Pastor’s Corner . . . I’m sure you have noticed the dark rectangular blotches on the wall to the right of the Crucifixion window above the main altar, and asked “what’s the pastor doing now!?”  We’ve uncovered frescoes.
We first noticed them in old wedding photographs of the church. The earliest photos of the interior, from 1901 and 1903, show plainly painted walls, in varying shades of battleship gray. Fr. James O’Brien was then the pastor (1900-1928) He’d inherited the debt on the construction of the church: $100,000! He paid that, built the school in 1903 and the bell tower in 1928. In the midst of all that, he redecorated the church—twice: the first account you’ll find in St. John’s in the News—100 years ago, below, in 1914: he introduced electricity to the church, convent, school and rectory, and hired Thomas D. Magee to repaint the interior of the church. Magee owned a prestigious interior decorating emporium—two, in fact: one on Main Street by 1892 and the other at the corner of Broad and Summer Streets by 1907. A vintage postcard shows O’Brien’s first redecoration: light colors, and simple yet elegant painted trim work, and stars on the sanctuary ceiling. That work by Thomas D. Magee cost $2,718.00 and was completed in July, 1914.
Fr. O’Brien repainted the church again from May, 1926 through December, 1927, with Thomas D. Magee doing the work, at a total cost of $5,708.61. There is no further description of the work done other than “painting church interior”, and the Advocate makes no mention of the work in its coverage of Fr. O’Brien’s 50th anniversary that year, soon after which Fr. O’Brien died. Was the fresco done during the 1927 renovation? My hunch is that it was, especially since the total cost is more than double that of the 1914 work.  The next pastor was Father Francis J. Lally (1928-1936), did more work: he removed the two balconies beneath the two large windows in the transepts, and commissioned the woodwork in the sanctuary, confessionals, and vestibule.  We have no records of Fr. Lally’s work.
The earliest photograph we have is an Advocate photo from Easter, 1939, and the frescoes are clearly visible. That doesn’t answer the question about which pastor commissioned them, Fr. O’Brien or Fr. Lally? Later wedding photographs show the frescoes through the 1940’s and 1950’s. The latest we have is of the wedding of Jack Leydon and Barbara Ann Kozicki on June 18, 1960.  In 1962, filming of Otto Preminger’s movie The Cardinal began at Saint John’s. Parish legend holds that Father Nicholas Coleman struck a deal with Preminger: he could film in the church if he painted the interior. The one scene of the altar shows the sanctuary entirely whitewashed!
It’s my best guess that Father O’Brien commissioned the fresco from Thomas D. Magee. But we won’t know until we can find some of Fr. Lally’s expenditure records. In any event, it was painted sometime between 1927 and 1936, and remained visible until painted over in 1962 for the movie The Cardinal.  I’ve hired Mr. Roman Markovych , an art restorer, to remove the layers of paint covering the frescoes in the center of the apse around the Crucifixion window. That’s why the sanctuary is scaffolded. The paintings are decorative with green and gold vines and tendrils on an earthen orange/brown base, with medallions of the Apostles, the Evangelists and the Holy Spirit. The sanctuary ceiling is completely gilded with more vines and leaves. We’ll see what’s actually there, and then decide whether to restore it. I think it would be important to restore, especially since it is the creation of a Stamford artist for an earlier generation of our parishioners.  The attached photo will give you some idea of the extent of the original decoration. Say a prayer!--Msgr. DiGiovanni 

Please pray for the sick… George Terenzio, Eleanor McNamee, Nancy Geikie, Vicki Manes, Anthony Sansone, Margaret Woods, Paul Forte, Anne Marie Brutus, Gelanie Lops, Titina Tarantino, Jennifer Tomasello, Janet Rodgers, Antoinetta Fiore, Lorraine Lindahl, Marilyn Fabio, Robert Geikie, Alan Comier, Barbara Schuerger, Brady Rodgers, Gail Ruge, Msgr. Constantino Caldas, Madam Wong Oi Ling, Fiona Farrell, Billy Therriault, David Lloyd

Please pray for those who have recently died… Florence DeSilva, Margaret Mine, Reta Satoriti, Marcello Santagata, Louis Manes, Paul Dudash, John Borron, Fouchard Paulemon, Louis Meyer, Phillis Doherty, Violet Roddy, Wallace Stewart, Patrick Farenga, Marie Swanson, Neill Carey, Margorie Watkins, Antoninette DeMott, Rose Harrington, Maria C. Roldan-Ranero, Frances C. Delaney, Mary Anne Vagnone, Bridget Leen, Lou Tosches, John Darling,

Ancient Order of Hibernians: Saturday, April 5th: Gentlemen: Join us for the NCAA Men’s Final Four Game at the AOH Hall on Greyrock Place, beginning at 4:40 p.m.: Large Screen Projection TVs; Buffet Dinner with open bar; Cigar and Whiskey tasting.  All profits for local charities: $50.00 at the door or $45.00 in advance: contact Joe Sargent: 203-235-2323 or josephpsargent@yahoo.com

SAVE THESE DATES: 2 GREAT EVENTS:

Solemn Vespers and Benediction:  Friday, May 30th at 6:30 p.m., to celebrate the anniversary of the dedication of our church in 1886. This will be an annual event, so please plan to join us.

Passport to the World:  Sunday, June 22nd at 5:30 p.m.: Our annual fund raising supper and auction.  Please join us to help raise funds for our church bell tower. Tickets: $100 each.  Details to follow!
 
Divine Mercy Sunday . . . March 30th:  Join us for the noon Mass and at 1:30 p.m. for the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction.

Catholic Faith on Tap… For men and women in their 20’s and 30’s at Bennigan’s Restaurant – just across the street - from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  We will meet there the 2nd Monday each month - bring a friend!  Next meeting: Monday, April 14.

Parents of our Religious Education Students…While your children are in religious education class on Sundays, join us in the Parish Rectory with Father Walsh for a cup of coffee and learn more about our Catholic Faith.

COFFEE HOUR…After the 10:00 a.m. Mass.  All are welcome.

The Latin reading group is translating St. Augustine’s Confessions.  All are welcome on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. in the rectory.  If you have only studied Latin during high school, please join us: you know more than you think!

St. Monica Institute for Patristic Studies . . . will next meet on every Wednesday in April, beginning April 2nd at 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. This month we will read patristic works [in English translations] concerning the Incarnation and Resurrection of Christ. Everyone is welcome.

Bible Study…Our next meeting is April 17th, 7:30 p.m. in the rectory. We’re reading the Book of Revelation.  All are welcome!

Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008    $ 36,910.94

Easter Sunday, April 08, 2007      $ 37,391.43

I ask you one thing: do not tire of giving to God, but do not give your leftovers.”

---Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Hymns for this weekend . . . (1) 79 (2) 83.  The Creed for the Noon Mass may be found in the hymnal at No. 289.

Choral Music for the 12:00 Noon Mass . . . Mass Ordinary: Missa ‘Simile est regnum’ –  Tomás Luis de Victoria, 1548-1611. Offertory Motet: Ye Choirs of New Jerusalem – Sir Charles Villiers Stanford, 1852-1924 (Ye choirs of new Jerusalem, your sweetest notes employ, The Paschal victory to hymn, in strains of holy joy. For Judah’s Lion bursts his chains, crushing the serpents head; And cries aloud, through death’s domains to wake the imprisoned dead. Devouring depths of hell their prey at his command restore; His ransomed hosts pursue their way where Jesus goes before. Triumphant in his glory now to him all power is given; To him in one communion bow all saints in earth and heaven. While we his soldiers praise our King, his mercies we implore, Within his palace bright to bring and keep us evermore. All glory to the Father be, all glory to the Son, All glory, Holy Ghost to Thee while endless ages run. Alleluia. Alleluia. [St. Cuthbert of Chartres, trans. R. Campbell and others]). Communion Motet: Most Glorious Lord of Life – Sir William Harris, 1883-1973 (Most glorious Lord of life, that on this day Didst make Thy triumph over death and sin, And having harrowed hell, didst bring away Captivity thence captive, us to win. This joyous day, dear Lord, with joy begin, And grant that we for whom Thou didest die, Being with Thy dear blood clean washed from sin, May live for ever in felicity: And that Thy love we weighing worthily, May likewise love Thee for the same again; And for Thy sake, that all like dear didst buy, With love may one another entertain. So let us love, dear Love, like as we ought; Love is the lesson which the Lord us taught. (Edmund Spencer 1522-99). The Gregorian chants proper to this Sunday are: Introit Quasi modo (As newborn babes, alleluia, long for pure spiritual milk, alleluia, alleluia. Rejoice in honour of God our helper; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. [I Peter 2:2]); Alleluia Post dies octo (Eight days later, while all the doors were shut, Jesus came out and stood in the midst of his disciples and said: “Peace be with you.” [John 20:26]); Sequence Victimæ paschali laudes (The text may be found in the hymnal at No. 315.); Offertory Angelus Domini (The angel of the Lord came down from heaven and said to the women: “The One whom you seek has risen, as he said he would”, alleluia. [Matthew 28:2,5,6]); Communion Mitte manum (Stretch forth your hand, and feel the place where the nails were, alleluia; and be not doubtful but believing, alleluia, alleluia. [I Corinthians 5:7,8]).

Legion of Mary…The Annual Actes Ceremony of the Regional Legion of Mary will be held at here at St. John’s on Sunday, April 6th at 2:30 p.m., consisting of Mass with Legion prayers and individual dedication; refreshments to follow.  All are invited.

YALE & TOWNE: Portraits Locked in Time: An exhibit of photos outlining the life and impact of Yale & Towne in Stamford: April 1st - 12th, Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m: at Antares Investment Partners, 333 Ludlow Street, Stamford: North Tower, 1st Floor Lobby.  All are welcome!

St. John’s In the News…100 years ago, or so:

The Stamford Advocate:

April 4, 1914: BRIGHTER AND LIGHTER – Transformation in St. John’s Catholic Church “When the members of St. John’s Catholic Church go to mass next Sunday, they will be agreeably surprised with the appearance of the interior of the church. A very pleasing transformation has been wrought by skilled artisans during the past two months. Their work is about finished, and the schedule of services, which was interfered with when the improvements made it necessary for the congregation to worship in the chapel of the church, will be resumed tomorrow. A Fine Lighting System. Perhaps the most striking change is the rearranged lighting system. Hereafter electricity will be used throughout the upper church, provision being made for use of gas in emergency. The crowning feature of the electric lighting system is a large, electric chandelier which hangs from the ceiling in the sanctuary and encircles the sanctuary light. It is of solid brass, gold-plated, and is set with sixteen prettily arranged lights. It provides a handsome setting for the magnificent sanctuary lamp presented to the church a number of years ago by the daughters of the late Owen Brennan. The chandelier is the gift of Mrs. M. M. Conroy. The nave of the church will be lighted with five 500-watt Mazda lamps, with prettily designed pendants. The side arches, the corridors and the vestibule lights are of similar design. The lighting system was designed and the work executed by the New England Engineering Company. Gifts of the Hibernians. Another new feature is the presence of marble platforms in front of the altars of the church. Marble steps have been added to the platform in front of the main altar. These platforms and steps are gifts of the Hibernian organizations of the city. They were placed by Ormond Brothers, members of the congregation. The panels over the main altar have been decorated to give a sky effect. On a sky-blue background are scores of gold-leaf stars. The remainder of the chancel panels and walls have an ivory tone that is pleasing to the eye, and harmonizes with the altars. There is some  umber bordering, too. The side altars and chancel statuary have been done in this same ivory tone to harmonize with the main marble altar. Colors Nicely Blended. The panels and walls throughout the main body of the church are done in a soft gray water-color, while the massive white columns are done in oil. The capitals, the medallions and the small columns are done uniformly in gold leaf, and they brighten up the softer colors wonderfully The frame work of the Stations of the Cross have been done in a soft shade of brown with a touch, here and there, of gold leaf. The carved front of the organ loft has been given a most attractive, ivory white finish, which is relieved with a deep shade of red. The vestibule of the church has received considerable attention. It is finished in a warm shade of yellow. The vestry is done in the same soft gray watercolor as the nave. There is a complete new outfit of linoleum in the nave, and handsome new carpets cover the chancel floor or will before the services are held tomorrow. The large cross on the top of the church also has been re-gilded. All of the work, and it cost a number of thousands of dollars, was done by Stamford concerns…”

Join the Conversation . . . Bishop William Lori has started a “blog” to share news: www.BishopLoriBlog.org.

Mass Intentions

Saturday, March 29
4:00 +Taricani Family req. Leon

Sunday, March 30
  7:30 Special Intention Mary Young Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
10:00 +Dryden Antao req. Jody Stimler
12:00 Our Lady of Loretto Altar Guild req. Msgr. DiGiovanni 
 6:00 +Patrick Kane & Family req. Estate of Catherine Kane & Family

Monday, March 31
  8:00      +Joe Gesualdi req. Sue Ann Miller
12:10 +Dryden Antao req. Jody Stimler

Tuesday, April 1
  8:00 +Amy Reed req. Fabiola C.
12:10 +Stella Cunningham req. Sharon Gannon

Wednesday, April 2
   8:00 Souls in Purgatory req. Maria
 12:10 +William Ernest Koller req. Maryanne Koller

Thursday, April 3
8:00 +Diane T. Asaro req. Gabriel Natareli
12:10   +Kieran Kolenberg req. Thomas Kolenberg

Friday, April 4
  8:00 +Pablo Torres req. Ryan Sherwin
12:10 +Owen Stephen Davis req. Betty Chabalik

Saturday, April 5
  8:00 Special Intention Richard Paul Kim req. Joseph & Mary Kim
12:10    +Mildred O’Brien req. Niece Susa Saline

Holy Name Society . . . for all men of the parish: the rectory every Friday morning for coffee, Eucharistic adoration benediction & prayer, from 7:00-8:00 a.m.

Pray for an end to abortion every Wed. 7:00 -10:30 a.m., Planned Parenthood, 1039 East Main St, Stamford. 

Eucharistic Adoration:  Fridays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 noon

Are you a registered parishioner? … If not, please visit the parish office Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or call the office for more information [ext 21 or 17].

Sponsor Certificates for Baptism or Confirmation Sponsors…are happily given to parishioners of St. John’s, i.e. those whose regular Mass attendance is known to the priests or can be verified by the records of the weekly offertory (envelopes).        

St. Maria Goretti Society…For the spiritual formation of girls from 9th - 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  For more information, please call Rosa Marchetti at 348-023.

St. Dominic Savio Society…For the spiritual formation of boys from 8th – 12th grades meets monthly in the Rectory.  Any questions, please contact Frank Marchetti at 434-4734.

Novena of the Miraculous Medal:  Monday 8:30 a.m.

Credit Card Offertory…Make weekly or monthly donations by credit card. You can set up recurring credit card donations with the church secretary.  She can take your information over the telephone.  Call 324-1553 x21.

Divine Mercy Sunday
-Fr. Terry Walsh

In the early 1920’s, a young woman named Maria Faustina Kowalska entered the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy in Cracow, Poland. She began to experience Mystical Revelations of Jesus, who began to instruct her about the greatest attribute of God: His Mercy. She wrote about these experiences of her Private Revelations and visions in a book called the Diary. Our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in His Glorified Body with bright rays of Red and White light streaming from His Sacred Heart. He told her that he wanted this image to be painted and at the bottom of the painting, to inscribe the words: “Jesus, I Trust in You.” He also instructed her that He wanted the 1st Sunday following Easter to be proclaimed perpetually as a special feast celebrating His Mercy. In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II, also a native of Cracow, elevated Blessed Faustina to Sainthood and proclaimed that the 1st Sunday following Easter would indeed be celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday in the Church’s Liturgy – to honor the Mercy of God. Incidentally, 5 years after this proclamation, John Paul would draw his last breath on Divine Mercy Sunday.
The Supreme Act of Mercy, of course, was offered when Jesus laid down His life as a ransom for us and enabled us to enter into His Divine Life through personal encounters with Him in the Sacraments, most especially Holy Eucharist. Consider one of the prayers associated with the Divine Mercy Chaplet: “O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a Fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You.” It is that very Blood that we receive in the Eucharist.
When Jesus appeared to the Apostles after the Resurrection, He greeted them with mercy. In the Gospel of Luke (known as the Gospel of Mercy) Jesus says “Be Merciful.” He commands us to have the same compassion on one another that He demonstrated in the upper room. When we read the Scriptures, most especially the four Gospels, we uncover His Mercy on every page. At the same time, we are called to meditate on His mercy and love so that we can imitate Him.
St. Faustina sought our Lord with an undivided heart and her faith in His love strengthened her to endure suffering by uniting herself to the suffering heart of Jesus. She wrote, “Although outwardly I meet with many sufferings and various adversities, this does not, however, lessen my interior life for a moment nor disturb my inner silence. I do not fear at all being abandoned by creatures because, even if all abandoned me, I would not be alone, for the Lord is with me. And even if the Lord were to hide, love will know how to find Him. For love knows no gates or guards; even the keen-eyed Cherub himself, with his flaming sword, will not stop love; it will work its way through wilderness and scorching heat, through storm, thunder and darkness, and will reach the source from which it came, and there it will endure forever. All things will come to an end; but love, never”(1022). In one private revelation to the Saint, Jesus revealed to her: “I desire trust from My creatures. Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy. Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the immeasurable depths of My Mercy”(1059).
We simply need to look to His wounded side upon the Cross and know that He endured it for love of us. Trust in Him.