Saint Anselm Parish celebrated an especially joyous occasion on Sunday, the 30th, the formal installation of our 9th pastor, Fr. Pil-koo John Hwang. The installation was presided over by the Most Rev. Neil E. Tiedemann, C.P., Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn, who was also the principal celebrant at the 12:00 Noon Mass.
Joining Bishop Tiedemann and Fr. John in celebrating the Mass were our own parochial vicars – Fr. Ray Basilious, and Fr. Anthony Alimnonu, as well as a number of Fr. John’s priest friends. Also gathered for the happy occasion were Fr. John’s family and friends and a host of parishioners from St. Robert Bellarmine, Fr. John’s previous parish. And, of course, St. Anselm parishioners came out to express their love and support for Fr. John.
The Mass was filled with ancient ritual. Bishop Tiedemann followed his homily, in which he related the importance of the occasion with the day’s scripture, for Good Shepherd Sunday by entering into a dialog with Fr. John and the congregation, asking him and all of us to be mindful of the relationship of mutual love and support that exists between pastor and parishioners.
The Mass was also an occasion of great beauty thanks to the splendid music by our Adult Choir, under the direction of the Ms. Therese Panicali, Director of the Music Ministry. And, a special thank you to our altar servers: Daniel, James, James Jude, Oliver, and Zachary who conducted themselves with outstanding decorum – adding greatly to the splendor of the day’s liturgy.
The Mass was followed immediately by a reception in Meletia Hall at which everyone had the opportunity to share their joy with Fr. John on his special day. A large party like this takes a great deal of planning and work, and we are lucky to have a group of volunteers who were up to the task. We thank: Jeanine Condon, Florence & Ossie Diaz, Barbara & Sanjin Fabris, Chris Gallagher, Mary Gelormino, Bob Kassenbrock, Eileen & Peter Loughlin, Bernadette McLaughlin, Linda Naradovy, Nancy Nolan, Kim Parker, Diane Rando, Judy Savarese, Michele & Samantha Soto, Mary Jane Tunny, Josephine Volpe, and Eileen & Andrew White. We also had hard-working junior volunteers: Daniel, James, James Jude, Thomas, & Zach. What a wonderful day!
Well Fr. John, it’s official – we belong together – and, we’re so happy you’re here with us.
All the best,
The Saint Anselm Publicity Committee