Participants in closing and other events cite pluses of year

People who attended the Closing Ritual of the Sesquicentennial celebration of the Albany Diocese at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany Dec. 7 not only were impressed by the glorious ceremony, but they also looked back fondly upon the numerous events commemorating the 150th anniversary year and spoke optimistically about the future of the Diocese.

Here is a sampling of their remarks:

* Amelia Costello, a parishioner of the Church of St. Jude the Apostle in Wynantskill, was one of the readers of the Gospel passage during the vespers liturgy, which she described as "an extremely beautiful ceremony."

In particular, she found the dance led by members of the diocesan Black Apostolate to be a wonderful display of the diversity that exists within the Diocese.

"It gave you a sense that there was more than one way to worship the Lord," Ms. Costello told The Evangelist.

She also was glad to hear the Bishop speak about the future of the Diocese, and the tasks and responsibilities that lie ahead. "Mentioning the new millennium and the challenges before us really gave us an incentive and something to work toward," she said.

* Rev. Anthony Ligato, associate pastor of Blessed Sacrament parish in Albany, said that the Closing Ritual along with the numerous Sesquicentennial observances during the past 12 months, "allows the faithful to get together and celebrate our Catholic heritage, because we're family, and it's important to celebrate the traditions of a family."

He was especially impressed by the Sesquicentennial Mass in September at the Shrine of the North American Martyrs in Auriesville, calling it "a true sign of faith throughout the Diocese."

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese, Father Ligato pointed out, has given local Catholics an opportunity to reflect upon their history, while looking ahead to the future. "It focuses us for the next 150 years on what still needs to be done," he said.

* Sister Arlene Boyd, RSM, attended several Sesquicentennial events during the past year, including the opening service last December, the Mass at Auriesville, and the Closing Ritual. She was moved by how much those celebrations appealed to the spirituality of Catholics.

"It connects you to the Church, to one another. It's a call to be who we really are as Catholic Christians," she said.

Sister Arlene mentioned such activities as the procession of clergy and laity, and the lighting of candles from one common source as important symbols of the unity within the Diocese. "When liturgies are done like this, they immerse you in the holy," she said.

* Rev. Joseph Manerowski, pastor of St. Peter's Church in Delhi, said that the Dec. 7 liturgy was a wonderful way to bring the Sesquicentennial celebration to a close. "It's really been an overwhelming year, and this ceremony was so inspiring," he said. "It's a beautiful closing to a beautiful year."

Referring to Bishop Hubbard's homily, Father Manerowski described the six major needs that must be addressed by the Diocese, based upon an analysis of data gathered during the pastoral planning process, as "the key to the future of the Diocese."

* Cathy Lavender, director of the diocesan Office of Prayer and Worship, described the closing as "a wonderful sending forth" and "a very good representation of the Church in Albany."

She also was pleased that Bishop Hubbard gave credit to the people who played a role in establishing the Diocese. "I was very appreciative of his including a list of the men and women that have been the foundation of this Diocese," she said.

* Frank Mason, a parishioner of St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, served as a greeter at the Closing Ritual and also attended most of the Sesquicentennial events during the past year. For him, the gathering of Catholics at these celebrations gave testimony to God's presence and power. "I think it certainly has shown that the spirit of the Diocese is found in each parish," he said.

The future of the Diocese is bright, based upon the participation of youth in the Sesquicentennial events, Mr. Mason added. "We have the young people involved. That shows the faith of the future," he said.

* Deacon Albert Schrempf, from St. Agnes/St. Patrick's and St. Marie's Church in Cohoes, attended the opening service last December and last Sunday's closing, as well as the Mass at Auriesville and the celebration by Albany County parishes last month. He found the Mass at Auriesville to be especially inspirational because it brought Catholics together "at a place where the founding fathers of Catholicism in this part of the country" once lived. "It makes you much more aware of the larger Church."

Looking back upon the history of the Diocese during this Sesquicentennial year has helped to put the contemporary Catholic Church in perspective, Deacon Schrempf noted. "To be made aware again of those things is very valuable, and it makes you much more appreciative of the Church we have today."

* Rev. Geoffrey Burke, chancellor for personnel and public information, said the Closing Ritual served as a wonderful opportunity for the bishops who have served this Diocese and other dioceses to come together to celebrate the Sesquicentennial. "I thought it was magnificent. It was so nice to have the other bishops join Bishop Hubbard," he said.

Father Burke was impressed with the Bishop's homily, which summed up the history of the Diocese, the Sesquicentennial events of the past year, and the future goals and objectives of the Diocese. "Certainly, the Bishop was eloquent -- as always," he said.

(12-11-97) [[In-content Ad]]