UPDATED: 'Missionary Heart'-- Diocesan community mourns the loss of Msgr. Richard L. Tofani
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor
There was a common sentiment shared by the throng of people who came to pay their last respects to Msgr. Richard L. Tofani – that he was a man with a missionary heart who joyfully lived his priestly life in service to others.
Msgr. Tofani, who was episcopal vicar of Burlington County, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, and diocesan director of missions, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack Aug. 29 while vacationing in Florida.
Click here to see a photo gallery of this story.
Funeral services began the afternoon of Sept. 5 when Msgr. Tofani’s casket was brought into Our Lady Queen of Peace Church for the Rite of Reception of the Body followed by Evening Prayer and Vigil Services. The next day, Sept. 6, funeral services continued in St. Isaac Jogues Church with calling hours in the afternoon and a Mass of Christian Burial that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated later that evening. Among the more than 1,000 people who filled the vast Marlton church, were nearly 100 priests from the diocese, seminary classmates and Msgr. Robert Fuhrman, assistant national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The homilist was Msgr. Tofani’s cousin, Father Robert Cilinski, pastor of All Saints Parish, Manassas, Va.
Bishop O’Connell, in his remarks at the end of the funeral Mass, acknowledged that Msgr. Tofani’s death “leaves us reeling in shock.” Extending heartfelt sympathy to Msgr. Tofani’s family, his parish community, brother priests and diocesan staff, Bishop O’Connell said, “He did everything as a priest of our Lord Jesus, with his humility and gentleness and love.”
“What a gift he was. What great memories he left us. What an example (he was) of how to live.”
Noting that several obituaries had quoted Msgr. Tofani as saying that he was “the luckiest priest in the diocese,” the bishop said, “Rick, it is the diocese who was lucky and blessed by your presence. Thank you, dear brother. Rest in peace forever.”
A Cousin Remembers
Father Cilinski, in his homily, recounted highlights of his cousin’s life, including his parents who nurtured his Catholic faith, his Catholic education, seminary formation and various experiences in his years of priesthood.
Though Msgr. Tofani had a “lucrative job” with the Ford company following his college graduation from St. Joseph University, he instead responded to the call to become a priest.
Father Cilinski spoke of the privilege it was for the cousins to share the common bond of their vocations with each other.
Both men attended Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and they were ordained priests the same week in May, 1979.
It was also special for the two priests to concelebrate the Eucharist together at family functions and witness the sacraments of members of their family.
“As we celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial, Father Rick is now at our side. In fact, he gathers us together around the table of the Lord at the Eucharist he celebrated so faithfully,” said Father Cilinski.
“This church is filled with love and thanksgiving for a man whose life and living and priesthood brought so much joy, encouragement and blessing to others.
He will always be right here with us in our hearts, especially at the Eucharist,” said Father Cilinski.
“And that is because at every Eucharist, the promise of Resurrection is renewed. Jesus is the only one who has broken the boundaries of death and when he enters into the bread and wine at the consecration, he brings everybody with him. That is why at every Mass, the whole Church is gathered together, both the living and the dead. It is a grand communion that is part of the miracle of our Eucharist.”
‘He Shared the Good News’
A joy for Msgr. Tofani was serving as diocesan mission director for 24 years and having the opportunity to evangelize and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people in all corners of the world.
Ginny Weitz, who just celebrated her 50th anniversary of service in the diocesan Missions Office Sept. 9, recalled Msgr. Tofani’s first visit to Haiti in 1991 and the “profound impact” the trip had on him.
“He was blown away by the poverty he saw,” said Weitz. “That trip changed his life.”
The mission countries Msgr. Tofani journeyed to are as follows: Kenya (1987); Colombia (1988); Korea (1989); India (1990); Haiti (1991); Indonesia (1992); Philippines (1993); South Africa (1994); Vietnam (1995); Peru (1996); Bangladesh (1997); Guatemala (1998); Jordan (1999); Thailand (2000); Nepal (2001); Siberia (2002); Mongolia (2003); Chad (2004); Cambodia (2005); China (2006); Ethiopia (2007); Myanmar (2008); Sudan (2009); United States Pacific Northwest Native American Mission areas (2010); Zimbabwe (2011); Benin (2012); Mozambique (2013).
Following each trip, Msgr. Tofani was eager to share his mission experiences with the people in the Diocese of Trenton, either through interviews conducted by Monitor staff members or the compelling columns he wrote for the diocesan newspaper. Many of his columns were honored with awards by the National Society of the Propagation of the Faith.
One example of Msgr. Tofani’s writing is from his 2011 trip to Zimbabwe: “In Africa women are sacred.”
“I first heard these words in 2009 while visiting Southern Sudan. A Sudanese human rights activist – a man – was accusing United Nations soldiers of raping women in Darfur.
My initial reaction to the statement was one of disappointment. How could this man be so simplistic as to blame UN soldiers for all the genderbased violence suffered by women in Africa? How could he ignore the fact that gender inequality continues to exist throughout the world by suggesting that UN soldiers are the only guilty party?
“I walked away from my discussion with the human rights activist unimpressed, believing I would not think about the issue any longer, at least not from his perspective. Yet, for some unknown reason, his statement remained in my mind. I realized I had no other option than to pray and reflect on the true meaning of his words.”
A second example of writing is from Msgr. Tofani’s 2012 visit to Benin: “For the past six years, Father Bernard de Clairvaux Toha, an Oblate of St.
Francis de Sales, has been “on mission” in the Republic of Benin. The former Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin was once one of the most powerful empires on the continent of Africa.
The ruins of the Dahomeyans’ palaces and temples are visible, along with poignant reminders of where their riches originated: the slave trade.
Benin is recognized also as the birthplace of Voodoo. To this day Voodoo remains the official religion of the country and an important part of the life of ordinary Beninois surviving in the midst of overwhelming poverty.”
Telling Their Story
In addition to Weitz, others who were privileged to know and work with Msgr. Tofani through his mission work over the years included Msgr. Fuhrman.
Sharing that he knew Msgr. Tofani during his own 20 years of service to the Pontifical Mission Societies, Msgr. Fuhrman said: “I have always known him as a colleague and friend.”
“There are few directors in America who are more ‘connected’ to the missions. Msgr. Tofani knew well the needs of the Church and the goodness of the Lord’s people,” said Msgr. Fuhrman Closer to home, parishioners and staff in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, recalled fond memories of Msgr. Tofani.
Robert Furbee, a parishioner and member of the parish Knights of Columbus Council, remembered Msgr.
Tofani for his insightful homilies and how engaged he was in the life of the parish, always making himself available to his parishioners.
Furbee spoke of how grateful he was for Msgr. Tofani’s kindness and compassion during his recent illness.
Parishioner Vincent O’Rourke recalled Msgr. Tofani as being a “great person and priest.” “We all loved him,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a shock that he’s gone. It’s unbelievable.”
Carol Nasife, parish secretary since 2004, smiled as she shared a host of memories about Msgr. Tofani, whom she affectionately referred to as a “wonderful pastor, teacher, mentor and friend.”
“He loved the Philly teams – especially the Phillies and Eagles,” Nasife said. “And you know, tomorrow’s his birthday. He would have been 62,” said Nasife, adding that the parish staff was planning to have a birthday celebration.
“But instead,” Nasife said, “he’ll be with his parents and he’ll be going home to God on his birthday.”
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By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor
There was a common sentiment shared by the throng of people who came to pay their last respects to Msgr. Richard L. Tofani – that he was a man with a missionary heart who joyfully lived his priestly life in service to others.
Msgr. Tofani, who was episcopal vicar of Burlington County, pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Hainesport, and diocesan director of missions, died suddenly of a suspected heart attack Aug. 29 while vacationing in Florida.
Click here to see a photo gallery of this story.
Funeral services began the afternoon of Sept. 5 when Msgr. Tofani’s casket was brought into Our Lady Queen of Peace Church for the Rite of Reception of the Body followed by Evening Prayer and Vigil Services. The next day, Sept. 6, funeral services continued in St. Isaac Jogues Church with calling hours in the afternoon and a Mass of Christian Burial that Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., celebrated later that evening. Among the more than 1,000 people who filled the vast Marlton church, were nearly 100 priests from the diocese, seminary classmates and Msgr. Robert Fuhrman, assistant national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies. The homilist was Msgr. Tofani’s cousin, Father Robert Cilinski, pastor of All Saints Parish, Manassas, Va.
Bishop O’Connell, in his remarks at the end of the funeral Mass, acknowledged that Msgr. Tofani’s death “leaves us reeling in shock.” Extending heartfelt sympathy to Msgr. Tofani’s family, his parish community, brother priests and diocesan staff, Bishop O’Connell said, “He did everything as a priest of our Lord Jesus, with his humility and gentleness and love.”
“What a gift he was. What great memories he left us. What an example (he was) of how to live.”
Noting that several obituaries had quoted Msgr. Tofani as saying that he was “the luckiest priest in the diocese,” the bishop said, “Rick, it is the diocese who was lucky and blessed by your presence. Thank you, dear brother. Rest in peace forever.”
A Cousin Remembers
Father Cilinski, in his homily, recounted highlights of his cousin’s life, including his parents who nurtured his Catholic faith, his Catholic education, seminary formation and various experiences in his years of priesthood.
Though Msgr. Tofani had a “lucrative job” with the Ford company following his college graduation from St. Joseph University, he instead responded to the call to become a priest.
Father Cilinski spoke of the privilege it was for the cousins to share the common bond of their vocations with each other.
Both men attended Mount St. Mary Seminary, Emmitsburg, Md., and they were ordained priests the same week in May, 1979.
It was also special for the two priests to concelebrate the Eucharist together at family functions and witness the sacraments of members of their family.
“As we celebrate his Mass of Christian Burial, Father Rick is now at our side. In fact, he gathers us together around the table of the Lord at the Eucharist he celebrated so faithfully,” said Father Cilinski.
“This church is filled with love and thanksgiving for a man whose life and living and priesthood brought so much joy, encouragement and blessing to others.
He will always be right here with us in our hearts, especially at the Eucharist,” said Father Cilinski.
“And that is because at every Eucharist, the promise of Resurrection is renewed. Jesus is the only one who has broken the boundaries of death and when he enters into the bread and wine at the consecration, he brings everybody with him. That is why at every Mass, the whole Church is gathered together, both the living and the dead. It is a grand communion that is part of the miracle of our Eucharist.”
‘He Shared the Good News’
A joy for Msgr. Tofani was serving as diocesan mission director for 24 years and having the opportunity to evangelize and bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people in all corners of the world.
Ginny Weitz, who just celebrated her 50th anniversary of service in the diocesan Missions Office Sept. 9, recalled Msgr. Tofani’s first visit to Haiti in 1991 and the “profound impact” the trip had on him.
“He was blown away by the poverty he saw,” said Weitz. “That trip changed his life.”
The mission countries Msgr. Tofani journeyed to are as follows: Kenya (1987); Colombia (1988); Korea (1989); India (1990); Haiti (1991); Indonesia (1992); Philippines (1993); South Africa (1994); Vietnam (1995); Peru (1996); Bangladesh (1997); Guatemala (1998); Jordan (1999); Thailand (2000); Nepal (2001); Siberia (2002); Mongolia (2003); Chad (2004); Cambodia (2005); China (2006); Ethiopia (2007); Myanmar (2008); Sudan (2009); United States Pacific Northwest Native American Mission areas (2010); Zimbabwe (2011); Benin (2012); Mozambique (2013).
Following each trip, Msgr. Tofani was eager to share his mission experiences with the people in the Diocese of Trenton, either through interviews conducted by Monitor staff members or the compelling columns he wrote for the diocesan newspaper. Many of his columns were honored with awards by the National Society of the Propagation of the Faith.
One example of Msgr. Tofani’s writing is from his 2011 trip to Zimbabwe: “In Africa women are sacred.”
“I first heard these words in 2009 while visiting Southern Sudan. A Sudanese human rights activist – a man – was accusing United Nations soldiers of raping women in Darfur.
My initial reaction to the statement was one of disappointment. How could this man be so simplistic as to blame UN soldiers for all the genderbased violence suffered by women in Africa? How could he ignore the fact that gender inequality continues to exist throughout the world by suggesting that UN soldiers are the only guilty party?
“I walked away from my discussion with the human rights activist unimpressed, believing I would not think about the issue any longer, at least not from his perspective. Yet, for some unknown reason, his statement remained in my mind. I realized I had no other option than to pray and reflect on the true meaning of his words.”
A second example of writing is from Msgr. Tofani’s 2012 visit to Benin: “For the past six years, Father Bernard de Clairvaux Toha, an Oblate of St.
Francis de Sales, has been “on mission” in the Republic of Benin. The former Kingdom of Dahomey, Benin was once one of the most powerful empires on the continent of Africa.
The ruins of the Dahomeyans’ palaces and temples are visible, along with poignant reminders of where their riches originated: the slave trade.
Benin is recognized also as the birthplace of Voodoo. To this day Voodoo remains the official religion of the country and an important part of the life of ordinary Beninois surviving in the midst of overwhelming poverty.”
Telling Their Story
In addition to Weitz, others who were privileged to know and work with Msgr. Tofani through his mission work over the years included Msgr. Fuhrman.
Sharing that he knew Msgr. Tofani during his own 20 years of service to the Pontifical Mission Societies, Msgr. Fuhrman said: “I have always known him as a colleague and friend.”
“There are few directors in America who are more ‘connected’ to the missions. Msgr. Tofani knew well the needs of the Church and the goodness of the Lord’s people,” said Msgr. Fuhrman Closer to home, parishioners and staff in Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, recalled fond memories of Msgr. Tofani.
Robert Furbee, a parishioner and member of the parish Knights of Columbus Council, remembered Msgr.
Tofani for his insightful homilies and how engaged he was in the life of the parish, always making himself available to his parishioners.
Furbee spoke of how grateful he was for Msgr. Tofani’s kindness and compassion during his recent illness.
Parishioner Vincent O’Rourke recalled Msgr. Tofani as being a “great person and priest.” “We all loved him,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a shock that he’s gone. It’s unbelievable.”
Carol Nasife, parish secretary since 2004, smiled as she shared a host of memories about Msgr. Tofani, whom she affectionately referred to as a “wonderful pastor, teacher, mentor and friend.”
“He loved the Philly teams – especially the Phillies and Eagles,” Nasife said. “And you know, tomorrow’s his birthday. He would have been 62,” said Nasife, adding that the parish staff was planning to have a birthday celebration.
“But instead,” Nasife said, “he’ll be with his parents and he’ll be going home to God on his birthday.”