Religious Anniversaries

As Father Martin O’Reilly, pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, Bordentown, reflects on his 25th anniversary of ordination, he smiles when he thinks of how his journey to priesthood began with a missed subway stop.

When Father Thomas Maher embarked on his mission of priestly service 25 years ago, he didn’t envision marking the significant milestone as pastor of Howell’s St. William the Abbot Parish.

Celebrating 25 years as a friar-priest, Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Lorentsen has a ready answer when he speaks of his motivation: the joy of the Gospel.

One important lesson that Father Nestor Chavenia has learned in his 25 years of priesthood is what it means to work in community with others. After all, he says, when people work together, they are better able to build up the Kingdom of God.

Self-described as a man who has “always loved stories,” retired priest of the Diocese Msgr. Walter E. Nolan has drawn upon that appreciation in 50 years of priesthood, using his storytelling penchant for those of all ages in his homilies, and his understanding and love of other people.

As Father Ronald J. Cioffi tells it, he began his priestly journey on the road to Jericho when he was ordained 50 years ago. Ever since, like the Good Samaritan, he’s been on that path looking to help the sick, those in need, the stranger at the gates and exhorting the faithful to follow suit

When an Irish storyteller like Father Patrick J. McDonnell is ready to spin a tale about his 46 years as a Roman Catholic priest, pull up a chair, listen and learn.

Father Mick Lambeth continues to be completely awed by the countless ways in which he has experienced the loving hand of God in is life. Admittedly, there have been some very dark moments, and there was a time when he became disillusioned with his Catholic faith.

Father Robert F. Kaeding’s 46 years of full-time ministry officially culminated with his July 1 retirement, but just days after a weekend of festive celebration marking that milestone, Father Kaeding was back at work, overseeing activities as usual at The Center, the support facility he founded in Asbury Park for those with HIV/AIDS.

When planning began for a twofold celebration of the 50th anniversary of Msgr. Harold F. Cullen’s ordination and his retirement from active ministry, he was very insistent about an outdoor Mass on the church steps followed by a “family picnic” with music and activities for children.

“Their inner voices are not silent. Their prayers continue. Their charisms and vowed consecration remain as signs of witness, of service, of holiness, of grace.”

Such were the words of Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., speaking for World Day for Consecrated Life in 2018 of the men and women religious who continue to serve God in their later years. In these pages of the annual “Lives of Faith” magazine, The Monitor honors priests, deacons and religious who are retiring or celebrating special anniversaries in 2019.

Nearly a dozen priests are marking retirements or celebrating their 50th or 25th anniversaries to the priesthood this year. Following are photo galleries of these men of faith celebrating Mass and visiting with their parishioners, friends and family.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,” reads the oft-quoted Jeremiah 29:11.

Whether they knew it from the very start or heard the calling later in life, the priests, deacons and religious men and women who are marking special anniversaries this year all agree: serving the Lord is being able to love God and all his people.

When asked to reflect on a highlight of his 50 years as a priest, Father Michael S. Vona shared a story, one that has framed his understanding of holiness for most of his life.