In praying for United States through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led 400 Catholic schools students from across the Paterson Diocese, N.J. in singing “God Bless America” during the diocesan May Crowning. The event was held May 12 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson, N.J.
Several priests concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Sweeney including Msgr. Geno Sylva, St. John’s rector and diocesan vicar for special projects; Father Paul Manning, diocesan vicar for education and evangelization; and priests who are at parishes that support schools or are school chaplains.
Many students participated in the Mass including Kailannys Mendoza from St. Gerard Majella School in Paterson, the crowner of Mary, who recently received her First Holy Communion was wearing her Communion gown.
Serving at the altar for the Mass were: JP Martinez of DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J., Allan Peralta and Matthew Bondarowicz of Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J., Patrick Struening of Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, N.J., Ava Sansano of Villa Walsh Academy in Morristown, N.J., and Grady Hall of Delbarton School, also in Morristown.
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Christopher Hans of St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, N.J., and Sebastian Irribarren of the Academy of St. James of the Marches in Totowa, N.J. were gift bearers. Angelina Stefanelli of St. Vincent Martyr School in Madison, N.J., was a reader.
The following elementary and middle-school students participated in the Mass procession: Jeiran Ulloa of the Academy of St. James, Imani Sarkodie of All Saints Academy in Parsippany, N.J., Maddie Daggett of Assumption School in Morristown, Amaris Kuehn of Divine Mercy Academy in Rockaway, N.J., Arabella Salvajan of Holy Spirit School in Pequannock, N.J., Angelina Braccioforte of Pope John XXIII Middle School in Sparta, Mia Feliciano of St. Anthony School, Matthew Mendez of St. Gerard Majella School, Jack Cormier of St. Patrick School in Chatham, N.J., Allie Gonzalvo of St. Philip the Apostle Prep in Clifton, N.J., Connor Marquinez of St. Therese School in the Succasunna neighborhood of Roxbury Township, N.J., Madison Fischer of St. Vincent Martyr School.
High school students joining the procession were: Isabella Cairoli of DePaul Catholic, Brielle Ryan of Morris Catholic, Magdalene Forneris of Pope John High School, Maeve Dam of Villa Walsh, and Neil Van Kirk of Delbarton.
The diocesan Worship Office and School Office coordinated the May Crowning.
After the Mass, DePaul posted on social media, “This meaningful celebration united students from across the diocese in honoring the Blessed Mother through prayer, reflection and song.”
