Category Archives: 150th Anniversary Articles and Posts

Some time ago, I traveled to Chicago to train a Sister from my congregation’s western province on web design. Not having a direct flight, I had a layover in Columbus, Ohio. When I disembarked the plane for a layover, I stopped at a kiosk for some yogurt and fruit.  As…

Many years ago, while I was stationed in the Bronx, Immaculate Conception Parish had a custom of feeding the poor on Thanksgiving. We fed approximately 200 people and then prepared another 200 meals for shut-ins in the parish and neighborhood.

As I sit in front of my computer looking at the blinking cursor and at the pictures of loved ones on the walls of my office, I ponder, “What’s next?” In the midst of our experiences right now in society and in the Church, what words can I share to…

Many years ago, when I was a novice, I was given an assignment to interview one of our Jubilarians.

Several years ago, I had the great privilege of going on a mini-vacation with my sister to Cape May. We stayed at an historic hotel for a long weekend. I was so looking forward to soaking up some sun and just spending time with Lisa, whom I dearly love.

Some time ago when I was teaching in high school, I realized that I needed some extra training on HTML. It’s an abbreviation for Hypertext Markup Language and is one of the code languages behind websites.

During Easter Sunday Mass this year, I was gifted with a special grace. I usually attend the 9:30 Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral. On Easter, the parish and I were doubly blessed because Bishop Gainer was the celebrant. Because of his presence, the liturgy was very well attended.

Many, many years ago, when I was a very small child, I used to love the television program “Queen for a Day!” As my brother and I were glued to the TV, my mother would bemoan over the fact that she would have loved to be the ladies she saw…

When I was a small child, my mom would keep me quiet and still during Sunday Mass by allowing me to gaze at her diamond ring. I would put her finger very close to my eye, making my vision blur. I was mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors as the…

Some time ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to take my turn at cooking supper for the Sisters with whom I lived. I decided to make macaroni and cheese, from scratch – true comfort food.

Some time ago, a young couple waited very anxiously for the birth of their second child. Because of a genetic blood disorder, this pregnancy was high risk. The couple spent many moments together praying for their unborn child’s health and welfare. Their 5-year-old son, Jason, also prayed while he waited…

Some time ago, I was told the following story: A young man was asked by a friend to be picked up at the airport. He was coming home after spending some time on vacation in Ireland.

Several years ago, when I was a middle-school teacher, I looked with fear and trepidation at the beginning of the new school year. You see, the incoming class was a class that was “notorious” since kindergarten! The issue, I was told, was that each of them thought they were in…

Reverencing the history, people and cultures of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Catholics from across its 15 counties gathered at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Harrisburg for the Solemn Mass opening the Sesquicentennial Year on March 3 – exactly 150 years to the day that diocese was established by Pope…

I grew up in a somewhat rural part of New Jersey. In my yard, we had several old trees that had gnarly branches and roots that came to the surface. Under our Japanese Cherry Tree, I found a spot between the exposed roots that fit the contours of my body…

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary and images of the Passion were brought to life in a tableau-style presentation that combined prayer, poignant hymns, powerful voiceovers and rich symbolism as the Diocese of Harrisburg ushered in the opening weekend for its 150th anniversary.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Conewago, established in 1730, is the oldest parish in the diocese. In 1787, its stone church was erected, and became the first church in the United Stated to be named for the Sacred Heart. It was named a National Historic Site in 1975.

The following homily was delivered by Bishop Ronald W.  Gainer at Mass for the Solemn Opening of the Sesquicentennial Anniversary Year held at Holy Name of Jesus Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on March 3, 2018

Recently, I had the privilege of attending a Mass for which Bishop Gainer was the main celebrant. The liturgy marked the end of the retreat for the candidates in the diocese’s permanent diaconate program as they prepared for being called to lector.

On March 3, 1868, Blessed Pius IX, accepting the recommendation of the Second Plenary Council of the bishops of the United States of America, issued a decree establishing the Diocese of Harrisburg. The decree, translated from the Latin, reads: