Priests living in Nazareth Village, the Paterson Diocesan priest retirement residence in Chester, N.J., on Aug. 4 welcomed Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, who celebrated a Mass for the Feast of St. John Vianney, the patron of parish priests, in Our Lady, Mother of Priests Chapel.
Concelebrating the Mass were Father Brian Quinn, Nazareth Village director and pastor of St. Matthew the Apostle Parish in Randolph; Father Nico Quintos, diocesan minister to senior priests and pastor of St. Ann Parish in Parsippany, N.J.; the following priest residents: Father Brendan Murray, Father Lancelot Reis, Father Joseph Anginoli, Father John Andrew Connell, and Father Stanley Barron; and Father Stephen Sniscak, a retired priest who will move in soon.
Nazareth Village recently welcomed three new residents: Father Anginoli, Father Barron, and Father Zig Peplowski, who was unable to attend the Mass.
“Bishop Sweeney celebrates an annual St. John Vianney Mass with the Nazareth Village residents to thank the retired priests for their years of service and for continuing to edify us with their ministry and presence,” Father Quintos said.
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Following the Mass, Bishop Sweeney and participating priests enjoyed a brunch prepared by the staff at Nazareth Village.
Saint John Vianney (St. Jean Vianney), also known as the Curé d’Ars, is considered the patron saint of parish priests. This French saint is known for his deep devotion to the Church and his dedication to the sacrament of confession. His life inspires all priests, as he exemplified a genuinely holy priest through his humility, selflessness, and unwavering faith, according to Franciscan Media.
