By Frank J. Maduri | Correspondent

Preparation for the priesthood can at times be overwhelming, but “more is expected of the one to whom more is given.”

So said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., to seminarians of the Diocese during a Mass he celebrated July 23 in Stella Maris Retreat Center.

“More is given to you,” said Bishop O’Connell, in referencing the day’s Gospel reading from Matthew. “Your eyes see; your ears hear.”

The Bishop joined the seminarians who were attending a week-long retreat hosted by the diocesan Office of Clergy and Consecrated Life held July 20-24 in the Elberon facility.

Every summer, the office hosts an annual retreat for seminarians, an event that is designed to provide them with an opportunity for prayer, spiritual growth and fellowship with their fellow seminarians and some of the priests of the Diocese.

Bishop O’Connell’s presence at the retreat and having him celebrate Mass and offer words of encouragement and guidance was particularly meaningful to the men in priestly formation, given that the Bishop’s mother, Mrs. June O’Connell, had died the day before.

The theme of this year’s retreat focused on Mercy and Vincentian Father Michael Whalen served as retreat master. Father Whalen, who is associate professor of theology and religious studies in St. John’s University in New York, explored the subject of mercy in advance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy beginning Dec. 8. 

In one session, Father Whalen focused on the mercy that is found in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a topic that resonated with the men who are preparing for the priesthood.

A first year seminarian, Ray Patsky said, “The theme of mercy really stands out to me, and it takes on a whole new meaning when you think of the Eucharist and the mercy of Jesus to give us that gift.”

More to come on this story.

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