October 25, 2024

Priests of the diocese meet for annual convocation

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

STOCKBRIDGE – The priests of the Diocese of Springfield gathered at the St. Faustina Center on the grounds of the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Tuesday, Oct. 22 for their annual convocation. The gathering gave Bishop William D. Byrne and his brother priests a chance to step away from their duties, to gather in fraternity and to grow in their faith.

“It’s helpful for me as the bishop but it’s also helpful for the guys to be with each other, to have a laugh, spend some time and grow like we all need to,” said Bishop Byrne.

The bishop met with the priests in a question and answer session and celebrated Mass during the day at the Our Lady of Mercy Oratory on the grounds of the shrine.

“It’s a chance for us to gather together, to socialize, and strengthen the bonds of friendship with each other,” said Father James Nolte, the pastor of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley and the director of continuing education for clergy.

He explained that a convocation is similar to what Jesus would do when he would take the apostles away from the crowds from time to time to pray.

“So it’s a chance to gain strength from gathering together. It’s a chance to get insights,” he said.

Mother Olga of the Sacred Heart, the founder of the Daughters of Mary of Nazareth in the Archdiocese of Boston, was the guest speaker. Originally from Iraq, she lived through four wars in the Middle East.

She shared with the priests how she was nervous last July before speaking at the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis in front of thousands of people, including many bishops. But she said Bishop Byrne, who led Eucharistic Adoration at the Congress that night, was right there beside her.

“The bishop was right there. ‘He said Mother Olga are you ready for your blessings?’ He prayed with me, gave me blessings and I felt so at peace to speak,” she said.

In her talk, Mother Olga thanked and encouraged the priests of the diocese.

“I believe that when a priest is sanctified the whole parish is sanctified. So if there is anything that the Holy Spirit or Our Lady wants me to speak to her sons that will help them with their ministry and with their spiritual families at their parishes, I am just humbled to be in the heart of Mary to speak to her sons whatever she wishes,” she said.

During the convocation, nine priests celebrating milestone anniversaries were also honored.

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.