Archdiocese of Newark
Office of the Archbishop
Most Reverend John J. Myers
December 21, 2004
My Dear Brothers and Sisiters in Christ,
At this time of year, when our minds quite naturally turn to sharing and celebration, we gather in worship to celebrate the gift that God, Our Father, has sent: the Savior, born this day. He, the true light that enlightens everyone, has come into teh world to share God's life with us.
This Christmas is especially joyful. Your evident embracing of communion with the Archdiocese is a gift. We are an Archdiocese of many traditions and devotions. Your special and very deep commitment to the faith is another sign to the world that this loal Church is, indeed, a vital and strong part of the universal Church, a sign of community, and of Communion.
How fitting that we celebrate our unity during this Year of the Eucharist that Our Holy Father has recently declared. This Christmas season is a fitting opportunity for you, for me, and for all people of the Archdiocese to proclaim Christ as the salvation of the whole world.
Yet amid the rejoicing, there is a sense of loss. Father Paul Wickens, whose generous care had long nourished you for many, years will be missed not only by the people of Saint Anthony of Padua, but also by many within this local Church of Newark. His service will endure as part of the fabric of Saint Anthony of Padua Chapel, and it is our prayer that he be granted eternal rest. I hope you will find in Father John Perricone many of the qualities that Father Wickens so ably demonstrated.
May the Lord bless you today and all days. May this Christmas season be filled with joy, peace and brotherhood.
With warmest good wishes for aholy, healthy, and blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year, I remain,
Sincerely in the Lord,
Most Reverend John J. Myers
Archbishop of Newark
Ping
Did Archbishop Myers attend Fr. Wickens' funeral Mass?
I think the parishoners there are in for a rough ride. The naive will fall into line and swallow the diocesan BS while the rest will need to examine their reasons for supporting Father Wickens in the first place.
If it wasn't for that, this thread would make me really nervous.
Just curious, can a Permanent Deacon serve as the Deacon at a Tridentine Mass?