About 150 people took part at the Farewell Mass held at Our Lady of Peace Church in Clarence NY on August 23, 2016. Assisted by Deacons Timothy Chriswell and Brian Walkowiak, at the altar are Rev. Msgr. David Slubecky, Vicar General of Buffalo Diocese, who presides over the Eucharist, Rev. Thomas Doyle, Pastor of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fr. Paolo Fedrigoni, Delegate Superior of the Consolatas, and Fr. John Reuther, IMC.
The procession was led by Deacon Roberto Miranda, followed by the concelebrants: Rev. Msgr. Vincent Becker, Rev. Msgr. James Connelly, Rev. Richard Csizmar, Rev. John Leising, Rev. James O’Connor, Rev. Eugene Slomba and Rev. Msgr. Richard Wetter. Priests and Deacons represent some of the Parishes where Consolata Missionaries have exercised their ministry in the Diocese.
The hymns, chosen by Fr. John Reuther, express our missionary charism and our devotion to the Blessed Virgin. At the homily, Msgr. Slubecky, echoing the passage of the Gospel, points out that by being missionaries we become brothers and sisters of Jesus, members of His family. He recalls the history of our presence in the Diocese of Buffalo and, by quoting significant excerpts from the IMC Constitutions, reminds the assembly of the charism of our Society.
After Communion, Fr. John Reuther shared his personal feelings and thoughts on this important step of the journey of our Missionary Society in the US. He is from Buffalo and, since the onset, has identified himself with the Consolata presence at 35 Brompton Road. His first words are of gratitude to the Pastors who have welcomed us in their Parishes. He then named and praised several lay people who have been particularly attached to the Consolata in the 65 years of their presence in Western New York. Our leaving – he said – reflects the missionary charism of our Society: we are called by our vocation to always look for new shores. He concluded by thanking all the people present who, in many different ways and with great generosity of heart, have supported and encouraged us in our ministry.
Fr. Paolo Fedrigoni praised Fr. John for the wonderful way in which he has prepared this event. He turned then towards Msgr. Slubecky and expressed the Consolata Missionaries gratitude to the Diocese of Buffalo, as it was the first Diocese that allowed them to establish themselves in the US. In Buffalo NY, the Consolatas also opened a House of Studies and their Noviciate. Moreover, for decades they were welcomed to live out their missionary charism, with mutual benefits both for the Diocese and for themselves. Fr. Paolo named several people from Buffalo who have joined our Society and asked the assembly to keep in contact through Fr. John Reuther, our Website and Magazine.
The evening was crowned by a dinner attended by all. Deep felt words of thanks go to Rev. Thomas Doyle who so generously made the Parish facilities available for this celebration and to the many volunteers who prepared with thoughtful care and good taste both the Church and the Banquet Hall. It has been an evening that will remain in the hearts and memory of many, who felt they are members of the enlarged Consolata family.
