The North East Connecticut Area’s annual picnic was held at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford on Saturday, August 2nd from 9:30 AM to 2 PM. Richard, Area Chair, thanks everyone for the food and provided guests with the picnic details. He then introduced Fr. David Cinquegrani, C.P. Center Director, and thanked him for his staff’s hospitality.
Father Cinquegrani welcomed Area members to the lovely new Pavilion and described the Center’s offerings for its 75th year. Fr. MacNeill, ChD offered a reflection and the prayer before our picnic. Our Bishop Riedy graciously remarked on his recent appointment to the Diocese of Norwich from the nearby Diocese of Worcester, MA. He led the members in reciting the Daily Prayer of the Order. Our beloved Bishop Emeritus Rosazza ChC, Archdiocese of Hartford happily joined us at the Center where he often holds confessions for the retreatants from his nearby residence. We were so delighted that Archbishop Emeritus Blair, who retired last year from the Archdiocese of Hartford, also enjoyed lunch with the members and hearing about the extensive Area ministries. We are exceptionally gratified that the Archbishop is awaiting his final approval by Rome to also become our Conventional Chaplain ad honorem in the American Association.
It was a wonderful day! Beautiful fall weather for early August, gorgeous center surroundings, a great turnout of 30 members for friendly camaraderie and personal conversation with the clergy. They brought a diverse assortment of appetizers, salads, warm and cold dishes, refreshments and scrumptious desserts. The Area Chair explained some of the latest Area advances using social media and reminded everyone to register for several key upcoming events. In particular, Cherith and Mark Sullivan described the very special 11th Annual Lourdes in a Day (LIAD), planned for September 13th, and they greatly appreciated the picnic members for volunteering again.
The Area Chair reported on the NY Office Staff retirements and recognized his strong assistance from the Executive Director Deacon Jeff Trexler, Assistant Director Ray LaRose, and especially the consistent member help from Maria DiGiacomo. We will see her at her Investiture, at which Richard wished the new Knights and Dames great joy for the successful completion of their year of Formation and Sovereign Investiture approval. He asked members to contact him about attending Investiture Weekend events. Details will be shared by the NY Office via email.
Our Lady of Lourdes, thank you for healing our LIAD Malades. Pray for us.
