Hundreds of Italian Catholics - and many passionate Italophiles - gathered to celebrate their faith and culture at the Archdiocese of Newark’s Italian Heritage Jubilee Mass on Oct. 4 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.
Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, presided over the Mass, organized by the archdiocesan Italian Apostolate as part of the Universal Church’s ongoing Jubilee Year.
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin praised Italian immigrants for bringing the art, culture and beauty of their homeland to the United States. He also highlighted how they overcame discrimination with faith and dignity.
“Many people face the same racial prejudice today,” the cardinal said. “But like the Italian immigrants of yesteryear, we must never lose hope. God is with us, brothers and sisters. We are His witnesses.”
Following the liturgy, Apostolate Director Eric Lavin presented Cardinal Tobin with a portrait of St. Gerard Majella and a basket of produce from the garden at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, one of Newark’s oldest Italian parishes. Guests then enjoyed a festive reception with Italian delicacies, laughter and fellowship.
To learn more about the Archdiocese of Newark’s Italian Apostolate, visit www.rcan.org/italian-apostolate.
About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics across northern New Jersey’s Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, the Archdiocese includes 211 parishes, 67 Catholic schools and numerous missions and ministries committed to faith, education and social service. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
