1,230 years of priestly service November 23, 2021By Priscila González de Doran Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Vocations Monsignor William A. Collins (CR file) Twenty-seven priests ordained for ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore are marking a combined 1,230 years of service as they observe milestone jubilees. The archdiocese honored the jubilarians for 2020 and 2021 during a special Nov. 22 event at St. John in Westminster, recognizing their commitment to the faith community. Among the longest-serving jubilarians are four men celebrating 60 years of service: Bishop Victor B. Galeone (former pastor of St. Agnes in Catonsville and retired bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, Fla.), Monsignor William A. Collins, Father Salvatore J. Livigni and Father Joseph C. Simmons. “Helping people with their problems is what I have enjoyed the most of my years as a priest,” said Monsignor Collins, who served mostly in the Office of the Tribunal, working on marriage annulments as secretary to the tribunal, judge and adjutant judicial vicar. Among his biggest challenges was understanding conflict, he said, which motivated him to pursue a master’s degree in psychology from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore. Father Livigni, who was ordained in the Diocese of Trenton, N.J., and was incardinated into the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1992, said serving as chaplain at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore is the closest ministry to his heart. He visited children with cancer, comforted parents, cared for adults and many other patients from different cultures and parishes. “I saw so many die and I celebrated their funerals,” he said. “It was sad, but the children were always happy and had a smile even though they were sick.” He noted his way to get their attention was to bring them a gift, usually statues of angels or of Jesus with children. A family whose child was once visited by Father Livigni approached him at Target and one of the parents said, “Father, my child is now in his 20s and he still has the statue you gave him.” In a year, he would see up to 10,000 people. He said the hospital ministry was his “little parish.” “I’ve been able to do a holy hour every day all these years,” said Father Livigni about his spiritual life. “The Eucharist is the greatest part of my life.” Father Joseph Simmons (CR file) One of the most challenging experiences for Father Simmons as a priest was adapting to the changes from the Second Vatican Council. “When I was ordained, we were still celebrating Mass in Latin,” he said, “but I like it better in English because I face the people and they can participate better.” Father Simmons’ dearest memories are celebrating the sacraments, such as baptisms and weddings, but also his 25th and 50th priesthood anniversaries. He has enjoyed being a chaplain for the Knights of Columbus, Notre Dame Council 2901. “I’ve made many good friends over the years,” he said. What Father Simmons has enjoyed the most about the priesthood is “being close to people and helping them, especially during sickness and funerals.” “I feel grateful to the Lord, he has taken care of me,” he said. In a future issue, the Catholic Review will recognize religious order priests, sisters and brothers celebrating jubilees. Archdiocesan priests mark jubilees 2021 65 Years Monsignor Thomas J. Donellan (Deceased) 60 Years Monsignor William A. Collins Father Salvatore J. Livigni Father Joseph C. Simmons 50 Years Father Joseph G. Bochenek Father Joseph F. Breighner Father Lawrence K. Frazier Monsignor Thomas L. Phillips Father Michael J. Roach 40 Years Monsignor Kevin T. Schenning 25 Years Father Andrew D. Aaron Father Robert E. Morey Father Charles M. Wible 2020 70 Years Monsignor Charles F. Meisel (Deceased) 60 Years Bishop Victor B. Galeone Father Paul G. Witthauer (Deceased) 50 Years Monsignor Nicholas P. Amato Father Paul J. Henry Father A. Henry Kunkel III Monsignor Joseph L. Luca Father Christopher J. Whatley 40 Years Monsignor James M. Barker Monsignor John A. Dietzenbach 25 Years Monsignor Richard B. Hilgartner Father John J. Jicha Father James P. Kiesel Father William F. Spacek Email Priscila González de Doran at pdoran@CatholicReview.org Also see Priests need better formation in church history to share Gospel, pope says Father Francis ‘Fritz’ Gollery welcomed back to priesthood after nearly 50 years Archdiocesan priests mark milestone jubilees Missionary religious sister reflects with joy on her 70 years of serving in Uganda, U.S. Renovations in full swing at Carmelite Monastery of Baltimore What it takes to be a military chaplain: ‘It’s a call within a call,’ says priest Copyright © 2021 Catholic Review Media Print
