St. Joseph’s University, New York hosted it annual St. Joseph’s Day Celebration and Mass at both campuses Monday, March 18, honoring the institution’s namesake.
The Long Island Campus held its event in the appropriately named Sisters of St. Joseph Chapel, with students, faculty and staff in attendance as 12 beloved Sisters renewed their vows.
The Brooklyn Campus’ event, hosted in the Dorothy and Bernard Kennedy Chapel, brought together members of the SJNY community as they also commemorated the space’s 100th anniversary with a special centennial tribute.
“We gather every St. Joseph’s Day to celebrate the feast of the patron of our University, but also to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph, who founded this institution more than 100 years ago,” said the Rev. Francis “Frank” Pizzarelli hon. ’19, S.M.M., DCSW, who led the Patchogue Mass.
Honoring Our Women Religious
The Long Island event was hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry and Campus Ministry Director Jonathan Galo. Throughout Mass, Sisters took to the podium for scripture readings, with the first being read by the institution’s sixth president, S. Elizabeth Hill ’64, CSJ, J.D.
“We go to Joseph to find courage and be confident in looking to the future as we make decisions that not only enhance our own lives, but have a positive impact on those in need in our society,” said S. Helen Kearney ’67, CSJ, Ph.D., SJNY trustee and former president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood.
“We have the privilege of a powerful community here at St. Joseph’s University, grounded in the mission and tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph — a community always available to accompany each one of us on our life’s journey,” she continued. “Indeed, we have something great to celebrate here today as we go to Joseph together.”
As part of an annual tradition maintained by the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, the 12 Sisters in attendance received roses for their years of service to the University and its community.
“So much of what we’ve become is thanks to the women of faith who stand in our midst,” Rev. Frank said.
“As we honor our history and these women of faith, we pray in these final days of Lent for the eyes to see and the ears to hear, as together we try to make the world a better, more loving place to be,” he added.
A Centennial Tribute
Rev. Juan Luxama led the Brooklyn Campus St. Joseph’s Day Mass, which was hosted by the Office of Campus Ministry and Campus Ministry Assistant S. Marie Mackey ’84, CSJ.
S. Marie led the event’s reflection, honoring Saint Joseph and the women religious who started the institution back in 1916 while asking attendees to recall the meaningful Josephs in their lives.
“It is no surprise that the founding Sisters of St Joseph and their spiritual director, Jesuit priest Jean-Pierre Medaille, chose St. Joseph to be their patron almost 375 years ago,” S. Marie said.
As far as a meaningful Joseph in S. Marie’s life, she spoke of Joseph Lewinger ’00, who passed in 2020 from COVID-19. He and his wife Maura, also a St. Joseph’s alumna, faced many challenges — like learning that their 2-year-old twins had a rare kidney disease, and again when Joe developed issues with his vision.
“Throughout these trials, Joe remained positive, faithful and generous,” recalled S. Marie, who worked with Lewinger at The Mary Louis Academy. “He was an outstanding father. And I can use all of the same titles of faithful, loving, protector, dreamer, teacher and gentleman that we use for St. Joseph. His tools? A smart board, basketball and a great smile.”
SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., attended, showing his appreciation for the patron saint of workers and the protector of families.
Rev. Juan also offered a special blessing of the recently renovated chapel in honor of its 100th anniversary.
“Over these 100 years, countless Sisters of St. Joseph, students, alumni and others have prayed, dreamed, cried and rejoiced in this very space,” S. Marie noted. “Thousands have gone from this place to share their gifts with the greater community.
“Some have achieved great success and recognition, but most have gone about their daily life, like St. Joseph, doing what needs to be done without much attention,” she continued. “In doing so, they have changed the lives of others for the better.”
