Deceased clergy remembered at Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The spires of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, soaring heavenward beside Branch Brook Park, were bathed in autumn light on Oct. 29, as more than a hundred clergy gathered for the annual Mass for Deceased Clergy of the Archdiocese of Newark.
The grandeur of the basilica, with the altar veiled in a haze of frankincense smoke, served as a fitting sanctuary for remembrance, gratitude, and hope. Sacred music from the Cathedral Music Ministry, led by John J. Miller, and featuring harp and violin, also created an atmosphere that was both intimate and eternal.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, was the principal celebrant. He was joined by Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz, Elias R. Lorenzo, Michael A. Saporito, and Pedro Bismarck Chau, and Bishop Emeritus Gregory Studerus.
Many priests, deacons, and seminarians also attended, along with families of the deceased. Co-organized by the Archdiocesan Worship Office and Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark, the solemn liturgy united generations of clergy whose lives have been given in faithful service.
“Meeting place of earth and heaven”
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin reflected on the sacred bond uniting the living and the dead through the Eucharist. “Ours is a solidarity of faith and prayer that spans time and eternity… what we do here is of benefit to our brother priests, our bishops, our deacons, even as we trust that they are praying for us in eternity,” he said.
He described the Eucharist as “the meeting place of earth and heaven,” where “time and eternity come together.”
Among those remembered was Reverend Thomas J. Petrillo, whose 64 years of ministry included work in addiction rehabilitation and compassionate outreach through Catholic Community Services. Reverend William J. Melillo, Jr., known as “Fr. Bill,” was honored for nearly five decades at Seton Hall Preparatory School, where he inspired generations of students with faith and humility. Reverend Kevin P. Ashe was remembered for his lifelong advocacy for the poor and his creative ministry through the arts. Deacon Nestor Charriez, ordained in 1978, served faithfully for four decades at St. Patrick’s in Elizabeth, embodying humble devotion and love of service.
Their names, along with those of the other deceased clergy — and like the many names enshrined within the cathedral crypt — represent a legacy of faith, sacrifice, and service.
“They were present to their people in times of joy, sorrow, and routine,” Cardinal Tobin said, “not merely as friends or companions, but as those whose lives were dedicated to opening for people the Word of God, so that it might light their path through the valleys of darkness, and to opening their eyes of faith, so that they might recognize the risen Lord in the breaking of the bread—that is to say, in the Holy Eucharist.”
This Mass was offered for
the Deceased Clergy of the Archdiocese of Newark,
especially those who died since the last Mass
Deacon Reynaldo M. Trinidad
Deacon Bruce J. Hall
Reverend Thomas J. Petrillo
Reverend James J. Reilly
Deacon Willie E. Moore Jr.
Reverend William J. Melillo
Reverend Kevin P. Ashe
Reverend John R. O’Connell
Deacon Nestor Charriez
Deacon Restituto Quintana
Reverend Michael J. German
Reverend Monsignor John A. Radano
Reverend Jose Maria M. Parcon
Deacon John W. Lynch
Reverend Gerard J. Graziano
To view more photos of the Mass for Deceased Clergy, click HERE.
Click on the links to learn more about the Archdiocesan Worship Office and Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., delivers his homily at the Mass for Deceased Clergy on Oct. 25. (Photos by Rick Tracy / Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark)
