As you read these ramblings today, I will have had surgery on this past Friday to remove a rather large, stubborn kidney stone. Because of its size surgery was the only option; and of course it had to be removed! My recovery is slated for three weeks. As long as all goes well, I should return the weekend of April 30/May 1.
Consequently, I will be missing from Fr. Tony’s celebration this weekend. I feel badly about that but I have explained this to him and he is, as usual, very understanding.
Celebrating fifty years of ordination is indeed a huge event. Fr. Tony as you know has spent many years here at St. Michael’s, servicing both the English and Portuguese community. Before that he spent some twenty years in Brazil as a missionary with the Xaverian Fathers.
Father is originally from Italy. His family moved to the United States and he still has relatives in the Springfield. MA area, specifically a brother for whom he provides care.
I am ever grateful to Fr. Tony for his generosity and willingness and good nature as he contributes so much to our parish community. He not only celebrates weekend Masses, two weekday Masses, but he helps with Penance services and steps in wherever we need extra help. He is always pleasant about it and never seeks praise or rewards.
He is also involved in the Xaverian Shrine in Holliston and says Mass in other parishes as well. His little red Honda Civic wracks up the miles every week!
Fr. Tony, we offer you our heartfelt congratulations as a parish and thank God for the gift you have been to so many of God’s people through these fifty years. May God continue to bless you and give you many more years in His service.