Centennial brings new pastor to Hackettstown parish

The Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Hackettstown, referred to by parishioners as St Mary, is one of the oldest parishes in the Diocese of Metuchen. On the morning of June 4, the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Bishop James F. Checchio installed Father Leopoldo (Leo) Salvania as pastor of this vibrant parish.

Bishop Checchio was principal celebrant and homilist for the Mass with Father Salvania concelebrating. The Bishop referred to the day as a very appropriate day to be installed, saying, “It reminds us that the Trinity is a mystery that we can never understand but must accept on faith.”

Speaking directly to the new pastor the Bishop said, “Father Leo … it’s a wonderful day for you to become pastor and lead this parish community of St. Mary. It is a wonderful reminder for all of us that we need to trust in God’s love. Gratefully, this is a parish with a very strong and very, very long tradition of living that faith and trusting in God.”

The Bishop also paid tribute to the past generations of parishioners who faced numerous challenges in building St. Mary Parish.

Although the parish is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its establishment at the present location, it was originally established by the Diocese of Newark as a mission in the 1850s and the original church building, now the Knights of Columbus Hall, was dedicated in 1864. The first resident pastor was appointed in 1872. The anniversary celebration will continue through this August.

Born in Baler in the Philippines, Father Salvania entered the seminary directly after high school, where he completed his philosophy requirements. He was studying to be a nurse when he applied and was accepted by the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, Ill. After completing his studies for the priesthood, he was ordained May 28, 2011, by Bishop Paul G. Bootkowski.

Prior to being named administrator of St. Mary in August, 2022, Father Salvania served as a parochial vicar in the parishes of St Mary, Alpha; Sts. Philip and James, Phillipsburg; St. James Basking Ridge, and Our Lady of Victories, Sayreville.

Both of Father Salvania’s parents, Flora Abaricia and Raymundo Salvania are deceased.  He is he oldest of three children: a sister who lives in Singapore and a brother in the Philippines

Though Father Salvania does not recall a specific moment when he felt called to the priesthood, he believes that even in elementary school he had an interest in the vocation.  He was strongly influenced by an uncle, a priest who he remembers “for his kindness and generosity. I hope to be like him as a source of vocations and an inspiration to the youth of this new parish.”

Father Salvania is very excited about being named pastor of such a very generous and supportive parish of 1200 registered parishioners. From his first day in the parish he felt very welcome. He admits that at the installation Mass he was both excited and nervous, “about fifty/fifty.”

As part of the installation, the clergy and staff, parish finance and parochial committees and the lay trustees of the parish were officially presented to Father Salvania.  He promised to work with them and consult them in their areas of responsibility. He then led the congregation in reciting the Profession of Faith. After the Bishop formally presented him as their new pastor, the parishioners responded with a large round of applause.

At the end of the Mass, Father Salvania thanked all the people who contributed in any way to the celebration; his family and friends for being present and especially to Bishop Checchio for his trust in appointing him pastor and for installing him on that day.