A Letter for the Occasion of the 350th Birthday of St. Lucy

Dear Sister Patricia and Filippini Sisters, 

The spirit of gratitude is alive in our hearts as we give thanks to the Lord for giving us St. Lucy, a Holy Teacher who committed her entire life to the educative-apostolic mission. We are likewise grateful that this is what you all do too -thanks for your undying commitment! I know our celebration here at St. Augustine of Canterbury that I was to have today for St. Lucy's 350th birthday had to be changed given the covid uptick, so I hope that you have been able to celebrate this great day in some worthy fashion. I know that our prayers have continued regardless. We give thanks to God for all of you and are grateful for your ongoing ministry in New Brunswick, Kendall Park, Raritan and Peapack/Far Hills. 

I am so grateful to be blessed with so many good examples from the Filippini Sisters from my time at Paul VI but also from when I was stationed one summer at St. Peter's in Merchantville and now here in our beautiful Diocese of Metuchen. I am certain that the alumni, staff, parents and students at St. Augustine's are grateful, too, for all you do. Your legacy is immense! 

Please keep me in your prayers. Know of my gratitude and prayers for you especially the retired members of the community as I prayed my Mass today. Looking forward to seeing you and celebrating with you all sometime soon. 

I hope you had a good start of the new year and that it is a grace-filled 2022 for you!

With renewed best wishes, I remain 

Yours in Christ,

Most Rev. James F. Checchio, JCD, MBA
Bishop of Metuchen