Category Archives: In Our Father’s Home

REV. ANTHONY CORIGLIANO, CSS IS BACK AT OUR FATHER’S HOME

Fr. Anthony Mary Corigliano, CSS

The Reverend Anthony Mary Corigliano, C.S.S. (92)  died peacefully in his sleep on November 16, 2021, in Springfield, Massachusetts in his seventy-first year of Stigmatine religious life. He was the son of the late Giuseppe and Maria Grazia (nee Blasi) Corigliano.

Though born in Brooklyn, New York, on May 29, 1929, Father Anthony’s family relocated to Springfield, MA, where he attended Springfield public schools and then Cathedral High School. Feeling God’s call to dedicate his life in service to the Church he became a professed member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers on June 13, 1950. Then after completing his theological studies in Rome (Italy) he was ordained a priest there on May 8, 1955.

Father Anthony was blessed with an insightful mind and an understanding heart.

He shared these gifts throughout sixty-six years of priesthood in a range of ministries. He served as parochial vicar in three parishes during his first nine years as a priest (Sacred Heart of Jesus – Milford, MA; St. Ann – West Springfield, MA; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel – White Plains, NY.) He was then tasked to help prepare candidates for the Stigmatine religious life and priesthood 1964-1970. (From this experience he would twice go to South Africa to facilitate international Stigmatine formation conferences in 1987 & 1993.)

It was during this period that he obtained a Master’s degree in psychology that would lead him into pastoral counseling. This was the ministry he most enjoyed and through which he had such a positive impact on the lives of those who sought his guidance. He exercised this ministry full time as a staff member at the Espousal Retreat House (Waltham, MA) and while in residence at Mt. Carmel Church (White Plains, NY.) from 1970 to 1980 and then again 1985 to 1988. Well into his 80’s, his gentle and compassionate personality would draw him to this ministry on a part-time basis no matter his other duties and responsibilities. He also found great joy and fulfillment, and developed enduring friendships, through his involvement with Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

Fr. Anthony Mary Corigliano, CSS

The Stigmatine community turned to Father Anthony to serve in various capacities, as a Provincial Councillor, as Provincial Superior (1980-1985), and as Province Treasurer (1988-2015.) Father Anthony’s calm, steady personality and good judgment were qualities his confreres relied upon to bring clarity to any situation. From 2001 until his death he was in residence at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, assisting as needed in several ministries for the parish and the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers. 

Father Anthony was always hard-working which he believed was his way to respond to God’s many blessings. He could not help but try to thank God by being as generous as possible with his time and ability. Many experienced Father Anthony as a kind and quiet person, which he certainly was. Those who knew him well also encountered a man of deep spirituality, dedication to serving the Lord as much as he could for as long as he could, and a generosity of spirit that allowed him to be available for ministry and service in whatever way the Spirit led.

Father Anthony was predeceased by his brothers Carmelo and Joseph Corigliano, as well as his sisters Mary (Corigliano) Hervieux and Grace (Corigliano) Irla. To cherish his memory are Father Anthony’s Stigmatine confreres and his nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 123 William Street, Springfield, MA on Monday, November 22, 2021, where Father Corigliano will lie in state from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. and to his funeral Mass which follows at 6:30 p.m.

Interment will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, in the Stigmatine plot at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, 110 Medway Road (Rte. 109), Milford, MA.

REV. JOSEPH HENCHEY, CSS IS BACK AT OUR FATHER’S HOME

Rev. Joseph Henchey, CSS

Rev. Joseph Charles Henchey, CSS, STD was born in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA, not far from Boston, on June 2, 1930.  He entered the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata on January 6, 1946, and was ordained a Stigmatine Priest in Rome, Italy, on July 1, 1956.

Father Henchey received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Angelicum, in Rome, in 1973.  He served in Rome teaching at the Pontifical University for over 20 years, and also as General Councilor of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata [1970-1976 and 1988-1990].

In 1996, the North American Episcopal Conference appointed Father Henchey to the Pontifical North American College in Rome, as an Assistant Spiritual Director.  Father Henchey held this position until 2002, when he was then appointed to the same position at Blessed Pope John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA, for second career men, desiring to spend their last years as priests.

In the fall of 2006, he was appointed to Mundelein Seminary, nearby Chicago, IL, as the occupant of the Paluch Chair of Theology.  He held this position until 2009, when he was appointed as Professor of Theology and a Formation Director to the St. Joseph Seminary [Dunwoodie] in Yonkers, NY, a position that he held until March 2014.  He also served as a weekend presider at the Stigmatine Parish Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in White Plains, NY, from 2009 to 2012.

In the fall of 2015, Father Henchey returned to Mundelein Seminary, as Adjunct Spiritual Director, where he retired in 2019.

He also traveled widely giving retreats, courses, and lectures to priests, religious and the laity.

For all of his Stigmatine life, Father Henchey was a student of St. Gaspar Bertoni, the founder of the Congregation of the Sacred Stigmata, and, in his honor,  in 2003 he created this website [www.st-bertoni.com].

Fr. Henchey was called back to our Father’s home on April 7, 2021, at age 90, leaving us his legacy of a huge collection of his writings and works, that will remain forever.

REV. GEOFFREY DEEKER, CSS IS BACK AT OUR FATHER’S HOME

Rev. Geoffrey Deeker, CSS [1933 – +2020]

Stigmatine

Birth: June 26, 1933

Profession: June 22, 1954

Ordination: June 4, 1960

Death: November 2, 2020

The Reverend Geoffrey John Deeker, C.S.S., in residence at Saint Joseph Church (Pittsfield, MA) was born to eternal life on Monday, November 2, 2020, in Dalton, Massachusetts. He was 86 years old, a member of the Stigmatine Fathers and Brothers for 66 years, and in his 61st year of priesthood.

Father Geoff was born on June 26, 1933 in Somerville, Massachusetts, the only child to the late Geoffrey A. and Margaret M. (Coughlan) Deeker. After attending Boston College High School he began his journey to the priesthood on September 14, 1948 when he entered the Stigmatine community in Waltham, MA., and professed his first vows on June 22, 1954. His perpetual profession came five years later on June 22, 1959. After completing his theological studies at Catholic University (Washington, D.C.), he was ordained on June 4, 1960 at Saint Peter’s Church in Cambridge by Bishop Thomas Riley. From that day onward he ministered to the People of God with faith, integrity and perseverance.

A devoted member of the Stigmatine community, Father Geoff had an affable personality, quietly sensitive to the people whom he served. He ministered in several communities, always with humility and grace. He served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Pittsfield, MA,) Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish (Springfield, MA) and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (Waltham, MA.) Father Geoff also generously made himself available to assist with Stigmatine community needs in developing vocations and organizing the liturgy for special occasions. He often volunteered to act as recording secretary for many Stigmatine Provincial Chapters and assemblies, a tedious yet necessary function.

Until its closure in 2008, Father Deeker was the pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he had served for twenty one years. He remained in the Berkshires, however, residing at Saint Joseph’s Church, assisting several local parishes with pastoral ministry, until declining health prevented him from doing what he most loved and enjoyed and had been his vocation for more than sixty years.

Father Geoff will always be remembered for his kindness and gentle nature, and of course, for the enthusiasm he had for whatever he was involved in at the moment. As a young priest he was an avid and stylish bowler and for a while was a devoted scout chaplain. After a stint as chaplain to the Civil Air Patrol, he fell in love with all things aeronautical. But the most enduring memory of Father Geoff was his abiding and lively interest in the liturgical life of the Church. He understood and cherished every aspect of Catholic liturgy and ritual. The liturgy, for Father Geoff, was not simply an historical experience. Father Geoff saw the liturgy as a beautiful and vibrant way to bring a person into the presence of God. He was convinced this was relevant in every age and for every person of any age.

In addition to his parents, Father Deeker is reunited in Heaven with his Stigmatine confreres who preceded him and many friends and parishioners he loved and served as a priest.

Father Deeker’s Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 9, 2020, in Saint Joseph’s Church, 414 North Street, Pittsfield, MA, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be available in the church on Sunday, November 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Monday, November 9 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Committal will take place Monday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Cemetery, 109 Medway Road, Milford, Massachusetts.

Requiescat in Pace!

Rev. Robert White, CSS

Superior Provincial

FR. BOB MASCIOCCHI’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY MASS

Rev. Bob Masciocchi, CSS [9/14/1927- +4/10/2017]
Fr. Bob’s first anniversary Mass was ‘a joy’ to all!

The chapel of the Espousal Center was nearly filled by friends, which is always heartening.

Fr. White was the chief celebrant, assisted by Fr. Anthony Corigliano and Fr. Hawker (diocesan). Fr. Byrnes came over but stayed in a pew.

Fr. White ‘opened’ by saying how important he felt it was to him to be present since he’d been recuperating from surgery at the time of Fr Bob’s funeral Mass & thus been unable to be here for that.

Next Fr White said we would hear ‘remarks’.

First up was Dennis Taylor – always eloquent, pithy, from the heart & laced with dry humor.

Susan Crowley followed – sweet, sincere & brief.

Fr. White then spoke saying how glad he was to have started with these remarks because the remarks certainly ‘set the tone’ that would be permeating the Mass.

After the Mass we repaired to the auditorium for refreshments and fellowship… and what a joy to catch up with so many people that I either see ‘only in passing’ or, worse, nowadays I rarely see.

The Superior Provincial, Fr. Robert White, CSS, presiding Fr. Bob Masciocchi’s First Anniversary Mass, concelebrated by Fr. Anthony Corigliano, CSS [at his right hand-side] and Fr. Hawker [at his left hand-side]

REV. JAMES CUNNINGHAM, CSS IS BACK AT OUR FATHER’S HOME

Father Jim Cunningham, CSS [December 21, 1919 +january 22, 2016]

My husband, Vicente, and I had the opportunity of meeting Father Jim Cunningham in the year of 2004, almost 12 years ago, when visiting the Stigmatine community in Waltham, MA. For all the times I had the opportunity of being with him, I had a clear understanding that I was with a Saint, that had just come down from heaven.He used to give a blessing to whoever he met during the day, and tell each one words of love, peace and hope. He used to offer Mass and play accordion in nursing homes.

We had the opportunity of seeing him many other times, even though we don’t leave close to Waltham. Each time was a God’s gift to us.

Now, he is just called back home by our Heavenly Father. While we are already missing him, we know we have now a new intercessor in heaven.

May God rest you, dearest friend! Thank you for your loving presence among us on earth.

Photos:

 (All taken at the Stigmatine property in Waltham, MA)

Father Jim Cunningham on June 2004
Father Jim Cunningham on his 85th birthday, on December 21, 2004
Father Jim Cunningham on January 2005
 
Father Jim Cunningham on March 2006

Father Joseph Connolly’s funeral and burial – on February 12, 2015

The funeral was very nice. Fr. Greg did his usual sterling funeral Mass.

Fr. Joe’s son, Patrick (the Boston firefighter) was there, as was Patrick’s sister and mother and I think a nephew.

Fr. Joe’s sister, a nun, was there and many of her confreres also.

Jessica, her dad (John, the cook) Ruthie, myself and a couple of others.

We went to the cemetery for services, but the burial will be later  followe by unattended death cleaning– while I assumed it was because of frozen ground. The explanation given us was that nothing is plowed over to the Stigmatine’s section (THAT was apparent).

Again (as at Fr. Linse’s funeral), the Mass was in the lower Chapel due to construction and the collation was in the function room behind the Chapel. A parishioner owns a local deli and they have it catered by him…..the food is REALLY delicious!!!

Maureen decided it was TOO cold for her to venture forth – and Madelyn had wanted to come but neither Maureen nor I were able to reach her to finalize the arrangements so it ended up that only Ruthie and I were there from the Lay Associates.

Fr. Joe Connolly  was a good-hearted person… and very good to Van, myself and Ruthie. Fr. Joe’s decline was not easy… some people seem serve their Purgatory time here on earth, and I think he was one of them.

Page Vandewater

Father Joseph Michael Connolly, CSS is back AT our Father’s Home

Rev. Joseph M. Connoly, CSS

Reverend Joseph Michael Connolly, C.S.S. of the Stigmatine Fathers, 554 Lexington Street, Waltham, MA died on February 6, 2015 at Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. He was 84 years old. He was born in Brighton MA on November 5, 1930. His Father, Michael, was born in Spiddal, Ireland and his Mother, Mary (Connolly) was born in Oughterand, Ireland. Both parents are deceased. He leaves his loving family: Sister Marie Connolly, C.S.J. of Brighton, MA, John Connolly of West Roxbury, MA and Patrick Connolly of Roslindale, MA.

Father Connolly entered The Stigmatine Fathers’ Community at Waltham on September 15, 1945. His First Profession of Vows was on August 16, 1951. His Final Profession of Vows was on August 16, 1954. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on May 5, 1957. He received the Licentiate in Sacred Theology from the Angelicum University, Rome, Italy in 1957 and the Master of Arts in History from Boston College.
Father Connolly served in a number of Stigmatine assignments: Parochial Vicar at the following parishes: All Saints, Manassas, VA, Mount Carmel, Springfield, MA, Holy Family, Lynn, MA and he was a teacher at the following schools: Stigmatine Minor Seminary, Wellesley, MA, Bishop Fenwick High School, Peabody, MA and Aquinas Junior College, Milton, MA. He also served as retreat master at the Espousal Center, Waltham, MA.

Father Connolly’s Wake and Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 5 East Main Street, Milford, MA on Thursday, February 12, 2015. The Wake will be from 9 A.M. to 10:15 A.M., followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow the Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Milford.

Father Henry Linse’s funeral and burial – on January 20, 2015

Wilma Morin and I went together, plus Colleen K. Kodjian and her husband came, so there was a representation of the Lay Stigmatines.

The funeral was very nice. It was in the lower Chapel @ Sacred Heart, in Milford.

There were some nieces, nephews and a few old friends there in addition to the Stigmatines…. also, Joseph Desir came, John (the cook) and Don.

Fr.  Greg was the chief celebrant, Fr. Deeker the master of ceremonies and Fr. Henchey gave a wonderful eulogy.

The music was very, very good also.

THANKFULLY the weather held for the burial. Although it was 30 degrees, there was no wind, and the day sunny.

Afterwards, we returned to Sacred Heart for a nice luncheon in the community room, behind the downstairs chapel. A parishioner, who owns a deli, put up a dynamite salad, wonderful wrap sandwiches and delicious pastries.

Fr. Linse was a very holy priest….never wavered in his ministry…. and, when he was too frail and too hard of hearing to be involved with others, he kept up his Bible Studies.

Some priests ‘die with their boots on’…. whether they are in parish ministry, bedridden and praying for the poor souls in Purgatory or continuing their writing…

All are an inspiration to those of whose are aging ourselves!

In the spirit of St. Gaspar,

Page Vandewater

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Father Henry Linse, CSS is back AT our Father’s Home

Father Henry Linse, CSS

Reverend Henry Julius Linse, C.S.S. of the Stigmatine Fathers, Waltham, MA died on January 16, 2015, at Marian Manor, South Boston, MA. He was 95 years old. He was born on September 15, 1919, in Boston, MA.  His Father, Francis Xavier, was born in Germany and his Mother, Hirlanda (Hergenhan) was also born in Germany.  He had four (4) brothers, now deceased: Joseph, William, Francis and Fr. George Linse, C.S.S. and one (1) sister, Marie Miller, also deceased.

Father Linse entered the Stigmatine Fathers in September 1938. His First Profession as a Stigmatine was on September 9, 1940 and his Final Profession of Vows was on September 9, 1943. He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood on June 12, 1948, at Saint Paul’s Church, Wellesley MA by Bishop (later Cardinal) John Wright.

During his years of priestly ministry, Father Linse served in the following assignments: Chaplain at Shirley and Concord State Prisons, Director of the Novitiate, Waterville, N.Y., Teacher in Guam, and as parochial vicar at Mt. Carmel Parish, Springfield, Mt. Carmel Parish, Pittsfield, Mt. Carmel Parish, White Plains, N.Y., All Saints Parish, Manassas, VA, Our Lady of the Angels Parish, Woodbridge, VA and as pastor of St. Francis Parish, Lynn, MA.  He also served as a lend-lease priest at St. Joseph Parish, Lewiston, Maine and St. Mary’s Parish, Biddeford, Maine.

Father Linse’s Wake will be held at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Milford, MA on Wednesday, January 21 at 9:00 A.M. followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. He will be buried at Sacred Heart of Jesus Cemetery, Milford, MA following the Funeral.

The Stigmatine Fathers are very grateful for the wonderful care Father Linse received at Marian Manor, So. Boston, MA by the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and all the staff at this facility.

May God rest him.

Father Gregory Hoppough, CSS
Superior Provincial
Province of the Holy Spouses

Father Linse as sub-deacon on Father Henchey's First Solemn Mass, at St. Anthony's, Woburn, MA on Jule 22nd, 1956
Father Linse during Mass at the Chapel of the Stigmatine Retirement House [St. Joseph Hall] in Waltham, MA, on July, 2009

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Father José Teixeira de Melo, CSS is back AT our Father’s home

Rev. José Teixeira de Melo, CSS

Our confrere, Father José Teixeira de Mello, CSS, from the Province of the Holy Cross, in Brazil, passed away on December 9, 2014, in Campinas, state of São Paulo, in Brazil. He was 79 years old.

Father Teixeira was born on March 7, 1935, in Montes Claros, state of Minas Gerais, in Brazil.

He entered the Stigmatine Congregation after his retirement, and was ordained a Stigmatine Priest on his 58th birthday, on March 7, 1993.

May God rest him.

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