One can only wonder if Msgr. Delvecchio knew as he shook the hand of Pope John Paul II that he was shaking the hand of a future Saint of the Church. One thing was for sure, John Paul knew of Msgr. Delvecchio and his accomplishments. Msgr. Francis Delvecchio was not made monsignor at the request of the Bishop of Brooklyn, as is usually the case, instead he was made monsignor directly by the Holy Father John Paul II. Furthermore, when the Bishop of Brooklyn at the time demanded that Msgr. Delvecchio retire as pastor of Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen, it was the Holy See (the Vatican) that wrote to the Bishop to remind him of the rightful age of retirement allowing Msgr. Delvecchio five more years as pastor.

Publication: Brooklyn Eagle;

Date: Aug 24, 1868;

Section: None;

Page: 3

This Saturday, May 14th ,2011 at 11am, Confirmation will be celebrated once again at St. Stephen Church.

August 24th 1868