This weekend we celebrate the feast of our patron.  Over the last dozen years (as of September 27^th) I’ve had the opportunity to serve St. Vincent De Paul Blessed Sacrament parish.  It has definitely been a large part of my diaconal ministry. I feel blessed to be here.

In the last year, we’ve received a series of volumes of St. Vincent, when Lourdes Hospital became a part of the Guthrie hospitals. I’m sharing a bit of a letter he wrote on this date.  I thought it might be helpful as we consider how his ministry evolved over the years.  He started as a priest who began working with the wealthy.  Then he began serving those in need in France and elsewhere.  Though he died in 1660, his work came to Binghamton and other places in the world.  Remember the establishment of Lourdes Hospital in 1925, by the Daughters of Charity.

 More from his letter to those he worked with in Italy.  But I think it can apply to us today…

 “O God my Lord, please be the bond of your hearts: bring to flower the effects of so many holy affections You cause them to form and give growth to the fruits of their labors for the salvation of souls.  Water with Your eternal blessings this establishment, like a new tree planted by Your hand…” St. Vincent De Paul

Please pray for us St. Vincent!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

Hi there.  It’s been some time since I’ve written a blog.  Much has been happening in my other assignment in Chenango County.  With the closing of the St. Agnes Mission on July 6^th, we’ve been working on many things related to the transition.

A positive…many parishioners have come together and helped.  Some have offered thanks for the five years that I’ve been there.  One gave me a book on Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross as he made the way to Calvary. Been reading that.  Sometimes we all have to help out as Simon did.  A man far from home called to service for the Lord.

Yesterday, I met with Fr. Jacinto of the Franciscan Friars of Mt. St. Francis in the Town of Maine.  He accepted an altar from St. Agnes and some sacramental books for their use. We spoke a bit of Italian together.  He’s on his way to Italy today for a month.  Two highlights of that journey: a visit to Assisi and attending the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis.

I will try early on Sunday to tune in to coverage of the ceremony.  Remember how Pier Girogio climbed the heights with his friends for his faith.  He died just over 100 years ago at the age of 24.

Carlo Acutis was a bit younger.  He brought his parents to Mass, attended every day.  Was adept at the computer, and created a website on Eucharistic Miracles ( you may connect here:

https://www.miracolieucaristici.org/en/liste/list.html ).  Carlo also taught Religious Education,  He brought food, clothing and sleeping bags to the homeless in his hometown of Milan.  Carlo died of leukemia at the age of 15 in 2006.

Saints Pier Giorgio and Carlo---Per favore prega per noi (Please pray for us!)

Peace,

Deacon Tom

July 21, 2025

I love the differences in the seasons we have here in Upstate New York.  When I was a kid, I’d spend countless hours outside during the warm weather. So much to see and experience.  Time to “smell the flowers.” Was mostly close to the house. Or, up to the park or in the creek with the buddies. Away time with my great aunt and uncle “at the lake.”  Lots of adventures, yet there was more. Just hanging out under a tree, taking in the sun, the breeze.  Guess I liked the alone time too.  Did I sense the presence of God with me then?

Pope Leo’s been on his first vacation at Castel Gondolfo.  On Sunday, he preached at a nearby Cathedral, reminding us of the relationship we have with God.

“We should set aside moments of silence, moments of prayer, times in which, quieting noise and distractions, we recollect ourselves before God in simplicity of heart.” ( Homily of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at Cathedral of Albano)

The Holy Father told us it’s OK to let go of “commitments and worries” for peace, reflections and visits.

“Let us make summer an opportunity to care for others, to get to know each other and to offer advice and a listening ear, for these are expressions of love, and that is something we all need.” (Pope Leo XIV, 7-20-25)

Sounds like a good idea.

Peace,

Deacon Tom

In the dome above the altar at St. Ambrose Church in Endicott, there are several biblical scenes.  One is a rainbow. It was God’s covenant not to flood the earth again as in the time of Noah. And revealed again at St. Ambrose.

I’ve been away from the blog for a bit.  Part of the reason…cataract surgery on my left eye.  Dimmed vision. It took place a couple weeks ago, first with a laser. It was really cool.  Seems like the cataract broke away almost like a cartoon. Then off to the operating room for a new lens. The next thing I remembered: Deacon Greg waiting to pick me up. Then home for a couple days rest.

Had to take the garbage cans out the following evening.  My mouth dropped as I looked up.  “Oh my God!”  I could see a “rainbow” of vibrant colors, in the sky and on the earth and in the plants and trees.  Hues like the picture above taken outside church today.

Kind of like my own sign from God that everything would be OK. Amen. 

Peace,

Deacon Tom  

Pope Leo XIV is reaching out online as of today--according to Vatican News. The Holy Father’s Instagram and X accounts are now active.  The first post was a quote of some of his Urbi et Orbi message right after his election.  The Dicastery for Communications says the Pontifex account has 52-million followers in 9 languages.  

The conclave to elect a new pope began two days after the period of mourning for Pope Francis ended on Sunday, May 4^th.  Then remember hearing on Thursday afternoon? ”White smoke at the Vatican.” I watched with three others at St. John’s in Bainbridge for some time until…we heard an American-born cardinal would be our next pope.

The days since have been busy for Pope Leo VXI.  I have spoken with many people about our new Holy Father. I’ve talked to some non-catholics too.  They seem supportive of the Pontiff. And as I was finishing writing here just now, a Jewish friend called me.  He told me how he thinks the new pope will be good for the world. 

“I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, and among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.”  Pope Leo, Urbi et Orbi

Please remember to pray for Pope Leo VXI!

Peace,

Deacon Tom 

Been praying and reflecting quite a bit these past few days on becoming a deacon exactly 19-years ago. I joined with five classmates that Saturday at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse for ordination.  

I was featured in a Press &Sun-Bulletin article printed that morning. The reporter asked me: “Why did you decide to be a deacon?” I told him people don’t decide to become deacons, they answer the call. He ended the piece with my words: “It’s a wonderful feeling. There’s no way to describe how excited I am.”

I’m still excited to be a deacon. I’ve had many challenges and opportunities in nearly two decades. I try my best to answer the call of Word, Sacrament and Charity. Don’t know what comes next…

Our daily readings to start this week include the Acts of the Apostles, featuring the seven original deacons.  One of those, Stephen, preached on the Hebrew scriptures and Jesus when called before the Sanhedrin.  It didn’t go well. They stoned him.  Stephen the deacon is the first Christian martyr.  Also present there with the mob was Saul. We know him better as St. Paul---after his conversion.

“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:56

St. Stephen, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

I looked out my back window this morning. A bit of yellow caught my eye.  Thought at first I was looking at the hose.  But then I turned my head and realized this color was much bigger.  It was flowers, not daffodils.  Smaller ones on branches where I’d not seen them for some time.  A big forsythia bush was in bloom.  What a beautiful sight!  Certainly, it brings joy.

I write this on the Wednesday of Holy Week, with Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter yet to come.

Think ahead.  It will soon be a time to rejoice!  Alleluia will return to Mass. We’ll read of Jesus being risen. In John’s Gospel, Peter “Saw and believed” that Jesus had indeed been resurrected.  Took a bit more time for all the apostles to realize that Jesus was risen. We too need to remember what Easter is all about. Our Collect Prayer reminds us that His Only Begotten Son “conquered death and unlocked the path to eternity.” And “through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life.” 

Amen.

Peace,

Deacon Tom

It’s been a busy Lent.  Seems like much is going on and the days and weeks have flown by.  So many things to attend to, both here in Vestal and up in Bainbridge.  The Serenity Prayer pictured above has been hanging in my office for a few days now.  A parishioner gave it to me saying that it would be good for me to slow down. Brings a certain calmness.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are our Lenten focus. I’ve really picked up on the prayer part especially since March 30.  That’s when I started a new 12-week personal retreat.  The book has much reading and meditating and writing and prayer.  I know of at least one other person who is taking part in this retreat written by the Jesuits.

The Isaiah passage above has been on my mind since retreat day one.  I’ll carry it through these next weeks, and beyond.  Really spoke to me.  Where am I being sent?  What may be new? How will I answer?  Send me!

Take time now with the rest of your Lent. Feel free to borrow the Isaiah passage, the Serenity Prayer or find something on your own.  Go to HIM and find calmness and…

“Listen”---St. Benedict.

Peace.

Deacon Tom

We always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on the 17^th. Wouldn’t be any other way for my mom to celebrate her Irish heritage. Had the traditional meal of corned beef (or ham) along with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. She also planned an afternoon tea with the ladies.  She’d serve Irish Soda bread, fresh-baked, complete with caraway seeds. 

Those celebrations changed perhaps 20 years ago, when it became easier to join an evening party at Brothers 2.  For several years about then, cards arrived at the house signed by “St. Patrick.” Turns out a good friend sent the messages.  This friend admitted to it as I was praying with as she was near death. “I was St. Patrick,” this woman told me.

Lots of thoughts about my mother, the Lady in Green, for March anyway. Perhaps she’s had the chance to meet St. Patrick by now.  Difficult day for me as I remember mom Helen on this March 21^st, the fifth year since she died. Can’t believe how much time has passed. I leave you with this prayer that was so special to her.

May the road rise with you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

St. Patrick, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom

Sunny day today.  Warmer temperatures.  Not “officially” spring, yet it sure feels like it. Nice to walk around the grounds.  Can’t wait to see the new growth. Um, wait a minute! Several months ago, as autumn was concluding I took a photo of this tree. It’s on the island between the roadway in front of the church. Months have gone by and the orange leaves hang on. C’mon, it’s time for greenery!

Whoa. Never thought I’d be concerned about some leftover leaves. Should be neat and clear to await new buds and then leaves.  See what happened there? A peaceful walk among God’s vegetation bothered by something that’s not “perfect.”  Perhaps it’s unique, as are all of us!

Brought me back to a quote I heard in a homily the other day. It’s the one above.  Doesn’t have to do only with trees.  What other things in our lives seem imperfect?  Do they take up more time than we need? Yes!

Instead, try this. Try this simple prayer to restore our peace. 

Breathe in saying: “Jesus.”  Breathe out saying: “Peace.”

The “perfect” quote above comes from St. Therese of the Little Flower.

St. Therese, please pray for us!

Peace,

Deacon Tom