Celebrations continued last weekend in the Diocese and beyond in thanks­­giving for the canonization of St. Justin M. Russolillo, founder of the Society of Divine Vocations, in St. Peter’s Basilica by Pope Francis on May 15 along with nine other saints. Five priests of his order, also known as Vocationists, who live or serve in the Diocese, witnessed the canonization. Among them was Father Louis Caputo who lived in community in Italy with St. Justin, known for urging everyone to “become saints.”

The Diocese has seven new priests after Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders on these transitional deacons, ordaining them to the priesthood May 28 in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. During the Mass of the Rite of Ordination, steeped in the rich traditions of the early Church, the seven men were ordained as priests of the Diocese of Paterson.

As the Year of the Eucharist continues in the Diocese of Paterson and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Eucharistic revival begins on June 21, a highly acclaimed film, highlighting the transformative power of the Eucharist, will have an encore showing in theaters across the country on that date for one night only.

On this past Saturday, I had the great privilege to ordain seven men as priests to serve our diocesan Church. It was a moment of great joy, for the men who were ordained and for their families and friends, for priests, religious and laity, for those who were able to be physically present (and fill the Cathedral), as well as for those who shared in the celebration via livestream. I mentioned in my homily that I believe these men are a “historic” ordination class, because they will be the first newly ordained priests in the 85-year history of our Diocese to celebrate their first Mass on the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension.