When Linda Sullivan, Women’s Group leader at Holy Family Parish in Florham Park, asked Anne Ippolito, a parishioner and a master’s degree candidate in systematic theology, to give a Lenten presentation to the group, she was happy to oblige. The challenge arose when Sullivan requested that the Jubilee Year Theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” be incorporated.
“I didn’t know how the two ideas were going to fit. I felt that they were two very distinct topics,” Ippolito said. “But with the help of prayer and reading Pope Francis’ papal bull, Spes Non Confundit (Hope Does Not Disappoint), I realized that we all can participate in the Jubilee Year without going to Rome and, even better, receive the grace of a plenary indulgence.”
One requirement — to receive the indulgence is to perform works of mercy and penance — incorporates the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
After that realization, the Shrine of St. Joseph in the Stirling neighborhood of Long Hill Township, a designated Jubilee sacred site, was selected for the parish’s pilgrimage. From there, the rest of the pieces fell into place.
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With the help of Father Thomas Rekiel, Holy Family’s pastor, and Christine O’Connor, St. Joseph’s coordinator, the details of the pilgrimage were planned, making sure that the rest of the requirements for the plenary indulgence would be met, which included praying the intentions of then-Pope Francis, Confession, and Mass. The date was set for Sat., April 12 — before Holy Week.
“The Jubilee Year is meant for all to participate and receive this grace, including the homebound or those too sick to travel. So, we were happy to provide a ‘spiritual pilgrimage’ to those we minister to at the assisted living residences,” said Father Charlie Lana, Holy Family parochial vicar.
The retreat included an inspirational prayer service for the intentions of the Holy Father, confession, adoration, Mass, reciting the Creed, and offering any sufferings and hardships to Christ with Father Rekiel and Father Lana. The cold and rainy weather on the pilgrimage day did not disappoint the pilgrims.
Parishioner Anne Clarke said, “Holy Family Parish’s pilgrimage, which took place in the beautiful setting of the Shrine of St. Joseph Shrine was transformational.”
We engaged in fellowship at the luncheon the Shrine’s religious sisters prepared. We grew closer to each other and to our loving, saving Lord.
Parishioner Vincent Bove added, “We felt mystically united with Rome via the Shrine of St. Joseph to celebrate the Jubilee Year as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.'”
We also honored Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. They are powerful examples of holiness for the Church, especially our youth.
May we continue our journey together during this Jubilee Year, which the late Pope Francis called a time of grace, a time of mercy, and a time of reconciliation.'”
