Seminarians have history of sharing joy, parents say

Whether it has been through helping to connect parishioners during the pandemic, supporting family members in their journeys to strengthen – and even return to – their faith, or teaching religious education to youngsters, the men preparing for ordination are already spreading faith and hope to others across the Diocese of Camden.

Later this month, Deacon Thomas Piro and Deacon Timothy Mulranen will be ordained to the priesthood, and seminarian Nickolas Naticchione will be ordained to the transitional diaconate before being ordained a priest next year.

Piro’s mother, Debra, shared how her son has spread hope to fellow Catholics during his time as a seminarian.

“Many people, when they knew that Tommy was studying in the seminary, asked him to pray for them,” said Debra, of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish, Wildwood. “He always visited family members who were ill at home or in the hospital when he was home from college.”

She added that he has also visited his grandmother with the Holy Eucharist, and has regularly checked in on the health of extended family members and friends from their parish.

Even more – Piro has helped both of his parents to strengthen their own faith.

“Tommy inspired his father, Anthony, to return to his Catholic faith,” Debra said. “Anthony had strayed from his faith and now he never misses attending Mass each week.”

She added that her faith has also grown stronger in the process. “Tommy and I have discussions about the Catholic religion, and enjoy Bible discussions. I hope to continue having these discussions.”

Deacon Piro first showed signs of interest in the priesthood while he was a high school student at Wildwood Catholic Academy, North Wildwood, during which time he would meet with his local pastor – Father Joseph Wallace – and former diocesan director of vocations, Father Michael Romano.

“During one visit at the Church of the Assumption, Bishop Dennis Sullivan announced that Tommy Piro would be joining the seminary and attending Saint Andrew’s Seminary at Seton Hall University,” Debra recalled.

Throughout his formation, Deacon Piro has helped spread faith and hope to young people as well. Debra shared how her six grandchildren love seeing him serve at Mass, and also noted how important teaching religious education has been to her son.

“Sharing his faith with future generations has always been one of his favorite roles as a seminarian,” she said.

Debra has full confidence in her son’s future ministry as a priest. “I am confident that Tommy will continue to grow in his faith, enjoy helping others and pray for any who have gone astray in their faith, that they will return to the Catholic faith.”

‘An unshakable calling’

For Naticchione, who attends Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y., the idea of being a priest was something he shared with his family since the age of seven.

“He received his First Holy Communion and became an altar server,” said his parents, Pat and Renea, of Holy Trinity Parish, Margate. “What started as a young boy’s dream grew into an unshakable calling.”

They noted that, while he had a wide range of interests in school and excelled in subjects that could have led him to success in multiple fields, his focus remained on entering the seminary and becoming a priest.

“It has been our privilege and utter joy to witness not only Nickolas, but all his brother seminarians on their journey toward the priesthood,” his parents said. “We are filled with hope for the future of our Catholic Church as these courageous young men fulfill their vocation to serve the Church and shepherd God’s faithful.”

Like Deacon Piro, Naticchione, too, has played a role in spreading hope to fellow Catholics.

“During the COVID-19 lockdown, when our church was closed as was everything, Nickolas facilitated livestream technology,” his parents said. “Our parishioners were able to view Mass celebrated by our own wonderful priests. It was so comforting and hopeful in such a dark and isolating period.”

For Debra Piro, the kind of hope that can come from present and future clergy is much-needed in today’s world.

“So many people have strayed from their faith, and the young children of today do not know who God is.  Some have never even heard of God,” she said. “We need to pray that the priests, clergy and seminarians will continue to spread the Word of God in today’s world.”