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.”
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
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