In celebrating the 100th Anniversary Mass of St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Church on Staten Island, Archbishop Ronald Hicks reminded the faithful that Christ \u201cinstituted the Eucharist. He gave us his body, blood, soul, and divinity as the everlasting gift of life to his people and to his Church. The word Eucharist comes from a Greek word; it means to give thanks\u2026Give thanks for whatever good memories you have of St. Teresa\u2019s. Thank God, and share your faith with the younger ones.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery Catholic Mass is beautiful and important, and this one even more so as we celebrate a hundred years of St. Teresa\u2019s parish,\u201d Archbishop Hicks said during opening remarks. \u201cIt is my great joy and honor to be with you today in this celebration.\u201d More than 400 people attended the Vigil Mass on Saturday, March 7. The Church of Saint Teresa of the Infant Jesus is located on Victory Boulevard in the Castleton Corners section of Staten Island.<\/p>\n
Later during the homily, the archbishop spoke of the significance of staying aware that God is in our midst. \u201cThat question, \u2018Is God in our midst or not?\u2019 comes from our first reading\u2026And we gather here today as believers, we gather here as disciples, and we say with all of our minds and hearts and souls, \u2018Yes, of course, God is in our midst!\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
Salvation through Christ<\/p>\n
Archbishop Hicks added, \u201cGod so loved the world that he sent us his only son not to condemn the world, but for all those who believe in him might be saved. He gives us salvation through his son, our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.\u201d The archbishop also spoke about the importance of the day\u2019s gospel reading (from the Book of John) on the Samaritan Woman at the well, her strong faith in the Lord.<\/p>\n
In speaking of his busy first 100 days as archbishop, he noted that he asked his aides arranging the 100-day plan, \u201cDo I get to visit Staten Island?\u201d This was greeted with applause.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd the reason that I asked the question is one: I have never been here; this is my first time, my first visit\u2026And I\u2019m telling you: Staten Island, you have a reputation.\u201d This was greeted with laughter. \u201cAnd depending on who you ask, everyone has a different opinion about what you will find in Staten Island\u2026When I\u2019ve asked the question, \u2018What will you find most?\u2019 what I really do hear is, \u2018You\u2019re going to find good people who are the salt of the earth.\u2019 And my friends, you\u2019re living up to your good reputation\u2026I just continue to look forward to getting to know and to pray with all of you, not only today but for years and years and years to come.\u201d And the people applauded.<\/p>\n
Closing remarks of joy and gratitude were offered by Archbishop Hicks; Monsignor William Belford, current pastor of St. Teresa; and retired Auxiliary Bishop John O\u2019Hara, a former pastor of the church. The concelebrants also included Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne and nearly a dozen priests who had served at the parish.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re celebrating not just one hundred years of memories, but the years that lie ahead,\u201d Bishop O\u2019Hara said, noting Archbishop Hicks \u201cis going to be great\u2026You\u2019re doing a great job.\u201d Nine students, one from each grade K-8 of the adjacent St. Teresa-St. Rita STREAM Academy, attended the special Mass, accompanied by their principal, Nicole Garelick-Fresca.<\/p>\n
People in the pews<\/p>\n
Mary Ellen Reyes, 56, a parishioner of St. Teresa Church, since childhood, was at the Mass with her mother, Rosalita, a retired physician. \u201cThis was just amazing, to be able to be here and listen to the new archbishop speaking to us, especially during the 100th Anniversary Mass for our church; it was awesome,\u201d Reyes told The Good Newsroom before heading to the post-Mass reception.<\/p>\n
Another longtime parishioner, Timothy Burke, 63, said, \u201cI really enjoyed it, his homily message \u2013 it was great, and the fact that he came to visit us to celebrate the Mass. I\u2019ve been here many years. I look forward to many more years coming here.\u201d<\/p>\n