Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., and about 110 priests came together for a Lenten Spirituality Day March 9 in St. John the Baptist Church, Allentown. Highlights of the day included a talk by Bishop Paul Chomnycky, O.S.B.M., of the Stamford Eparchy whose topic was Eastern Christian Spirituality and focused on the prayer of St. Ephraim. The clergy also had the opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and enjoy a lunch. Part of the entertainment included the trio of Bishop O’Connell, Father Brian Patrick Woodrow, St. John the Baptist Parish, and Msgr. Edward Arnister, pastor of St. Rose Parish, Belmar, singing a rendition of “Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral” (“Irish Lullaby”) .
The purpose of the day was to enhance priestly fraternity and spirituality, said Msgr. Thomas J. Mullelly, diocesan episcopal vicar of clergy and consecrated life.
“As with all of our opportunities for the gathering of the presbyterate, our hope is that priests enjoy the sharing of insights by someone who may bring new ideas and zeal for ministry and then partake of a good luncheon and conversation with their peers,” said Msgr. Mullelly.