By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

While Bonita Grant of St. Alphonsus Parish, Hopewell, appreciates opportunities to gather with other deacons, their wives and family members, she was especially heartened to be surrounded by their warmth and presence Nov. 14 in St. John the Baptist Church, Allentown.

That was where this year’s annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Deacons of the Diocese was celebrated, and it was her first year to attend the Mass as a widow. Her husband, Deacon John Grant, who was ordained in 1999, died on July 15 at age 69.

“Every year, John would go to the memorial Mass,” said Grant, as she recalled how it had been her husband’s hope to be a source of support to the other widows of deacons and their family members. “Now this year, it was meaningful for me to be at the Mass” as a widow and to be surrounded by the diaconate community.

The annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Deacons, their wives and children, is traditionally celebrated during November, which commemorates the month of All Souls. The Mass provides an opportunity for the diaconate community to prayerfully remember those who served the faith community and reflect on the gifts of faith and service that deceased deacons provided through his ministry of Word, Sacrament and Charity. The Mass also calls attention to the loving support given by family members as partners in ministry.

Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, was principal celebrant of this year’s memorial Mass with Father Brian Patrick Woodrow, pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, concelebrating. Deacon Joseph Hepp, also from St. John the Baptist, assisted at the Mass and preached the homily.

Reflecting on the Gospel reading of the Raising of Lazarus proclaimed at the Mass, Deacon Hepp, in his homily, likened the humanity of Jesus and how he openly cried and mourned the death of his dear friend Lazarus to the human emotions and experiences of the widows and family members in attendance at the Mass who have lost a beloved husband, father or grandfather.

Although Jesus had mourned, he was able to “see beyond that,” said Deacon Hepp.

“Jesus saw the glory of God,” he said, as he told of how Jesus kept his focus on his father throughout his earthly life including what he endured during his own Passion and Death. Likewise all of his followers are called to do the same.

Deacon Hepp also reminded his brother deacons that part of their ministry includes journeying with others in their time of pain and sorrow.

A poignant moment of the Mass occurred during the Prayers of the Faithful when Msgr. Mullelly read the names of all the deceased deacons of the Diocese. As the names were called, a loved one, whether it was a family member or fellow deacon, came forward and placed a carnation in the vases that were near the sanctuary. In all, the names of 139 deacons from the Diocese who died were called.

Similar to Grant, Jeanette Mustillo of St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, remembered having attended many memorial Masses for deceased deacons with her husband, Deacon Anthony Mustillo, who died in 2007. He was ordained in 1996.

“To me, this annual Mass is a wonderful way to keep alive the memories of the ordained servants of the Lord,” said Mustillo. “It is edifying to feel the generous love and support of the members of the diaconate community who come together to honor their brothers, our husbands, our fathers and grandfathers during this month of the Holy Souls.”