On August 17, 1918 Joseph Manella brought joy to his parents as they welcomed their son into the world. On June 24, 1978, Joseph Manella was ordained by Bishop Flanagan in the first class of deacons to be ordained in the Diocese of Worcester. This is certainly a jubilee year for Deacon Joe and our parish as he celebrates his 100th birthday and his 40th anniversary as a Deacon for the Diocese of Worcester. It was in 1990 that Deacon Joe was assigned to ministry here at Sacred Heart and has never been officially retired.
I visit Deacon Joe once per month at Atria Draper Place here in Hopedale. When I came back from sabbatical, each time I visited for several months I knew that he recognized me, because he always stated, “Well, I see you made it back safely from Spain!” Now, sometimes he does not recognize me but he always prays the Our Father with me when receiving communion. I am not a doctor, but from what I can see, he looks in great health, just has memory issues.
This weekend I have made arrangements with his daughter Carol to bring him to the 4:00 P.M. Mass. Deacon Dave Vallencourt will also join us. We wish to celebrate his 100 years of life and his 40 years in service to the Diocese and the many people he served through our parish since he began ministry here in 1990.
Many of you know Deacon Joe, and I am hoping you will join us for Mass. Following Mass we will gather for cake and beverages in the parish hall and offer all of you a chance to congratulate, thank, affirm and recognize him for touching all our lives in so very many ways.
While attending Mass this weekend I am inviting those who would like to pray for one of the students attending Vacation Bible School to take one of the names on the net hanging from the altar. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.