PHILLIPSBURG – St. Pope John Paul II, in his homily Oct. 22, 1978, marking the inauguration of his papacy, urged Catholics to serve humankind and love God.
“Do not be afraid,” the pontiff said. “Open wide the doors for Christ.”
Father Antony L. Arockiadoss imparted the late pope’s words in accepting his role as pastor of St. Philip & St. James Parish – on the same date commemorating John Paul’s initiation as head of the Catholic Church.
Speaking before the recessional hymn, the new pastor also said he was humbled to be at the Warren County parish.
“I am grateful for your love and friendship,” Father Arockiadoss said, before the congregation broke out in applause.
Bishop James F. Checchio formally installed Father Arockiadoss during the 4:30 p.m. Mass. He became just the 13th pastor of the more than 150-year-old Warren County parish. He succeeded Father John Barbella, who spent 13 years as leader of the church and its 2,000 families, and who was transferred to become pastor of St. John Vianney Parish in Colonia.
During the Rite of Installation, Bishop Checchio reminded the new pastor to “always be a loving father, a gentle shepherd and a wise teacher of your people, so that you may lead them to Christ, who will strengthen all that you do.” Father Arockiadoss was then introduced to parish members who serve as trustees, the pastoral council and finance committee. The new pastor then gave his Oath of Fidelity to the Church and Bishop Checchio.
Before the Rite, Bishop Checchio preached from the gospel of Luke (18: 9-14) about Jesus’ parable of the prideful, selfish Pharisee and the humble tax collector, both of whom were praying in the synagogue.
“The Pharisee used his prayer and religious practice to justify himself,” the bishop said. “He didn’t use it for conversation with God. The Pharisee’s ultimate concern was himself.”
The bishop said in Father Antony, the parish is getting a humble clergy emblematic of the humility exhibited by the tax collector.
“We pray that Father Antony, who has begun his time as your new pastor, will be one who leads us all through prayer, leads us all to live the faith more, touching us, teaching us by his example,” Bishop Checchio said.
The bishop also lauded parishioners for welcoming their clergy. “Our priests always enjoy being at (Sts.) Philip and James, and that says something about you. It’s hard for them to leave.”
The bishop added it’s also difficult to arrive as a new pastor. “But your love makes it easier, and (so do) your prayers,” he said.
Before Mass, Father Arockiadoss acknowledged becoming pastor at a parish used to long-tenured leaders is challenging.
“At the same time,” he said, “it’s a positive for the people to see the universality of the church.” By that, Father Arockiadoss means as an Indian-born priest who has lived in the U.S. about 20 years, he brings a different perspective related to living today in a global Catholic community while serving parishioners and the local community.
Father Patrick D. Boyle, one of about a dozen clergy who assisted at Mass, grew up in Phillipsburg and attended St. Philip & St. James, knows what it is like replacing a pastor who has spent many years among the congregation.
“I’ve done it twice,” he said. “It’s one of the most difficult things I’ve ever encountered in my priesthood, because you’re the new kid on the block. You have to sell yourself, basically, knowing that everybody is scrutinizing you.
You’re getting to know them; they’re getting to know you, and they’re sizing you up doing that.”
Parishioners said they welcome Father Arockiadoss’ leadership.
“We know that Father Antony needs a lot of help, because this is probably the biggest parish he’s been pastor of, and he’s never been in a parish with an elementary school,” said lifelong member William Casey, 78, who serves in several parish ministries, including as the school’s business manager.
Father Arockiadoss, who last served about five years as pastor of Assumption of Mary Parish in Hackettstown, said he was humble and grateful to be the head of a church and its school. St. Philip & St. James School, whose enrollment is from pre-K through eighth grade, is the only one in the county.
“So there are a lot of challenges,” Casey said, “and we’re here to support him, because we want him to be successful. Because if he is, we will be, and the church will continue to grow.
“He’s a very holy man, and he’s going to be a great pastor.”
Founded about a year before the Civil War, St. Philip & St. James became incorporated as a parish Sept. 20, 1864, according to its online history, making it one of the oldest parishes in the Metuchen Diocese.