Vocations director, parents gifted with opportunity for papal audience

Three years in the planning – that’s how long it took Reverend Canon Robert Lynam, pastor, St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Kendall Park, to arrange a visit to Rome for an audience with Pope Francis for Father Thomas Lanza and his parents as a gift from the parish in honor of Father Lanza’s ordination by Bishop James F. Checchio Aug. 29, 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic had put things on hold once again.

Father Lanza’s ordination, with four other men, had also been delayed nearly two months due to the pandemic, and was eventually moved from the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen, to the outdoor National Blue Army Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima where families and guests could remain socially distant.

The trip to Rome, “with the grace of God,” said Father Bob, eventually all came together and on Sept. 13 Father Lanza, his parents Thomas and Karen Lanza, an aunt and a family friend were present for the Pope’s audience, and through Father Bob’s request, were granted Baccio Manno tickets to greet the Holy Father personally after the audience.

“This was an incredibly special experience,” said Father Lanza, noting “the Pope had an aura of calm, peace and tranquility. As he approached our row and began shaking hands it was clear that he had the capacity to be present to each individual in a really personal way.”

It was a special day and “very proud moment” for Father Bob, as well, especially when the papal master of ceremonies invited him out of the crowd to sit alongside Father Lanza and his parents as they personally met and spoke with the Holy Father.

“It was a real joy for me to see their joy up close at meeting the Pope,” said Father Bob, who explained that the Lanza family were long-time parishioners and Father Lanza was one of a number of men and women from the parish whose vocation was nurtured there, including Father Edmund Luciano III, seminarian Jonathan Aboulhalya, Sister of Christian Charity Celice Marie Gonzales, Fillipini Sister Barbara O’Kane, Salesian Sister Natasha Roig, as well as two other young men from the parish in the process of discernment.

Reflecting on the experience, Father Lanza said, “It felt like the world shut down around us for a moment. As we shook hands, I said, ‘Gracias por todos, Ill Papa.’ Thank you for everything, in English. He responded and we chatted briefly in Spanish as I explained to him where I was from and my current priestly role in our Diocese.

“Before he moved on to the next person he said with confidence and zeal, ‘Pray for your Pope,’ in perfect English. I said, ‘Yes, I will, I do every day.’”

The experience was especially meaningful for his vocation, said Father Lanza, who explained, “I was seriously discerning the priesthood and entered the seminary during the beginning of Pope Francis’ pontificate. His humanity, persona, and desire to facilitate growth within the Church led me to accept my call to the priesthood. This encounter will inspire me to continue striving to be a good priest. The weight of the world is on the shoulders of Pope Francis. The least I can do is pray for him and do the best I can with whatever responsibility is placed on me to serve our local Church.”

Father Lanza’s parents were also deeply moved by and grateful for the opportunity. “My mother described her experience as mystical; she felt the Godly presence conferred upon the Vicar of Christ on earth, our Pope.  My Dad was humbled by the opportunity to have a personal encounter with Pope Francis and will treasure this exclusive moment for his entire life.”