Even if you don’t know her, chances are that you have enjoyed her hospitality or personal touch at St. Philip’s.  Mary Fiori, a long-time parishioner and tireless volunteer, has put her loving hand to many an event in our parish.

We are proud of Mary, who will receive the Vivere Christus Award from Bishop Serratelli this weekend.  The Vivere Christus, which is Latin for “To live is Christ”, echoes St. Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21:  “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”  The award honors those who give and live in large measure for Christ.  In Bishop Serratelli’s own words, this honor is given “to acknowledge the value and importance of the laity and to express gratitude and appreciation to those who unselfishly give of themselves for the building up of God's Kingdom.” 

Mary and her late, beloved husband, Larry, have one daughter and two grandchildren.  Mary will be quick to proudly tell you that both grandchildren are currently serving as captains in the US Army.  Larry worked for the Fire Department of Clifton, and Mary worked for the Clifton Board of Education.

After 34 years as an administrative assistant, one could understand if Mary went into a long and restful retirement.  But Mary didn’t.  She joined and belonged to and volunteered for just about every organization she could.  The list of her involvements is too long to include here.  Most recently she has served as an Extraordinary Minister, a member of one of our Consolation teams, and a Columbiette.

Most often, however, you will find her in the parish kitchen, preparing refreshment for any and all parish functions and events.  Our Mary, who is a good pray-er and a communicant at daily Mass, is also a Martha, who is busy about the details of hospitality and entertaining.  Our parish would not be the same without her.

On our behalf, I congratulate Mary and thank her for her graceful service to St. Philip’s.  If you would like, you are free to see Mary receive her award at a prayer service at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Sunday, May 16^th, at 3:30 pm.  I know how much she deserves it, and I thank God that Mary is being honored by our Bishop in this way.

Sincerely, 

Fr. Paul