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I had the opportunity to cover the annual smoker sponsored by the parish’s Holy Name Society at St. Joseph Marello Parish last Sunday. The parish is located on William Street in Pittston and is comprised of the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Rocco’s churches.
I haven’t attended many smokers over the years, mainly because, well, for years, many men attending smoked. It’s not that way anymore and smokers are smoke-free, but the name stands.
Approximately 250 men filled the hall for a good time of laughter, food, raffle prizes and of course male bonding. Luzerne County Senior Judge Joseph Augello served as toastmaster.
Principal speaker of the evening, Fr. Joe Adonizio, a native of Hughestown, spoke eloquently all evening long and, in his delivery, spoke of the pride of the parish. Combining parishes has been stressful and trying for all churches, but judging by the number of attendees at the smoker, St. Joseph Marello Parish is strong.
“We do pretty good down there,” said Jim Murphy, chairman of the St. Joseph Marello Parish smoker. The “we” Jim alluded to is the great representation Greater Pittston has “down there” — the Luzerne County Courthouse.
Mr. Murphy was speaking of lead prosecutor Atty. Jarrett Ferentino and Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney Samuel Sanguedolce, both Pittston area natives, and their successful prosecution of Hugo Selinski.
Nearly half the judges from the Court of Common Pleas are from Greater Pittston or have ties to our area including Judge Fred Pierantoni III, Judge Michael Vough, Judge Thomas Burke (who is just off a stint as President Judge) and Augello.
Surrounding churches had representation from their Holy Name societies. Exeter’s St. Barbara Parish Holy Name Society filled a table that included newly-appointed Exeter mayor Herman Castellani.
I’ve known Herman for years and he has his hands in so many organizations like the Big Band Society and the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. There’s no question his wife Louise’s head spins with all that Herman does, but I don’t think either one would have it any other way.
It was great to see Fr. Joseph Sibilano seated at the head table. Fr. Joe has a special connection to St. Joseph Marello Parish, as he is the former pastor of both St. Rocco and Our Lady of Mount Carmel churches.
Fr. Adonizio spoke of service to the community and church, and between Fr. Sibilano and Fr. Adonizio, they have a combined 110 years as ordained priests. That’s a lot of Baptisms, First Holy Communions, Confirmations, and funerals, my friends.
Fr. Sibilano will be honored on the 50th anniversary of his ordination April 19 at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua at the Parish of St. Barbara, Exeter.
I asked Fr. Joe if he was going to retire and he answered, “I’ll retire when they take me to St. Rocco’s Cemetery.” That, I believe.
Also in attendance and seated at the head table was Jimmy Ardoline. Jimmy served as honorary chairperson. Many readers know Jimmy as a treasured institution at Pittston Area School District as well as at the former Mount Carmel Church.
For a few decades, Jimmy was the Patriots’ sports manager and just as important to sports programs as any key athlete who went through their programs.
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Jimmy and I was curious to know his age. “I’m 66, Tone,” he told me. I couldn’t believe that Mr. Pittston Area is 66 years old. (Insert here, “Time is flying.”)
There were a lot of family members present and it was great to see Pittston Area School board member John Adonizio spending time with his uncle, Fr. Adonizio. Joe Valenti, of West Pittston, reserved a table, as he does each year, bringing along his two sons.
The Falcones were present as were the Saporitos and the Espositos and even my uncle John Callaio, at 87 years old, made the event.
I know over decades, there has been an erosion of organizations like Holy Name societies and others, but it’s important to keep traditions alive and, from what I observed last weekend, St. Joseph Marello Parish is doing just that.
Quote of the week
“With a genuine keenness or readiness to serve others, one can attain happiness in any group or community, and the very eagerness to serve others will endow you with the power and skill necessary for the required service. Nowadays, we tend to regard it as derogatory to serve, but there is great worth in service.” – Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Indian spiritual leader.
Thought of the week
If you cannot find peace within yourself, you will never find it anywhere else.
Bumper sticker
Joy is not a thing; it is in us.