The Monitor Magazine’s April issue is coming to you a little later than usual so that we were able to include special coverage of later events, especially those related to “Our Easter Story.”
Each year, our team here at The Monitor works to capture some of the dramatic photos and stirring words connected to the most sacred time of our Church year – Holy Week and Easter season. From the message of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. – “And they remembered his words” – to Palm Sunday, the Chrism Mass and the Sacred Triduum, this latest issue dedicates a 20-page special section to the defining stories that unite us as followers of Christ and believers in the hope of the Resurrection. (See pages 7 through 26.)
STORIES OF SACRIFICE AND SERVICE
The Diocese’s annual Blue Mass gets major play in this issue with a multi-page photo and story package on the faith-based celebration of the law enforcement community throughout central New Jersey. This gathering, which draws hundreds of officers each year, included acknowledgement of 11 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty and introduced a new campaign to erect a memorial in their name. (Coverage begins on page 28.)
PRIEST STORIES
Several feature stories help readers keep up with some of our very busy priests who have embraced new and different ways to serve God and his people. We were fortunate enough to do an in-depth interview with Father Rafael Esquen-Odar, a diocesan priest and a captain and chaplain in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Father Rafael reflected on his recent experience of running the 26-mile plus Rome Marathon and what he learned about his faith and resilience. He also shares the perspective of what it is like to “accompany soldiers and their families through the challenges and blessings of military life.” (Find his story on page 32.)
Our attention turns to another part of the world in the new novel written by Father Pierre-Michel Alabre, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton. Father Pierre-Michel writes about his native Haiti, telling the story of a young man whose arduous life and journey in Haiti is strengthened by his faith and the guidance of a “woman in white” who appears to him. Father Pierre-Michel hopes to offer readers a clear-eyed look at what life is like in Haiti – both the beauty and the troubles that impact its citizens.
Divine Word Father Guilherme Andrino, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lakewood, is another priest showcased in this issue, having just been elected vice provincial of The Society of the Divine Word Chicago Province. Father Guilherme reflects on his new role as he continues to lead his sprawling and diverse parish community.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
- World Day of Prayer for Vocations and Called By Name – Pope Leo XIV’s message and a diocesan campaign to recognize and invite potential candidates for priesthood
- The Gospel and the war in Iran – Catholic experts respond; Church leaders call for peace
- Young Catholics – Young adult retreat; Catholic scouting program, and gearing up for the New Jersey Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure
- Local – Testifying in Trenton for security funding; Catholic Athletes for Christ serve together; Women take part in “Walking with Purpose”; Historic Hopewell church gets update
- In Memoriam – Remembering Father Albert Ricciardelli; former Monitor features editor Lois Rogers; St. Denis pastoral associate Eileen Ziesmer; Deacons Thomas Loughran and Kevin O’Boyle, and Sisters Marie Pierson and Josephine Wade
The April issue has been sent to the mailboxes and inboxes of our subscribers. Not yet a subscriber? Sign up today safely and conveniently by clicking HERE or writing to Monitor-Subscriptions@DioceseofTrenton.org. You also may call our Business Desk at (609) 403-7169 for assistance.
We hope you will join us in praying, as requested by Pope Leo, for the pursuit of peace called for in the Gospel and Church teaching.
May God bless you and yours,
Rayanne Bennett
Associate Publisher
And The Monitor team