Stockton community happy to host Bishop

GALLOWAY – For Stockton University junior Chizitere Casmir Ezikeoha of Nigeria, Bishop Joseph Williams’ visit to campus Feb. 15 was an unexpected but joyful experience.

“I really didn’t expect the Bishop to come to our little place of worship. The Bishop making an effort to come here really means a lot to me,” Ezikeoha said, adding that he invited others from campus so they could “hear from his wisdom.”

Indeed, the university’s Newman Club was near capacity – with just about every one of the 65 seats available filled with students, alumni, staff and community members – as Bishop Williams celebrated Mass on a cold, rainy night. Ezikeoha served as cross-bearer during the Mass procession.

In his homily, Bishop Williams spoke of God’s commandments and the Sermon on the Mount.

“Cardinal [Joseph] Ratzinger, in his great book, ‘Introduction to Christianity,’ says the Sermon on the Mount really exposes us to a terrifying examination of conscience,” the Bishop said.

He also spoke of the law of excess, Jesus’ first miracle of changing water to wine, and the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.

“The miracle of the loaves and fishes is the only miracle present in all four Gospels,” Bishop Williams said. “Jesus takes, breaks, blesses and gives, and no matter whether it’s seven or 12, what’s the point ultimately of the multiplication of the loaves, of that miracle? Excess. There’s so much left over.”

“To be holy, we are beggars for holiness. We beg from God’s excess, and then we give away what He gives to us,” he continued.

Following Mass, Bishop Williams shared dinner and conversation with the students and Britany Shields, Catholic Campus Minister at the Newman Center. Joining them were Father Christopher Bakey, campus minister, and Deacon Richard Wigglesworth. Father Bakey, who concelebrated Mass, and Deacon Wigglesworth, who assisted, both serve at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Absecon.

Knowing the Bishop’s love for mountain biking, the students also presented Bishop Williams with a gift to show their appreciation: colorful socks with a bicycle and the phrase, “This is how I roll,” and a T-shirt showing Snoopy riding a bike with mountains in the background.