by Staff Reports – Catholic Star Herald – October 7, 2023
VITALity Catholic Healthcare Services Diocese of Camden celebrated aging with a Mass for those ages 90 and beyond Oct. 1 in Saint Isidore Church, Christ the Good Shepherd Parish, Vineland. The annual Centenarian and Nonagenarian Mass was celebrated by Msgr. James Tracy, who was assisted by Deacon Jerry Jablonowski, executive director of VITALity.
In his welcome, Deacon Jablonowski said, “As today is Respect Life Sunday, it is most appropriate to celebrate and show our respect for you who continue to live life to the fullest in your advanced years. All life is precious from the first moment of conception until the moment of natural death, and today we show our love and respect for you who have been gifted with life for so many years as faithful members of the Church.”
In his homily, Msgr. Tracy noted that “every one of us gathered here today must realize that our life has purpose. We must always remember all the glorious things that have happened because of us and that our lives continue to have an impact on the world. We must always continue to realize how much we are loved by God and that we spread His love each day through our smiles and through our prayers.”
At a reception following the Mass, guests of honor shared their life stories with friends and family members. Said Christine Willard, VITALity’s manager of parish-based senior programs, “We look forward to celebrating those who live their life to the fullest again next year.”
