Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney led the Paterson Diocese, N.J., in celebrating the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a bilingual Mass at Sacred Heart/Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Dover, N.J., on June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The consecration took place nationally on June 11, the vigil of the feast day, when all the bishops of the country, including Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney of Paterson, N.J., gathered in Orlando, Fla., for their semi-annual meeting. This act marked a time of renewal and reflection before the July 4 celebration of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
Parishes and individuals across the country were encouraged to join the bishops in consecrating our nation to the Sacred Heart in June. For Catholics, it has been a time of renewal — strengthening their loving relationship with Jesus — and reflection — appreciating Catholic contributions to the country’s history.
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Also observing the national consecration locally on June 12 were Sacred Heart Church in Rockaway, N.J., which held a holy hour and Mass, and Sacred Heart Church in Clifton, N.J., which offered English and Spanish Masses. The Masses at the three churches included the Act of Consecration.
Other parishes in the diocese offered Mass and opportunities for the Act of Consecration in celebration of the national consecration.
Concelebrating the June 12 Mass with Bishop Sweeney in Dover were Father Leonardo Lopez, pastor of Sacred Heart/Holy Rosary; Father Cerilo Javinez, parochial vicar of the Dover parish and temporary administrator of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Rockaway; Edgar O. Rivera, parochial vicar of Sacred Heart/Holy Rosary; Father Nicholas Bozza, pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Chester, N.J.; Father Jorge Castano, parochial vicar of St. Lawrence; and Father Carmen Buono, retired diocesan priest and part-time chaplain for Morris Catholic High School in Denville, N.J. Father Jared Brogan, director of the diocesan Worship Office, served as master of ceremonies.
