On Monday July 6th we celebrated the funeral of our Deacon Joseph Manella at Sacred Heart Church in Milford. Even though he was assigned here for 29 years he received all his sacraments of initiation at the Milford Parish. I had the honor of preaching at his funeral. As I reflect on Deacon Joe’s many years here at Sacred Heart, I recall the many conversations I had with him since we were “classmates!”
I know it is hard to believe that we would be classmates, since he at 101 and me at 68. We were both ordained to ministry in the same year, 1978. We celebrated our significant anniversaries here at Sacred Heart together. Over the years when he was in active ministry, I often shared past assignment experiences with him and listened to his past assignment experiences. His first assignment was at Marillac Manor across from the old location of St. Vincent Hospital. It was what was then known as a “home for unwed mothers.” In listening to his reflections, I often wonder if it was through his efforts that the home was able to close, and families took care of their daughters supporting them as they brought new life into the world. Instead of being filled with shame, they were supported with love.
He was Diocesan Assistant Superintendent of Schools for two years but stepped down because in his heart he no longer wanted to be in administration and felt called to ministry. How impressed I was to hear his desire to be involved in hands on ministry to the people of God. He continued his assignment at Our Lady of Loreto until he was assigned here at Sacred Heart in Hopedale in 1991. When I arrived in 2001, he was eager to help me through my five years of study for my master’s in international development at Clark University by preaching the weekends I had papers due and exams to study for. What a great support!
My first Christmas here he insisted that I join his family after the 4:00 Christmas Eve Mass for the great Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. I was officially a member of the family. The food flowed as well as the martinis; along with the Yankee swap and the love of everyone present at this joyous time.
One cannot help but recall his mark when we gather here at our parish church. The beautiful stain glass window is his image of God’s presence when he was a prisoner of war. It was donated by him in memory of his wife Anne of 52 years. The day chapel is known as the Manella Chapel, where Deacon Joe happily celebrated Communion Services.
With a grateful heart to his faithful service of 42 years as a Deacon, 29 here in our parish, we bid a fond farewell until we join him and all our loved ones at the banquet in heaven. Thank you so much Deacon Joe!