In Their Words

“The Pope did something singular when he selected three new auxiliary bishops for New York. He named three pastors who have spent their entire priesthood in the parishes, in the so-called trenches. It’s an honor for each of us, but it’s really an honor for all the priests of New York—recognition for what they have been doing for over 200 years, serving people in parishes where the Church is at its very best.”

Bishop Jenik then recalled some of the priests who have faithfully served in the Bronx “before the destruction and abandonment, when it was burning, and when it bounced back.” He acknowledged as well the religious orders and the women religious who have served the Bronx.

“It’s fitting today to remember all these servants of God, and give them thanks, for the service and the love they gave their members of the flock in the Bronx, part of Jesus’ vineyard.”

Bishop John J. O’Hara:

“When I celebrate Mass, in the base of my [chalice] there are two rings; they are simple rings. They were given by my [late] parents to each other on March 2, 1943, at St. Patrick’s Church in Jersey City, on their wedding day. Each and every time when I use that chalice, when we come to the consecration of the Precious Blood, my fingers rest on those rings in thanksgiving and gratitude at a joy that is mine because it was in them, through the thick and the thin, that I saw the face of Christ for the first time…Every time I lift that chalice I thank God for them. I experience their presence. I thank them so very, very much, and I hope and pray that they’re smiling ear to ear. And knowing Dad the way I do, he would say, ‘John, the people are tired, they’re suffering from pew burn. Sit down. They want to go get something to eat.’”

Bishop Peter J. Byrne: “I’m grateful for my brother bishops for their acknowledgement of the contribution of the great and heroic priests and religious of the archdiocese. I’m grateful for everyone here, personally—all the members of the various parishes who have been so kind to me…grateful for the presence of the bishops and the cardinal and all our brother priests…I’m grateful most especially to [the late] John and Dorothy Byrne, my parents, who showed by their example of the importance, their love of, the Mass. I know that all our parents are sharing the joy of this time, this moment, in heaven.”