By Dubravka Cortese | Correspondent

It was standing room only at the funeral Mass for Cistercian Father Lino Parente, a testimony to the powerful impact the devout Cistercian Monk and longtime pastor of St. John Neumann Parish, Mount Laurel, had on those whose lives he touched. Father Parente passed away peacefully in his sleep June 22 at the age of 76 in the Cistercian Monastery of Our Lady of Fatima O. Cist Monastery on the grounds of St. John Neumann, the place he had called home since leaving his homeland of Italy over four decades ago.  

During his homily at the funeral Mass celebrated July 3 in St. John Neumann Church, Cistercian Father Awte Weldue, fellow Cistercian monk and parochial vicar, pointed out that the parish had been planning a celebration in honor of Father Parente’s 50th anniversary of priestly ordination.

“But,” Father Weldue said, “as God always tells us…our plans are not his plans. He always has his own plans and his plans are perfect. God wanted him to celebrate his jubilee anniversary with him in heaven.” Father Weldue reminded parishioners not to question why people die when they do, “because where Jesus puts a period, we cannot put a question mark.”

He added, “We have always to remember the last days to live our life in front of God, in front of his people, as Father Lino did.

“The life has ended, but not the relationship. Father Lino will continue to live in the hearts of each and every one of us.”

Longtime friend Cistercian Father Maurizio Nicoletti O. Cist. fondly recalled his life journey with Father Parente from the Cistercian monastery of San Domenico Abbot in Casamari, Italy, to the Monastery of Our Lady of Fatima in Mount Laurel. “For me, 65 years we knew each other,” Father Nicoletti said, “when we entered the seminary together, in October of 1950. We became like brothers.” The two Cistercian brothers were set to celebrate their 50th anniversary in the priesthood together later this month.

Born Aug. 20, 1938, Father Parente was just 12 years old when he entered the seminary in his home country of Italy. He was ordained a priest Aug. 7, 1965, by Archbishop Giuseppe Marafini in the Casamari Abbey. He was assigned to the Monastery of Our Lady of Fatima and arrived in the United States in 1971. Seven years later, St. John Neumann Parish was established in Mount Laurel, and the Cistercian Monks were appointed the parish administrators. Father Parente was appointed vice-prior of the community in 1973 and named pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in 1989, a role he maintained until his retirement last year. During his tenure as pastor, the parish grew from 400 families to 3,000 registered families.

“We must be ready to answer to God for his gifts,” Father Nicoletti told those in attendance at the funeral mass. “And Father Lino was, for so many of us, a great gift of God. He tried to make peace among the families, among the people, and now he rests in peace. He is a good example for us to follow.”

Pointing out that nearly 2,000 people had paid their respects to Father Parente in the prior two days, Father Nicoletti said that proves that “his mission here in America, for 44 years, was not in vain.”

Father Phillip C. Pfleger, episcopal vicar for Burlington County, pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish, Marlton, and interim administrator for S. John Neumann Parish, introduced Msgr. Thomas Gervasio, diocesan vicar general and moderator of the curia, who read a letter on behalf of Bishop David O’Connell, C.M. Msgr. Gervasio expressed his “admiration for the beautiful manifestation of love and prayer that we have witnessed today (and yesterday). It says so much about the love that you have for Father Lino, and it also says something about the wonderful community of St. John Neumann.” 

He then read from Bishop O’Connell’s letter. “(Father Parente) was a good man, a good priest and pastor, and a good monk whose life of prayer and commitment to Cistercian ideals was a witness to a deep interior spiritual light,” Bishop O’Connell wrote. “His heart burned with love for the Lord that became a light for all who came to know him.”

Cistercian Father Ilario D’Ancona, who along with Cistercian Father Alberto Coratti, traveled from Italy to attend the funeral services, spoke in his native tongue, which Msgr. Gervasio translated. “His loss will leave a great void within our hearts and our community,” Father D’Ancona said.

“I’ve known him since he came here,” said Sister Gloria of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Infant Jesus in Cherry Hill. “He has always been an inspiration to us. He was a wonderful priest.”

Linda Szczepanski, a parishioner for nearly 30 years, tearfully recalled how Father Parente was there for her after the death of her daughter. “He meant the world to me. He was always there. Nothing was too much trouble for him.

“He never forgot how it was before we became this big parish,” she added. “He was just unbelievable.”

Parishioner Cheryl Cortese, whose two children, Anthony, 13, and Kristen, 10, altar served with Father Parente, recalled how he always had a smile on his face as he greeted parishioners entering the church.

“Father Lino always made my family and I feel welcome at Mass,” Cortese said. “He had a warm heart and loved his parishioners.”

Anthony recalled how Father Parente was the only one to call him ‘Tony.’ “He was very nice and funny to talk to as well.”

His sister agreed. “Father Parente always knew your name,” Kristen said. “He was very excited the first time I served mass with him.  He made it a big deal to make me feel comfortable on the altar.”

Father Parente will be entombed in the Casamari Abbey Cemetery, Italy.