Thursday, Oct. 13, greeted us with another torrential rain storm, but even this deluge could not dampen the spirit and joy shared as a school community during our liturgical celebration that morning.
With thunder and lightning as a backdrop, our pastor, Monsignor [John F.] Macfarlane, proudly welcomed our special guest celebrant, Bishop [Leonard] Olivier, who was sharing his fifth visit with us.
Monsignor acknowledged Bishop Olivier’s amazing witness to our Catholic faith and thanked him for his 60 years of service as priest and 23 years as bishop.
During his homily, Bishop Olivier congratulated our students for the work they are doing in Jesus’ name. He learned, through Monsignor, of our special collections for the children in a needy community in Vietnam.
He said, “What you are doing is a wonderful way to love and live the Gospel. Love means action! You are answering the plea of Jesus to pour out your hearts to others. I congratulate you and thank you very much for your love!”
Before the Concluding Rite, Mr. [Vincent] Spadoni, our principal, came forth to speak on behalf of our school community. He, too, thanked Bishop Olivier for joining us for our school liturgy. He applauded and saluted the bishop on the occasion of his 60th anniversary and assured him of our prayers.
During these remarks, members of the Student Council encircled the bishop holding signs congratulating him for his anniversary and wishing him a happy birthday. A serenade, special birthday cake and gifts from the school were also presented to Bishop Olivier, who was moved to tears of joy. In his quite, humble manner, he thanked us all for the joy and love we shared.
Principal Spadoni said it best: Bishop Olivier is a member of our St. Elizabeth family and we love him dearly.
God bless you, Bishop Olivier, on the occasions of your 60th anniversary as a priest and your 88th birthday. You are a good and faithful servant and a special friend to our St. Elizabeth community.
Bishop Leonard Olivier was ordained a priest on June 29, 1951, in the Society of the Divine Word. He retired as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Washington on May 18,2004. His 88th birthday was Oct. 12.
St. Elizabeth Catholic School and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church are located on Montrose Road in Rockville. For more information on the church, visit www.stelizabethchurchmd.org, For more information on the school, visit www.stelizabethchurchmd.org/StElizabethSchool.aspx.
Patricia Petruzzelli is a volunteer contributor to The Gazette. She is the middle school religion teacher at St. Elizabeth. This is her first column.
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