE SUNDAY READINGS
The Presentation of the Lord
February 2, 2020
Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Lk 2:22-40
The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 9, 2020
Isaiah 58:7-10
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 5:13-16
Today’s gospel reading continues the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes of Matthew ended with a reference to the
‘abuse’ and ‘persecution’ that will be the lot of those who heed the call of Jesus – no doubt reflecting the situation of a
community of Jewish converts that have been expelled from the synagogue. Against this background, we can understand why
Matthew now incorporates two parable of Jesus concerning the witness that is expected from his followers.
These brief but powerful parables put us in the presence of Jesus the teacher who made such an impression, as he
appealed to the basic things of life familiar to all his hearers. Salt is a commodity prized by all peoples for its flavoring and
preservative qualities. Though pure salt is very stable, the salt of common use, referred to by Jesus, was far from pure and could
easily become useless. Light is such an eloquent symbol that all the world’s religious traditions have appealed to it. As today’s
first reading reminds us, the prophets made use of this image. In the Isaian writings, God’s people had not only found the light,
they were called to be bearers of the light – ‘I shall make you a light to the nations, so that my salvation may reach to the ends
of the earth’ (Is 49:6). This great theme finds its ultimate expression in the Church, the final People of God - through our union
with the Savior, whose life is ‘the light of all people’ (Jn 1:4). For Matthew, therefore, the words of Jesus, ‘You are the salt of
the earth; you are the light of the world’, are addressed to the members of a community in the midst of rejection and difficulties,
and in danger of losing heart. And for the Church down through the ages, as it has proclaimed the Sermon on the Mount, the
words of Jesus are addressed to the Church as it faces similar situations. In the present moment of history, when the tide seems
to be running strongly against the things the Savior stands for, we know the temptation to lose heart before the task of
evangelization. But, as we hear the brave words of Jesus we should recognize their realism – as if Jesus anticipates these
misgivings. The magnificent light that has been entrusted to us, bringing us life and hope, must not be ‘put under a tub’. The
Church community must offer its light to a desperate and struggling world, like a beautiful city built on a hilltop. If we have
received this charge from him, we can rely upon the help that only he can give.
Even the great Paul, whose witness to faith in Christ has proved so fundamental in the life of the Church since the
beginning, came to recognize – as we are reminded in today’s second reading - that the sharing of his faith did not depend upon
brilliant oratory or argumentation. Instead, the ‘power of the Spirit’ was made manifest through the sincerity of his simple faith
in ‘the crucified Christ’. And so, while Jesus tells us that we must be evangelizes, he also gives us practical advice as to how
we are to give our ‘witness’ to the Good News he brings. Our light should ‘shine’, first and foremost, through the ‘good works’
that make it clear that we are true offspring of our ‘Father in heaven’. The quality of truly Christian lives can change the world.
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POPE FRANCIS
The Holy Father's Prayer Intentions For 2020
FOR THE MONTH OF
FEBRUARY
Universal prayer intention - Listen to the Migrants’ Cries
We pray that the cries of our migrant brothers and sisters, victims of
criminal trafficking, may be heard and considered.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
Saint Stephen’s Parish, along with the
Archdiocese of Newark, regards the safety
and protection of all God’s people in any
Church service, activity or event as a high
priority. Any person who wishes to report an incident of
sexual misconduct by a member of the clergy, religious
or lay staff of the Archdiocese of Newark should contact
the Archdiocese by calling: 201-407-3256.
A Prayer for our TroopsAll-powerful and ever-living God, when Abraham left
his native land and departed from hispeople you kept him safe through all hisjourneys. Protect these soldiers. Be theirconstant companion and their strength inbattle, their refuge in every adversity.Guide them, O Lord, that they may return home in safety.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
“To everything there is a season and time for everypurpose under heaven.” Ecc. 3:11
“...a time to be born...”The Sacrament of Baptism
Liana Rose Chesney“...a time to be healed...”
Pray for...Nat Amadeo, Nancy Appert, Linda Atwell, Jimmy Balatsos,Maryann Caromil, Esperanza Chavez, Manny Chavez, KevinComp, Manny Cunha, Toby DelGiudice, Joseph Dellorco,Baby Quinn Doran, Harold & Jeanette Falk, AlexanderForfar, Maria Elena Gillespie, Olmar Godinho, ChristaGranato, Joanne Gross, Robin Irving, Daniel Lane, JoanLewis, Regina Kraus Maxwell, Megan More, Allie Moroses,Francis O’Keefe, Carol Pavolic, Fr. Louis Pereira, JennyQuispe, Rosalie Raposo, Ines Rojas, Marci Sacco, FrancineTarantino,, Rosie Valente, Edelina Valli, John Wolf, Jr.
If you have a loved one that needs prayer for healing, please call the Rectory
with their name.
�
“...a time to love...”�
“...a time to die...”Raul Alfaro, Alice Silvestri, Raffela Sodano
“...a time of war and a time of peace...”�
We pray for all our national leaders and world leaders. Wealso pray for the safety of all men and women who serve inthe armed forces of the United States.Mauricio Barrantes, Major Thomas W. Burns, Petty OfficerMaster at Arms, Joshua Garvey, Edward T. Glospie, Jr.,Sergeant Stephen Hacker, Sgt. Mark Isabella, Jr., SpecialistThomas Jessy, Major Timothy P. Kelly, Major Joseph P.McNamara, Major Vivien Escolona McNamara, PVT MajorMoore, BM3E4Owen Nee, PFC Alex Potvin, Adam Richards,Sgt. Shawn Salerno.
Stewardship�
The Presentation of the LordFebruary 2, 2020
“…they took him up to Jerusalem to present him
to the Lord...” LUKE 2:22
How seriously do you take being a Catholic? Is “being
Catholic” something I just do when I attend Sunday Mass or
attend one of my parish functions? It’s easy to be
Catholic then, it’s harder to be Catholic when I am out in the
world. Would someone recognize you as a Catholic by the
way you act, dress and talk? How do you present yourself to
the Lord and to others?
January 26 $ 6,759.00
Fuel $ 2,199.00
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Sunday, February 2nd The Presentation of the Lord
5:00 P.M. Sr. Alberta Keuhlen
8:00 A.M. Ruth & Alfred Komorowski
10:00 A.M. Patrick & Mafalda Pellegrino
12:00 P.M. Fr. John P. Washington
7:00 P.M. People of the Parish
Monday, February 3rd
9:00 A.M. Betty & Peter Chesney
Tuesday, February 4th
9:00 A.M. John J. McGlynn
Wednesday, February 5th
9:00 A.M. For the Intentions of...Fr. Louis Pereira
Thursday, February 6th
9:00 A.M. Jennifer DiBella
Friday, February 7th
9:00 A.M. Jose M. Pereira
9:30 A.M. - 12 Noon Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Saturday, February 8th
8:30 A.M. Linda Paone
���
VIGIL MASS FOR SUNDAY
5:00 P.M. Michael & Carol Tortorello
Sunday, February 9th The 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time
8:00 A.M. Edwin Doyle
10:00 A.M. Edward Blumetti
12:00 P.M. Rosemary Corbett
7:00 P.M. People of the Parish
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Word of Life
�
May all expectant parents
joyfully welcome their children as gifts from God,
as Mary and Joseph welcomed the Christ Child;
We pray to the Lord:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
�
The Sanctuary Lamp
In Memory of...Clement & Sophie Staknis
�
Votive...Shrine of the Blessed Mother
In Memory of...Santino Anthony Zaccardo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Friends,
Today we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. This feast is celebrated
forty days after Christmas and is also called “Candlemas” Day since the
traditional blessing of candles and procession takes place today. It is, in
every way, a Christmas feast since the liturgy points back to Christmas.
Today is the official end of “Christmastide” – that is why we kept some
poinsettias in the Church and hung the Nativity tapestry from the pulpit. We even kept some Nativity
scenes up in the rectory and will take them down this week.
We meet two people in the Gospel, Simeon and Anna, who were dedicated to prayer and fasting so that
they could more readily identify the Messiah when He came. In both persons, we see that, while secular
society might consider such religious and spiritual actions a waste of time, for people of faith, time could
not be better spent than engaging in the things of God. May we imitate the holy persons of Simeon and
Anna so that we, too, can more readily identify the Messiah.
+++
We also remember today the supreme sacrifice of the Four Chaplains of the U.S.A.T. Dorchester – Rabbi
Alex Goode, Reverend George Fox, Reverend Clark Poling and Father John Washington. Our parish has
been at the forefront of this annual remembrance and I welcome, in your name, those men and women
who have served our country, both in the past and in the present. I also welcome Father Matthew
Pawlikowski, the Catholic Chaplain at West Point Military Academy, as the celebrant and homilist of
the Father Washington Mass.
May we never forget the Four Chaplains and their example of bravery, courage and unconditional love
for their fellow man. May we seek to make their heroic actions a part of our own lives.
+++
Two weekends ago, our parish began the Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese of Newark. The video that
was shown on the vestibule monitors in Church is now on our website (ststephenkearny.com) and I invite
you to view it. The Annual Appeal helps many different agencies and ministries in the Archdiocese of
Newark carry on the missionary work begun by Jesus Christ.
If you have contributed in the past to the Appeal, you have already received a letter from Cardinal Tobin
inviting you to contribute again. On the weekend of March 14 and 15, I will be speaking at the Masses
inviting further involvement, especially from those who may not have contributed in the past. To date,
our parishioners have already pledged over $9,000 towards our goal of $45,000. Thank you! Remember
that 100% of all monies received over goal will be returned to the parish for our own use. Let’s reach
our goal this year!
Have a great week!
Fr. Joe
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Saint Stephen’s Religious Education
141 Washington Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032
Mrs. Martha Lane, Director of Religious Education
201-998-3314 ext. 338
Grades 1 - 2 classes are held in Hedges Hall
3:30pm-4:45pm on Mondays
Grades 3, 4, 5 classes are held in Hedges Hall
3:30pm - 4:45pm on Tuesdays
Grades 6, 7, 8 classes are held Hedges Hall
6:15-8:00pm on Tuesdays
Monday, Feb. 3rd Class Grades 1-2 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 4th Class Grades 3,4,5 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 4th Class Grades 6,7,8 6:15-8:00pm
Monday, Feb. 10th Class Grades 1-2 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 11th Class Grades 3,4,5 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 11th Class Grades 6,7,8 6:15-8:00pm
Monday, Feb. 17th NO CLASS
Tuesday, Feb. 18th NO CLASS
Tuesday, Feb. 18th NO CLASS
Monday, Feb. 24th Class Grades 1-2 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 25th Class Grades 3,4,5 3:30-4:45pm
Tuesday, Feb. 25th Class Grades 6,7,8 6:15-8:00pm
Mass will be offered in Spanish on
Saturday, February 15th at 7:00 P.M.
Rosary Society
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~~~~~~
The Rosary Society will not meet
the months of JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, 2020
~~~~~~~~
New members are always welcome.
For more information please call
Dale Wnoroski, President,
at 201-991-3230.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society
���
Our next meeting is on
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
at 7:00 P.M. in the
Rectory
New Members are always welcome!
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ST. STEPHEN’S SENIORS�
Our next members meeting in Hedges Hallis Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 12:30 P.M.
Cake and Coffee at 11:30 A.M.
SCHEDULED EVENTS2020
February 19 Resorts Casino, Atlantic City, NJNeil Diamond Tribute Show, buffet, $15 slot credit.
March 18 St. Joseph celebration, BrownstonePaterson, NJ, Dinner and show.
For Club info call: Allan 201-991-4771 For Tours call: Janet 201-997-2414 The Sunshine Condolance Vicki 201-991-8345
Grace Before MealsBy Fr. Larry Rice, CSP
In most Catholic households, one important family tradition is a prayer of thanksgiving before meals. The practice of praying
before eating is an ancient one, and certainly predates Christianity. Still, for us Catholics, to pray in thanksgiving before meals
recalls Jesus himself giving thanks to the Father before miraculous feeding of crowds. It also reminds us of the prayers of
thanksgiving that are such an important part of our celebration of the Eucharist.
Although different families have different customs and prayers for this “grace” before meals, the most common example goes
something like this: “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts, which we are about to receive, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” Most
of us can perceive the antiquity of this prayer through its archaic use of the word “thy” for “your.” But the original prayer
pre-dates that Elizabethan English by several centuries.
According to the 1911 edition of the Catholic Encyclopedia, the text of the traditional Catholic grace before meals can be found
in the Gelasian Sacramentary, a Catholic liturgical book believed by scholars to have been compiled around the year 750. It
echoes phrases from, and may actually be derived from Didache, a liturgical text from the late first century,
So, when we give thanks to God before we eat, we are praying a prayer that is probably as old as Christianity itself. This prayer
recognizes God’s goodness and our dependence of God’s providence. Parents have taught their children this simple prayer for
centuries, and when we give thanks in this way, we are connected with nearly 2000 years of Christian tradition.
~catholiccurrent.org
PARISH EVENTS
COMING SOON
APRIL 15, 2020
If you wish to receive a statement of your 2019 donations to St. Stephen Parish, please submit your
name, address, daytime phone number and the number of your donation envelope.
REQUESTS WILL BE PROCESSED ONLY WITH COMPLETED FORM
Drop this form in the basket on Sunday or mail your form to the Rectory
141 Washington Avenue
Kearny, NJ 07032
NAME:____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:_________________________________________________________
TOWN/ZIP:__________________________________________________________________
DAYTIME PHONE No._____________________________ENV. #_____________________
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SAINT STEPHEN’S PARISH
ANNUAL WOMAN’S RETREAT
O ur annual Parish Woman’s Retreat at Alphonso
Retreat House, Long Branch, NJ will take place theweekend of March 6-8, 2020. All women of the parishare welcome to join us for a peaceful, spiritual
weekend by the sea led by the Redemptorist Fathers.
The Theme of this year’s retreat is“Choosing to Live in Peace.” Howapropo for our times. This retreatwill invite us to come back to ourcenter in God and drawn into thepeace of Jesus so that we might bepeacemakers in our world.
Treat yourself to this wonderful opportunity for spiritual andphysical renewal with a friendly group of women from ourparish and other parishes throughout New Jersey. The retreatconsists of Daily Mass, group conferences, the Sacrament ofReconciliation, discussions and time for personal prayer andmeditation.
The cost of the weekend (including delicious meals) is $240.A $50 deposit is required when you make your reservation.Funds are available to help offset the cost for anyone whomay have difficulty paying the fee.
~~~~~~For more information or to make a reservation, call Pat at
201-991-5107. The deadline to make a reservation is February 6th .
~~~~~~
“WANTED”
CROCHETERS/KNITTERS
~~~Willing to make baby blankets and lap robes
for distribution to agencies we help
through our Parish.
If interested and for more information or questions call:
Betty Pagani (201)998-0588
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The FOOD PANTRY IS VERY LOW, the NEEDS include:
CEREAL, PASTA SAUCE, COFFEE, INSTANT COFFEE, TEA,
TUNA, CANNED FRUIT, CANNED VEGETABLES, CANNED
MEALS, SOUP, DRY BEANS, RICE, HOT CHOCOLATE,
PEANUT BUTTER, JELLY, COOKIES, JUICE BOXES AND
BOTTLES OF JUICE.
We would ask that you check the
expiration date on food donations
before donating them. We are not
permitted to give expired foods to our
food pantry clients.
“Thank you” for your generosity.
“FATHER WASHINGTON & FOUR CHAPLAINS SCHOLARSHIP”
~~~~~~
All students who are parishioners of St. Stephen’s Church and will be attending a Catholic high school in
the Fall of 2020 are invited to apply for the “Father Washington & Four Chaplains Scholarship” which our
parish offers.
Each year, students can apply for a prize of $500.00 by completing an application and writing an essay that
explains how he or she lives out the qualities of the Four Chaplains.
Stop by the Parish Office to pick up an application packet.
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During the winter months parishioners express concernabout health issues and sickness as they may relate toour actions and rituals at Mass.
The Sign of Peace and Reception of the Precious Blood atMass are integral to our celebration of the Eucharist. Nopastor can, on his own, dispense with either of these actions.
Still, common sense must always prevail over custom and
ritual. NO ONE is obliged to participate in the Sign of Peace
at Mass by shaking someone’s hand. Those who are
concerned about the spread of germs through physical contact
during the Sign of Peace at Mass do not have to participate.
At the same time, ignoring those around us at this time is not
good practice either. Those who do not wish to shake hands
at the Sign of Peace should simply smile and nod or offer a
friendly hand gesture such as a wave. Please don’t judge
each other if someone doesn’t wish to participate in the Sign
of Peace.
Drinking from a common cup can cause some obvious
concern. Again, NO ONE is obliged to receive the Precious
Blood at Mass since the Jesus is fully present, Body, Blood,
Soul and Divinity in both species of the Eucharist (His Body
and His Blood). Please do not feel obliged to receive from
the cup if you are concerned about the spread of germs.
All of us, when not feeling well, are not obliged to attend
Mass. Anyone who is obviously sick, especially when such
sickness is most prevalent during the winter months, is
exempt from the obligation to attend Mass – in this case, it is
NOT a mortal sin.
Also, a word about water bottles in the Church. For those
recovering from an illness, it is important to stay hydrated
and a long period at Mass can cause us to cough or have a
dry throat. In such cases, a small water bottle is appropriate
to have at your side but, ordinarily, water bottles and any
other beverage container should not be brought into the
Church.
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Healing Past Hurtsby Richard Rohr, OFM
���
To keep our bodies less defended, to
live in our body right now, to be present
to others in a cellular way, is also the
work of healing of past hurts and the
many memories that seem to store
themselves in the body. The body seems
to never stop offering its messages; but fortunately, the body
never lies, even though the mind will deceive you constantly.
Zen practitioners tend to be well-trained in seeing this. It is
very telling that Jesus usually physically touched people
when he healed them; he knew where the memory and hurt
was lodged, and it was in the body itself. ~Franciscan
SAVE THE DATE!!
2020 Catholic Women’s and Men’s
Commission
Catholic Men’s Conference: Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Seton Hall University.
This year’s theme, for the English track, is “Be Not Afraid: Man of God . . . I am my Brother’s Keeper!”
The speaker for the English track will be Paul Kim, who is the founder of the Triumph Men’s Conference. His
background includes a BA in Philosophy (Franciscan University of Steubenville), an MA in Marriage and Family
Therapy (Hope International University), religious formation with the Community of the Franciscan Friars of the
Renewal (NYC), and Bishop John Flesey, who is a retired auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Newark and
a popular retreat master and teacher. The master of ceremonies will be Father John Gordon. The day begins at
8:00am with registration and ends at 4:00pm with Mass.
Women’s Commission Day of Reflection: Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Seton Hall University.
This year’s theme is “Alive in Christ: The Eucharist...His Heart in My Heart.” The English track will feature
keynote speakers Sr. Bethany Madonna, S.V., who professed her perpetual vows as a Sister of Life in 2015 and
serves her community as the Vocation Director, Colleen Rayner, founder of CKR Retreats, who is a dynamic
speaker whose authentic witness ignites joy-filled evangelization and catechesis, and Dr. Dianne Traflet, J.D.,
S.T.D., who is Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, is the director of the Institute for
Christian Spirituality and is a key leader in the Center for Diaconal Formation. She will also be the emcee for the
day. The day begins at 8:00am with registration and ends at 4:00pm with Mass.
Registration for both events is $30 for adults. Priests and religious are free. The day includes continental breakfast and lunch.
More information will become available in January on these websites at www.rcan.org/womenscommission (WOMEN) or
www.rcan.org/mens-commission (MEN). Franciscan Media
Presentation of the Lord�
The Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord today which occurs forty days after the birth
of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in
today's liturgy. Before the revision of the General Roman Calendar this marked the end of the Christmas
season.
The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as "The Encounter." In the sixth century, it began to be
observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France)
with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as "Candlemas."
The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the
offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward
Easter.
"In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the
Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another 'epiphany'
celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle
and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the light of the
nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day. In the Middle Ages
this feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or 'Candlemas,' was of great
importance.~Passionist Nuns
of St. Joseph’s Monastery
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Saint of the Week
Saint Joseph of Leonissa
February 4(January 8, 1556 – February 4, 1612)
Saint Joseph of Leonessa ((Italian) Giuseppe da Leonessa) (1556-February 4, 1612)
is a saint of the Catholic Church. He was born Eufranio Desiderio at Leonessa, a
small town then in Umbria, now in the Lazio. It is said, that from his infancy, he
showed a remarkably religious bent of mind; he used to erect little altars and spend
much time in prayer before them, and often he would gather his companions and
induce them to pray with him.
Whilst yet a boy he used to take the discipline on Fridays in company with the
confraternity of St. Saviour. His uncle, who had planned a suitable marriage for him,
educated him but in his sixteenth year he fell sick of a fever, and on his recovery, without consulting his
relative, he joined the Capuchin reform of the Franciscan Order. He made his novitiate in the convent of
the Carcerelle near Assisi.
As a religious, he was remarkable for his great abstinence. "Brother Ass," he would say to his body, "there
is no need to feed thee as a noble horse would be fed; thou must be content to be a poor ass." In 1599, the
year before his Jubilee year, he fasted the whole year by way of preparation for gaining the indulgence.
In 1587, the Superior General of his order sent him to Constantinople to minister to the Christians held
captive there. Arrived there he and his companions lodged in a derelict house of Benedictine monks. The
poverty in which the friars lived attracted the attention of the Turks, who went in numbers to see the new
missionaries. He was very solicitous in ministering to the captive Christians in the galleys. Every day he
went into the city to preach. He was at length thrown into prison and only released at the intervention of
the Venetian agent.
Urged on by zeal, he at last sought to enter the palace to preach before Sultan Murad III, but he was seized
and condemned to death. For three days, he hung on the gallows, held up by two hooks driven through
his right hand and foot; his legends states that he was then miraculously released by an angel.
Returning to Italy, he took with him a Greek archbishop who had apostatized, and who was reconciled
to the Church on their arrival in Rome. Joseph now took up the work of home missions in his native
province, sometimes preaching six or seven times a day. In the Jubilee year of 1600, he preached the Lent
at Otricoli, a town through which crowds of pilgrims passed on their way to Rome. Many of them being
very poor, Joseph supplied them with food; he also washed their clothes and cut their hair. At Todi, he
cultivated with his own hands a garden, the produce of which was for the poor.
He died at Amatrice.
His feast is kept on February 4th throughout the Franciscan Order. He was canonized by Benedict XIV.
In his natal town, there is a church and sanctuary of San Giuseppe da Leonessa. The main street is called
the Corso San Giuseppe, after him. His cult is mostly local to central Italy; churches at Otricoli and San
Lorenzo Nuovo contain paintings of him. ~Capuchin Franciscans Vocations/Western American Province
Page Ten
628 St. Stephen, Kearny, NJ (inside) John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net
WILFRED ARMITAGE & WIGGINS FUNERAL HOME596 BELGROVE DRIVE, KEARNY, NJ
Mark G. Wiggins - NJ Lic.No. 3916 Pre-needed Planning Available Manager
201-991-0657
201-998-7555
FUNERAL HOME INC.Serving Every Religion
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201-991-3600Sharon Lee Ball 740 Kearny Ave.
HANDYMANHome Improvements
No Job Too Small30 Yrs. Exp. • Parishioner
Gennaro201-245-4594
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Mon. - Sat. 10am - 2am | Sun. 12pm - 2am
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to make sure it is the car they are supposed to enter.
In Remembrance of Samantha Josephson#WHATSMYNAME
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(973) 440-8657 • [email protected] It’s easy to join our mailing list! Just send your email address by text message:
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628 St. Stephen, Kearny, NJ (B) John Patrick Publishing Company (800) 333-3166 • www.jppc.net
ARLINGTON JEWELERSARLINGTON JEWELERSEXPERT JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIRS
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684 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, New Jersey www.condonfuneralhome.com 201-991-1568ELLIS HOME IMPROVEMENTS
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~ Retired Kearny Police Offi cer ~ Free Est. • Lic. & Ins. • No Job Too Small
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www.centanninj.com • 201.246.0100 • Parishioner
1of only 14 Board Certifi ed Prosthodontists in NJ
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No. Arlingtonwww.SmileDesignSpecialist.com
1-844-DOCTOR-E
It’s not what we doit’s how we do it!
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201.991.0067201.991.0067432 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ432 Ridge Road, North Arlington, NJ
www.RipostaLaw.comwww.RipostaLaw.com
201-991-4660 www.moranautotowing.comAUTOMOTIVE & TOWING, INC.
Since 1974
We Accept the Following Insurance Providers....and More
581 Kearny Ave.Kearny, NJ 07032
www.midtownpharmacynj.com 201-991-3454
HablamosEspañol/Falamos
Português
Complete Auto Repair All Foreign & Domestic Vehicles
ASE Certifi ed Technicians
10% OFF Labor with adwill be donated to the Parish
790 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032Ask for Zach • 201-428-1872
Zach’s GarageZach’s Garage
Working Toward a Drug Free Community
KEARNY PREVENTION COALITION
645 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032201-997-0601
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201.955.2000596 Kearny Ave. Kearny, NJ
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Vista Services Group, LLCAccounting Services
290 Stuyvesant Ave., [email protected]
Jose A. FernandezManaging Partner
201-340-4376201-559-4160 (f)