GALLOWAY – There was barely a free seat to be found in Assumption Church as Bishop Joseph A. Williams installed Father Edward Kennedy as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish during Mass celebrated the morning of Sept. 13.
Reflecting on the words of Pope John XXIII, “See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little,” and that day’s Gospel from Matthew 18:21-35, which calls all to mercy and forgiveness, Bishop Williams commended Father Kennedy as a man of communion and unity.
“You are getting that kind of shepherd here,” Bishop Williams told all those who filled the pews. “A man like Pope Leo is asking for, a ‘servant of communion,’ Father Kennedy knows how to bring people together … for the unity of the parish family.”
“As a Church, we’re thanking God for that gift,” he said.
Joining Bishop in celebrating the Mass was Msgr. William Hodge, a retired priest of the Diocese who is also Father Kennedy’s cousin. Among those to assist was Deacon Walkens Moise, who is assigned to the parish. Religious and Father Kennedy’s family and friends were in attendance, including his mother, Theresa.
The parish’s Haitian Community Choir lifted all up in song – an example of the diverse spiritualty of the parish, which includes those of Hispanic, Haitian and Filipino descent, among others.
Through the Oath of Fidelity, Father Kennedy formally began his ministry as pastor and also greeted the parish leadership teams.
Father Kennedy expressed his gratitude to Bishop Williams, those present and the parish community for “the support and welcome you have given me,” as well as for their encouragement and prayers.
At the conclusion of Mass, Bishop Williams congratulated Father Kennedy and joyfully told the parishioners, “You’re getting a good pastor.”
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