Annual priest convocation unites clergy in prayer

Priests from throughout the Diocese of Metuchen gathered to refresh body and soul while celebrating their fraternal bonds during the annual convocation Oct. 10-12 in The Breakers on the Ocean, Spring Lake. The convocation addressed both the spiritual and the sacred, with the priests participating in Morning and Evening Prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Bishop James F. Checchio concelebrated Thursday afternoon Mass in the town’s St. Catharine Church with the jubilarians of the Diocese. Marking their silver anniversary were Father Peter A. Chakkunny, in residence at St. James the Less Parish, Jamesburg; Father Damian Breen, pastor, Corpus Christi Parish, South River; Father Paul DaSilva, pastor, Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Piscataway, and Father Jonathan Toborowsky, Vicar General. Celebrating their 40th priestly anniversaries were Father David Kosmoski, pastor, St. Andrew Parish, Avenel; Msgr. Gregory Malovetz, pastor, St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Skillman; Father Charles O’Connor, pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Monmouth Junction, and Father Abraham Orapankal, pastor, St. Matthias Parish, Somerset. Three retired priests of the Diocese were also recognized for their lives in ministerial service: Father Leon Aniszczyk, 50 years; Father Thomas Carlton, 55 years, and Father Jan Bernas, 65 years.

Rhonda Gruenewald, founder of Vocation Ministry, served as keynote speaker for the gathering. A mobile unit from St. Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, was on site to offer flu shots, health screenings and the opportunity to speak with doctors and pharmacists.