Editor
The Silver Jubilee Mass, celebrating Bishop Howard J. Hubbard's quarter-century as head of the Albany Diocese, seemed to contain at least one memorable moment for each of those 25 years.
The two-hour liturgy was celebrated April 7 in a jammed Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. In attendance were several bishops, scores of priests, representatives from other Christian denominations and faiths, civic and governmental leaders, and more than 1,000 lay Catholics from throughout the 14-county Diocese.
One of those laypeople, John Smircich from St. Margaret Mary's Church in Albany, said afterward: "It was overwhelming. It was a great tribute to the Bishop. We're so blessed and privileged that he is our shepherd."
Procession
That view was echoed by the entire congregation, which loudly sang "Alleluia," under the direction of the cantor, Kim Harris from St. Catherine's parish in Middleburgh. Colorful banners led a lengthy procession that was at once solemn and joyous into the Cathedral, which was decked with flowers.
At the end of the procession of clergy and others was Bishop Hubbard. Thunderous applause greeted him, and the sustained ovation carried him down the main aisle to the sanctuary.
Rev. Kenneth J. Doyle, pastor of St. Catherine of Siena Church in Albany and a chancellor, then read letters of congratulations from Pope John Paul II (see page 15) and Cardinal Edward Egan of New York City. (The latter could not attend due to previously scheduled Masses for the police and fire departments.)
Words of faith
The lectors for the three readings were Sister Kathleen Turley, RSM, chancellor of the Diocese; Mary McGinty, from St. Matthew's parish in Voorheesville and president of the Diocesan Pastoral Council; and Deacon Michael Carbone from St. Joseph's Church in West Winfield.
The homily was delivered by Bishop Matthew Clark of Rochester, a native of the Albany Diocese who has known Bishop Hubbard for more than 40 years (portions of his remarks begin on this page).
Other bishops in attendance were Bishop Edwin Broderick, Bishop Hubbard's predecessor; Bishop Thomas Costello of Syracuse; Archbishop Harry Flynn, another native of the Diocese who is now archbishop of St. Paul-Minneapolis; Bishop William Murphy, auxiliary of Rockville Centre; and Bishop Basil Losten of the Ukrainian Diocese of Stamford.
All together
"The Mass was all-encompassing. It was a beautiful ceremony," said Shirley Philion, from St. Mary/St. Paul's parish in Hudson Falls.
That "all-encompassing" flavor was heard during the Offertory song when Mrs. Harris and Dan Bernadett, from St. Vincent de Paul parish in Albany, led the congregation in singing "I Say Yes My Lord" in English and Spanish ("Digo 'Si,' Senor").
The Mass included representatives from the many parts that make up the one Church: youths carried banners; Thomas Babiuch, a seminarian, assisted the Bishop; carrying the holy water during the blessing of the congregation were members of the Vietnamese and Black apostolates, as well as James Gargiulo, a man with a developmental disability from St. Mary's Church in Amsterdam; and the gifts were brought to the altar by members of the Spanish Apostolate.
Joyous people
Sprinkled throughout the Mass were signs of the joy of the occasion: The congregation's energetic singing mingled with the superb Cathedral choir, organ and brass ensemble...the resounding, full-throated recitation by all of the clergy of "Through Him, with Him..." was an aural reminder of their unity with the Bishop...and applause strongly endorsed Bishop Hubbard's ringing statement of support for the priests of the Diocese. Those remarks came during his closing address to the congregation; the address appears in full beginning on page 18.
After the Mass concluded, Donald Philion, from St. Mary/St. Paul's parish in Hudson Falls, told The Evangelist: "I was very impressed. It was done with great taste."
(Contributing to this article were Pat Pasternak, staff writer, and Maureen McGuinness. The internet radio broadcast of the Jubilee Mass will be repeated April 14 at 9 a.m. at www.radioalbany.com. It will also be repeated at 10 a.m. on WIXR-AM930 in the Amsterdam-Johnstown-Gloversville area. Videotapes of the Mass are available for $15. Make checks payable to the Albany Diocese Media Office and send to 40 N. Main Ave., Albany, NY 12203. Allow four weeks for delivery.)