“Announce, in a sad world, glad tidings.”

Written by Peter G. Sanchez

“Announce, in a sad world, glad tidings.” These were the words of Bishop Dennis Sullivan to his brother priests earlier this afternoon at the Diocese of Camden’s annual Chrism Mass, where the oils to be used in the upcoming liturgical year (the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the sacred chrism) are consecrated.

As well, the liturgy was an opportunity for diocesan priests to renew their priestly promises in front of the Bishop, resolving to be “faithful stewards of the mysteries of God.”

In front of his brother priests, deacons, seminarians, religious, and laity at Our Lady of Hope Parish’s Saint Agnes Church in Blackwood, Bishop Sullivan also acknowledged the challenging year for not only the world (the COVID-19 pandemic), but also for the local church (the Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the recompense to sex abuse victims due to “sick priests of Camden”).

Bishop Sullivan urged his priests to “grow this church, and help it survive threatening winds.”

Through their hands, consecrated with oil on their ordination, the priests are “anointed to be instruments of the Holy Spirit,” bringing dignity and comfort, freeing those captive by sin, and giving sight “to those blinded to God’s presence.”  They “bear God’s grace and God’s love to all…(and) transform the world into the rule of the Kingdom of God.”

After Communion, Bishop Sullivan added another diocesan priest to the ranks, incardinating Father Jerold Cruz Mariastanislaus, Chaplain at Cooper University Hospital in Camden; and officially called to Holy Orders Rev. Mr. Stephen Bertonazzi and Rev. Mr. Carlo Santa Teresa, announcing that their ordination to the priesthood would take place on May 22. Also, following the Mass, Bishop Sullivan called seminarians, Chris Myers, Logan Nilsen, Cesar Pirateque, and Stephen Robbins to orders for the transitional diaconate. They will be ordained on May 15.

Priests throughout the diocese were pleased to come together in the midst of trying times, albeit masked and practicing pandemic protocol, and re-affirm their commitment to the priesthood.

Declaring his promises in front of Bishop, Father Chuck Colozzi, Pastor of Carneys Point’s Saint Gabriel the Archangel Parish, couldn’t help but “think of my ordination, and the seriousness of my calling.”

On interacting with his brother clergy before and after the Mass, Father Colozzi called it “good to remember we’re not alone.”

“The re-affirmation is helpful,” said Father Anthony Infanti, Parochial Vicar at Parish of the Incarnation in Mantua, as it “solidifies the fraternity and the love we (priests) have for Christ himself, the High Priest.”

“In the midst of the distractions, it’s a good opportunity to refocus,” said Father Michael Goyette, Pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in Collings Lakes.

The renewal helps the priests realize “that we’re Christ (to the faithful), and for the people.”

Blackwood was just the latest stop for Bishop Sullivan as he marks Holy Week and Easter with South Jersey’s Catholics. On Good Friday, he is scheduled to lead the Via Crucis at 10 a.m., and the Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m., both at Saint Damien Parish in Ocean City; on Holy Saturday, lead the bilingual (English and Spanish) Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Camden at 7:30 p.m.; and, on Easter Sunday, celebrate with the community at Saint Margaret Church, Infant Jesus Parish, Woodbury Heights at 10 a.m.