A symphony of faith and remembrance: Memorial Mass honors departed clergy
Vietnam Veteran, Liturgical Author, and Advocate for Addicted Honored Among Deceased Clergy
Beneath the soaring arches and the kaleidoscope of stained-glass light within the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and lay faithful gathered on Nov. 6 to pay tribute to departed faith leaders.
The annual Mass for Deceased Clergy unfolded in a symphony of solemnity and splendor, where the deep resonance of the pipe organ, a weeping violin, the delicate whispers of a harp, and the sacred perfume of frankincense wove through the hallowed air.
This sacred ritual, organized by the Office of Worship and Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, enveloped the Cathedral Basilica with profound emotion and reverence. It was a tribute to the bishops, priests, and deacons who journeyed into eternity, particularly those who departed in late 2023 and throughout 2024.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, led the Mass, accompanied by auxiliary bishops, 70 concelebrating priests, 40 seminarians, and grieving families. Archdiocesan auxiliary bishops present included Bishop Manuel A. Cruz; Bishop Michael A. Saporito; Bishop Gregory J. Studerus; and Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B. Also present was Abbot Augustine Curley, O.S.B., from the Newark Abbey and St. Benedict’s Prep.
“Brothers and sisters, the reality of the faithful love that God has for each one of us helps us to face with serenity and strength life’s daily journey,” Cardinal Tobin said during his homily. “It sometimes passes quick, and other times, is slow and laborious. Only sin can bring us back. And yet even then, God will always seek us.”
Cardinal Tobin reflected deeper, saying, “God will run after us in order to reestablish a union with us that endures even after death — a union that reaches its culmination in our final encounter with the Father. This conviction gives new and full meaning to earthly life and opens us to a hope that is beyond death.”
The solemn event highlighted the dedication, faith, and service of these men who devoted their lives to the Church and their communities. As their names were read, attendees were reminded of the extraordinary contributions made by the clergy to inspire future generations to uphold values of love, humility, and service while keeping alive the memory of those who faithfully answered God’s call.
Monsignor Edward J. Ciuba: A life dedicated to teaching and faith
Monsignor Edward J. Ciuba, known affectionately as “Father Ed,” was celebrated as a devoted servant of the Church who spent his life nurturing the faith of others through teaching, preaching, and community involvement. Born on March 20, 1935, in Port Elizabeth, to Polish immigrant parents, Monsignor Ciuba’s faith journey began at St. Adalbert’s Grammar School in Elizabeth. It continued through Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey and Seton Hall University in South Orange.
Ordained in Rome in 1959, Monsignor Ciuba pursued advanced studies in Sacred Scripture, obtaining a Licentiate and spending time at the École Biblique in Jerusalem. His return to the U.S. saw him teaching seminarians at Immaculate Conception Seminary, where he also served as rector from 1974 to 1985. His teachings extended beyond the seminary; he was a prolific author, including “Who Do You Say That I Am? – An Adult Inquiry into the First Three Gospels,” and a fervent supporter of small Christian communities through his involvement with RENEW International.
“As a theologian, professor, rector of Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, pastor, and preacher, he touched many tens of thousands of Catholics and was respected and cherished by all,” said G. Gregory Tobin, former president of RENEW. “He was a longtime active supporter of the mission of RENEW International to foster small Christian communities and a dear friend of our founders, leaders, and staff over more than 40 years.”
RENEW promotes the renewal of Catholic parishes by developing and publishing programs for small Christian communities. Tobin said that in 2016, Monsignor Ciuba wrote RENEW’S faith-sharing book, “Creation at the Crossroads: A Small-Group Resource on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si.”
“He [Monsignor Ciuba] was sought after as a speaker on topics related to the Scriptures and Christian discipleship,” Tobin added. “As a priest retired from active ministry in recent years, he was ever ready to proclaim the Good News.”
Even in retirement, Monsignor Ciuba inspired faith communities, leading small faith-sharing groups at Our Lady of the Presentation Church in Upper Saddle River. He passed away on Jan. 19 at Holy Trinity Rectory in Westfield. Father Anthony Randazzo, who once served as his associate pastor, fondly recalled that even in his later years, Monsignor Ciuba’s presence was his purpose — bringing wisdom and warmth to all who knew him.
Father Francis E. Schiller: A legacy of community and compassion
Father Francis E. Schiller, who passed away on Oct. 17 at age 85, was remembered for his nearly five decades of unwavering dedication to the Jersey City community. Born in Union, Father Schiller’s path to the priesthood began early, culminating in his ordination in 1965. His ministry spanned decades at Jersey City’s Our Lady of Mercy Parish and Saint Patrick & Assumption/All Saints Parish, where he became a pillar of strength and support for parishioners.
Father Schiller’s compassion extended beyond the Church. He co-founded Patrick House, a drug treatment and rehabilitation center. He was involved in affordable housing initiatives that provided safe, accessible homes to those in need. He was also a founding figure of the Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School, highlighting his belief in education as a pathway to empowerment. Despite his many achievements, Father Schiller remained a humble parish priest, cherished for his unwavering faith and genuine care for those around him.
Deacon Stanley W. Kwiatek Jr.: A life of service to God and country
Deacon Stanley W. Kwiatek Jr., who passed away in 2024 at 81, embodied a life of service that spanned the military, law enforcement, and the Church. Born on January 20, 1943, in Elizabeth, Stanley’s journey took him from serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War to a 29-year career as a police officer in Union Township. His dedication to public service continued after his retirement as a professor at Kean University.
He was ordained a deacon at Holy Spirit Church on June 11, 2005. Deacon Kwiatek brought his steadfast faith and compassion to St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Toms River. He was a spiritual advisor to the Knights of Columbus and led adoration weekly. Deacon Kwiatek co-founded St. Philomena’s Helpers and Servants to the Suffering and the Poor, a worldwide organization committed to aiding the marginalized. His leadership as assistant director of this group exemplified his lifelong mission of serving the less fortunate, driven by the conviction that every human life is precious in God’s eyes.
A celebration of humble heroes
The lives of Monsignor Edward J. Ciuba, Father Francis E. Schiller, and Deacon Stanley W. Kwiatek Jr. exemplify the true essence of Catholic service: dedication, compassion, and selflessness. Like many others remembered during the Memorial Mass, these men worked deep within their communities, driven not by recognition but by faith and a commitment to uplift the most vulnerable. Through teaching, community outreach, or pastoral care, they provided hope and embodied Christ’s call to serve.
To read the obituaries of all the priests who passed from late 2023 to the date of this publication, go to www.rcancem.org/memorial-mass-for-deceased-clergy.
The Mass was offered for the deceased clergy of the Archdiocese of Newark, especially those who died since the last Mass:
Father Richard J. Carrington
Father Raymond T. McKeon
Monsignor Philip D. Morris
Deacon Stanley W. Kwiatek Jr.
Monsignor Edward J. Ciuba
Father John P. Ryan
Father Andres J. Reyes
Father John P. Holian
Father Robert T. Ulak
Father Patrick M. Mulewski
Deacon William Robert Benedetto
Father Rino T. Lavaroni
Father Francis E. Schiller
(Photos by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark/Rick Tracy)
Featured image: The Archdiocese of Newark’s Worship Office and Catholic Cemeteries celebrated the annual Mass for Deceased Clergy on November 6, 2024. (Photo by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark/Rick Tracy)
