Fr. Joe's Golden Jubilee - Pope John XXIII Seminary

Honoring the Priestly Golden Jubilee of

1956 July 1 2006

Golden Jubilee Celebration at

Blessed Pope John XXIII National Seminary - Weston, MA

March 27, 2006, at 4:30 pm

On Monday, March 27, the Chapel of the Blessed Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, where Fr. Henchey has served as Assistant Spiritual Director since 2002, was crowded with Priests, Religious, Seminarians and the staff. This is a National Seminary, for 'second career' candidates, mostly from the professional world: physicians, professors, lawyers. Fr. Henchey had as concelebrants: Most Rev. Timothy M. Dolan, Archbishop of Milwaukee, WI; Most Rev. Moacyr J. Vitti, CSS, Stigmatine Archbishop of Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil; Very Rev Peter Uglietto, Rector; Rev. Msgr. Cornelius M. McRae; Very Rev. Gregory Hoppough, CSS, Superior Provincial of the Province of the Holy Spouses; Faculty Members and other brother Priests. Rev. Mr. William Hegedusich [a former Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Corps] was the Master of Ceremonies, and Rev. Mr. William Dunn [a physician] the Deacon.

The homily was brilliantly delivered by Rev. Msgr. Cornelius M. McRae, who started saying: "We just reached, and just passed, that Sunday in Lent when the Church invites us to rejoice: Laetare! We have great reason to rejoice, as we gather to celebrate 50 years of distinguished priestly service for our friend, Fr. Henchey." He said he has loved working with Fr. Henchey as a priest, and he has loved the way he presents the mysteries of faith, in the class room, in his preaching, and in the witness of his life. Mentioning the first letter of St. John, he pointed out the way Fr. Henchey, through his Priesthood, has helped us actually to see things that other people have not been able to see, or to experience. He has served so generously his own Stigmatine Community; the Seminarians in Rome; the men from all over the United States, whom Fr. Henchey has guided there at Blessed Pope John XXIII Seminary, and those who he will continue to guide at Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. Pointing out our great High Priest Jesus Christ, he said we need to see this kind of witness in the challenging times in which we live, and that's never been in doubt as we look at your example, Fr. Henchey. "Seeing your faithful dedication for 50 years has strengthened what we have seen with our eyes, and touched with our hands: the Word of life. So, thank you, Fr. Henchey. Thank God for such a gift". At this moment, Fr. Henchey was applauded by all.

After the ceremony, the Seminary offered to all the invited guests a fraternal supper. The Rector, the Very Rev Peter Uglietto, welcomed all and gave thanks to Fr. Henchey for his dedication as Spiritual Director for these past 4 years. Rev. Gregory Hoppough, CSS, Superior Provincial, pointed out Fr. Henchey’s example as a Stigmatine Priest, Spiritual Director and Professor at the Seminary. Archbishop Timothy Dolan also gave his address and introduced to all Fr. Henchey's sister Mrs. Alice Tierney, who was representing Fr. Henchey's family in that ceremony. At that moment, she was also warmly applauded. Archbishop Moacyr Vitti, CSS talked about vocations and the formation in his Archdiocese of Curitiba, state of Paraná, in Brazil. He said "The seminary is the pupil of the eye of the Diocese, and, because of that, I usually dedicate a great love towards Formation Houses". He described the formation houses in his Archdiocese, and at the end he invited all the Seminarians to be persistent, and then they will be great collaborators in the building up of God's Kingdom". Fr. Henchey, in a very good humor, told some passages as student and professor, especially during his 32 years living in Rome. All had fun with his joyful and humorous message of gratitude.

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