July 24, 2020

Dear Friends:

This past Tuesday, the Church celebrated the liturgical memorial of St. Mary Magdalene, the Apostle to the Apostles. St. Thomas Aquinas gave her that title because she was the first to encounter Christ after His resurrection and proclaimed to the Apostles what they, in turn, would proclaim to the world - salvation and new life in Christ, crucified and risen from the dead!

The first reading from her memorial explain something of this mystery of new life in Christ. St. Paul proclaims, "He indeed died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Cor. 5:15). It is certainly true that every disciple is called to live their life as belonging to Christ, and not for themselves alone. But this is especially true for the priest, who must put aside his own will, ambitions and comforts, for the sake of serving Christ and the needs of the Church, the People of God.

Bishop Checchio has appointed me to the pastorate of Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville beginning on September 1, 2020. I know this news may come as a shock to some, given that I have only been with you for two short years. However, in that time I have come to know the deep faith of our clergy, religious, staff, and people, the parish's strong sense of mission to the city and university communities, and our hopefulness for the future as we continue to grow toward the fullness of our Catholic faith and mission. Although I will not be the one who will walk with you to this future, another will. Bishop Checchio has appointed Fr. Jason Pavich as the administrator of the parish, also effective on September 1. I am confident in Fr. Jay's abilities to serve you with good pastoral leadership and a servant's heart. Please pray for him as he begins this new ministry to our community.

Lastly, Fr. Mhonchan Ezung has been assigned to the parish as its new parochial vicar, also effective on September 1. Fr. Mhonchan is a native of Nagaland, a province of India. He was ordained four years ago and will be a blessing to you and a help to Fr. Jay.

I will have more to say to you before my departure at the end of August. However, let it be sufficient for now to say how profoundly grateful I am to have been with you and how blessed I have been in serving you.

Please pray for me in the days to come, and know I will always remember you in mine. Please pray for Fr. Jason and for our parish during this time of transition. Let us entrust ourselves to the Lord during this time as He shepherds us into a future filled with hope.

Servus,
Msgr. Joe Celano Pastor