Province of Meribah celebrates the 50th Jubilee of Ordination
of Fr. Garrett J. Long, SM
Approximately 200 people gathered on in Chaminade’s Hearst Auditorium to celebrate the 50th Jubilee of Fr. Garrett J. Long’s ordination to the priesthood on September 5, 1976 in the Province of Meribah. Members of the religious communities of the Province, diocesan clergy, family, collegues and friends joyfully celebrated the Eucharist in thanksgiving for the graces received through Fr. Garrett’s sacerdotal ministry and generous devotion to Mary’s mission. Fr. Garrett was the principal celebrant, and there were many concelebrants from among the Marianists, diocesan clergy and other religious. Fr. Thomas Cardone, SM, Chaplain of Kellenberg Memorial, delivered the homliy, and Bro. Joseph Bellizzi, SM, Provincial, served as host. Chaminade’s Vocal Chamber Ensemble provided the music at the Mass.
The joy and celebration continued after the Mass, with a wonderful reception in the large gym of the AAC. During this gathering, Bro. Joseph presented Fr. Garrett with a blessing recieved from Pope Leo XIV. The jubilarian shared his gratitude to God, Mary and all who have walked with him over the last half centuryin so many ways.
One special guest, Hon. Thomas Suozzi, a member of the US Congress, and a former student of Fr. Garrett, presented him with a US Flag which had been flown over the Capitol in Washington DC. Congressman Suozzi also shared kind words and affectionate memories of his time at Chaminade.
We thank God and Mary for the grace of this jubilee, and especially for the graces we have all received through Fr. Garrett. Known for his “hands on” skill in many areas, and his humble exercise of ministry, especially as a confessor, like his parton saint, St. John Vianney, Fr. has extended to mercy of God to countless persons over these past fifty years. We ask the Lord’s continued blessing of his vocation, life in the community, and in ministry. Let us also pray that the Lord might send more workers, like him, into the field so that the great things brought about by God’s grace in this jubilarian, might also multiply!