Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., made a special pastoral visit to St. Benedict Church in Holmdel on Sunday, July 11, to celebrate the 11 am feast day Mass of St. Benedict, the patron saint of the parish. Assisted by Rev. Carlo Calisin, parochial vicar of St. Paul Parish in Princeton, the Bishop was warmly welcomed by Rev. Garry Koch, pastor; Fr. Augusto “Al” Gamalo, new parochial vicar; Deacons Paul Remick and Steve Scott; Anthony Gentile, seminarian; and a church full of parishioners at Mass.
In his homily, the Bishop acknowledged that “It is often difficult to speak about the saints of the early Church simply because we don’t have much historical or biographical material to work with.” St. Benedict was born in the 5th century and “what we know of him we learn from Pope St. Gregory the Great’s writings.” We also get a “spiritual snapshot” of him from the monastic “Rule of St. Benedict” that he composed long ago, and which is still followed by Benedictine monks and sisters today throughout the world.
“St. Benedict and his rule are not only important for monks and religious,” the Bishop continued. “He is an inspiration to every Christian and also to every parish community, to our parish community here. Why? Because his greatest goal in life was to become a better, more faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. Being a Catholic Christian, our faith gives us a way of life, a worldview. Following his example, every parish must become a “school for the service of the Lord.” Pray and work! “We belong to St. Benedict Parish to learn together, as disciples of Christ – the oldest among us, the youngest among us, and everyone in between – to learn together how to serve our God, to follow his commands, to love him and one another with full hearts as St. Benedict did.”
In addition to his homily, the Bishop led the parishioners in the conclusion of their annual Novena to St. Benedict. As the Mass concluded, the Bishop also blessed the beautiful new icon of St. Benedict which now hangs on the wall of the church, near the altar.
In his concluding remarks, the Bishop thanked the priests, deacons, and parishioners for their presence at the Mass. “It is always a privilege and joy for me to visit the parishes of the Diocese. It is such a wonderful encouragement to me as Bishop, in particular, to see so many young people and families praying together at Sunday Mass here at St. Benedict Parish. The Diocese is blessed to see parishioners enjoy such a beautiful church and community and great parish Catholic school in Holmdel. St. Benedict, pray for us!”