PATERSON, N.J. — While every Sunday celebration of the Resurrection eclipses the feast day of most saints, the church’s patron did not go unnoticed at St. Bonaventure Church here on July 15, according to pastor Daniel Grigassy, who said the Sunday readings from Deuteronomy, Colossians, and Luke coincided perfectly with the heart of Bonaventure’s teachings.
Dan said, “Moses says “[the call to return to the Lord] is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky…nor is it across the seas. No, it is something very near to you….” Paul’s liturgical hymn stresses the Primacy of Christ and his Cross. Luke’s parable of the Good Samaritan encourages us to ‘Go and do likewise.’ ”
Dan preached at all the weekend Masses on the church’s patron. Parishioners gathered that evening for a potluck supper on the lawn followed by group singing and dancing in the joyful spirit of the feast, Dan said. With the approach of the anniversary of the dedication of the church in 1878, St. Bona’s is now planning its 130th jubilee year throughout 2008. Parishioners held their first planning meeting last week, according to Dan.
Earlier in the month, more than 200 people gathered on the lawn of the church with beach chairs and refreshments to watch the July 3 fireworks from nearby Garrett Mountain across nearby Route 80.