In top photo, Bishop O’Connell preaches to the congregation in Sacred Heart, Riverton, where he celebrated Mass June 20. Mike Ehrmann photo
At 90 years old, Dorothy Citeroni seldom leaves her home. But when she learned that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., was celebrating Mass in her beloved Sacred Heart Church, Riverton, on June 20, she was sure to be there. Given her long and deep devotion to the Sacred Heart, she wanted to participate in her parish’s feast day Mass.
“I think it’s wonderful that the Bishop is visiting the parishes that are named Sacred Heart,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful way to honor the Sacred Heart.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Sacred Heart feast day Mass in Riverton
The Bishop’s visit to Riverton marked the fourth and final stop in the Diocese of Trenton’s commemoration of the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Bishop O’Connell was principal celebrant and homilist and was joined at the altar by Sacred Heart pastor Father Charles Schwartz.
“Every parish feast day is an opportunity not only to honor a title but to reflect on the mystery that title reveals,” Bishop O’Connell said in his homily. “Today, the Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of the deepest truth of our faith: God loves us with a personal, faithful and enduring love.”
Reflecting on the day’s Psalm, “Lord, in your great love, answer me,” the Bishop emphasized the message of the Sacred Heart. He said, “The Heart of Jesus reveals a God who does not stand far away from human suffering but enters into it.”
“When we look at the Sacred Heart, we see the love that led Christ to embrace the Cross, to forgive sinners, to heal the brokenhearted and to give his life for us.”
Looking to the day’s Gospel passage from St. Matthew, Bishop O’Connell noted the three times that Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid.
“Jesus knew that his followers would face opposition and hardship. Yet he reminds them that God’s care is constant and personal,” he said.
“The God who created the universe knows each of us intimately. He knows our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears. Nothing escapes his loving attention,” Bishop O’Connell continued. “The Sacred Heart is the proof of that love. It tells us that we are never forgotten, never abandoned and never beyond God’s mercy.”
The Bishop acknowledged the fears many people experience about the future, change and standing apart from the crowd. He then encouraged parishioners to respond with faith rather than fear.
“May all of us leave here today strengthened by the words of the Lord: ‘Do not be afraid’,” he said. “The heart of Christ remains open to us. His love remains faithful and his mercy endures forever.”