Italian Apostolate’s Jubilee Mass highlights beauty and hospitality (Photos)
On October 4, worshippers gathered in the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, NJ, to celebrate the Jubilee Mass for the Italian Apostolate. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R, Archbishop of Newark, presided at the liturgy, with priests from numerous parishes in the Archdiocese concelebrating.
Many of those who came were of Italian heritage. Some apostolate members wore green, white, and red sashes, the colors of Italy’s flag. Others present had no Italian background to speak of but said they loved the country’s history and culture. All were warmly welcomed.
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin emphasized the sense of beauty that Italian immigrants had brought to the United States and the world from their homeland. “If you doubt that, look around you,” the cardinal said, referring to the marble carvings and other artworks in the cathedral. “This House of God has a unique character and beauty because of the many Italian artisans that came here at great sacrifice,” he said.
He also pointed to the beauty of religious shrines in the Archdiocese of Newark devoted to Italian saints, along with the example of men and women like Mother Cabrini, who dedicated their lives to serving others.
The cardinal then quoted a verse penned by another Italian, Saint Alphonse Ligouri, as an example of how Italians brought with them an awareness of God’s beauty. The popular hymn begins:
O God of loveliness, O Lord of Heaven above,
How worthy to possess my heart’s devoted love.”
Cardinal Tobin cited Benedict XVI, “who said that the way modern people can find God is the way of beauty. True beauty will lead them to an experience of God.”
A people familiar with persecution
Cardinal Tobin also reminded those present of a tragic moment in American history, the 1891 lynchings in New Orleans, when a mob of thousands murdered 11 Italian Americans. “It was one of the darkest moments in the United States’ long history of discrimination against Italians,” he said. Afterwards, a New York Times editorial defended the mob and called the victims “desperate ruffians and murderers” despite their innocence.
The cardinal pointed out that though Italians had long been present in the United States, they were often victims of racial prejudice and discrimination. In response, Italian communities in the United States worked to establish Columbus Day to remind people of “the human dignity, the artistic heritage, and all the contributions that Italian Americans have made to this country.”
The gifts that Italians brought to the United States “bring us hope today,” the cardinal said. At the same time, the persecution they endured can heighten sensitivity to those who face similar mistreatment today and who currently live in fear. He also noted the first reading (Habakkuk 1:2-3; 2:2-4), when, in the face of violence, “the prophet cries out, ‘Where are you God? Are you not here to help?’”
“God is here, brothers and sisters,” Cardinal Tobin concluded. “We are his witnesses.”
Meaningful gifts
At the end of Mass, Eric Lavin, director of the Italian Apostolate, presented Cardinal Tobin with two gifts. The first was a devotional portrait of Saint Gerard Majella that was hung in the rectory of Our Lady of Mount Carmel for almost 30 years. Levin explained that it had belonged to Monsignor Joseph F. Ambrosio, Mount Carmel’s former pastor and the one-time leader of the Italian Apostolate, who passed away in 2020.
Like Cardinal Tobin, Saint Gerard belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, commonly known as the Redemptorist Order.
Cardinal Tobin also received a “homegrown” gift, a basket of produce from the garden at Mount Carmel. Levin told Jersey Catholic that Monsignor Ambrosio had long cultivated the garden, which has been cared for since his death by Ferdinando Palumbo, a member of the Italian Apostolate. “When Monsignor Ambrosio died and Cardinal Tobin came to say the funeral mass, he referenced a bouquet of basil that someone placed in the coffin that made an impression on him,” Levin said.
A place for you
The Italian Apostolate had been dormant for many years but was recently revived by Levin and others. This was the second annual Mass, with attendance doubling from the previous year. Plans are already underway for next year’s Mass and dinner, along with future events.
Levin stressed that all parishes and people are invited to attend the community’s events. “There are no prerequisites for joining our apostolate,” he said. “We welcome everyone — whether Italian or not, Italian-speaking (or not), Italophiles … even if you never set foot in Italy, there is a place at the Apostolate for you!”
Members of the revived apostolate later gathered at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center to continue the Jubilee celebration with a dinner. On display were large platters of antipasto, along with holy cards, T-shirts, and mugs featuring the image of Mother Cabrini.
There was also plenty of laughter and friendship on display.
To view more images of the Jubilee for the Italian Apostolate, click HERE.
You can learn more about the Italian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark HERE.
Featured image: Members of the Italian Apostolate prepare for the Jubilee Mass celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on Oct. 4. (Photos by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)
