Editor:
Much is printed in the secular press about the faults and failings of our Catholic priests. Much grumbling goes on from the laity as well, especially when we are not encouraging, dialoguing with, praying or supporting these men enough. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my thanksgiving to Father John Vignone, of St. Katharine Parish in Egg Harbor Township, for his very generous and pastoral response to me on Dec. 23rd.
I had been on my way to the local shopping mall to finish a last minute request for Christmas shopping. As I drove down the road, my cell phone signaled a text from my sister; a text that brought my heart to drop, as she was in a hospital room far away at the bedside of our imminently dying brother. I saw that I was in front of St. Katharine’s and pulled in.
Some gentlemen, busily working outside the church to prepare for the Christmas Masses, were kind enough to let me know where I could find Father Vignone.
I intercepted Father John on his way back to the church and asked him if he could stay with me to open the text. He did. After making sure I got out of the rain and the cold, he stood by me while we read the news and allowed me to express that this must be very hard on my sister. He inquired as to my brother’s name and brief history of the situation and said he would remember him in the Masses at Christmas. He was very empathetic and spent a great deal of time with me during his own busy time of year. I am not even a parishioner there!
My family and I are very grateful to Father John! He is continually kept in our prayers.
His generosity reminds me that with both our priests and fellow laity it is in the generous pastoral responses, like this one, we encounter the face and heart of Christ who heals and supports. And when I see our Holy Father Francis, I sometimes reflect on Father John’s attitude that day and I wonder that his heart is not very far from our own pope’s.
Marion Marsico
Egg Harbor Township
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