FR. SAFFRON’S FAREWELL PARTY
~ June 23, 2018 ~
The 6th Anniversary of Fr. Saffron’s Ordination to the Priesthood
Perhaps in contrast to the unusually cool and cloudy weather, St. Anselm Church, for the 5pm Mass, and afterward Meletia Hall were filled with warmth as the parish said “farewell” and “thank you” to Fr. Stephen Saffron for his five years with us.
Lovely music, provided by the St. Anselm Adult Choir under the direction of Therese Panicali, joined with a richly moving liturgy in which Fr. Saffron con-celebrated the Mass with Msgr. Maloney and Msgr. Phillips, Fr. Alimnonu, Fr. Kull, and Fr. McIlhenney (visiting from St. Patrick Church) and Deacon Davis, to create a moving spiritual experience for all in the congregation.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Saffron spoke warmly about the parish and Bay Ridge and all the wonderful people he has met here. Msgr. Maloney wished Father well and expressed his feelings of how much he, the priests in the rectory, the staff, and the parishioners will miss him.
Not wanting the wonderful feelings to end, everyone processed down the center aisle and out onto 4th Avenue, where more expressions of thanks and best wishes were exchanged.
Knowing that a wonderful party awaited, guests moved to Meletia Hall where the only “speech” was a grace offered by Msgr. Maloney. Great food, dancing and the pleasure of one another’s company was the order for the evening.
In the spirit of the occasion people again wished Fr. Saffron well as he moves on to St. Josaphat Parish, Bayside, where he will begin service as parish administrator.
Nothing ever happens without effort – Our thanks to Msgr. Maloney and the Parish Social Committee who put together such a joy-filled farewell, to Saint Anselm Catholic Academy, the Home Academy Association, Saint Anselm Youth Activities, and all the parishioners of St. Anselm whose support made the evening possible.
God Bless you, Fr. Saffron! We will miss you!
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee