At 9.15 tonight, Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua -- Seventh Archbishop of Philadelphia, founder of the Catholic world's first diocesan ministry dedicated to the pastoral care of migrants (the Migration office of the Diocese of Brooklyn), arguably the father of modern canon law in the United States, and one time Associate Pastor of Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Parish under then pastor, Msgr. Delvecchio -- died in his sleep at his apartment at the city's St Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Retired since 2003, the cardinal was 88. He had been suffering from cancer and dementia over recent years.

Born in Brooklyn to Italian immigrants who would raise ten children, the future cardinal's grit, smarts and relentless work-ethic singled him out from an early age. Known as "Tough Tony" to his seminary students and "Bevy" among friends, his sense of discipline and prominent hatred of cheese often concealed a softer side, one that led him to night school in his 50s to study for a civil law degree in order to serve the needs of a new generation of migrants.

Ordained in 1949 and named chancellor of Brooklyn in 1976, Bevilacqua became an auxiliary to Bishop Francis Mugavero in 1980, was tapped to lead the diocese of Pittsburgh three years later, and in late 1987, was introduced as the successor to John Cardinal Krol as head of the 1.5 million-member Philadelphia church.

Blessed John Paul II elevated Bevilacqua to the College of Cardinals at the consistory of 28 June 1991, conferring on him the title of St Alphonsus on Via Merulana, the mother-church of the Redemptorists. Eight years earlier, his star had been set on its trajectory after the then-auxiliary spearheaded the American implementation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

Many older parishioners still recall fond memories of "Fr. Bevilacqua" during his time at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen, which was notably his only assignment as an associate pastor. Some, such as Terry Scotto, remember entertaining "Fr. Bevilacqua" for big meals at which he was always very kind and humble, even when being served dishes which included cheese, the only great Italian ingredient he did not care for.   

May he rest in Peace. Amen

All are invited to the annual installation of New Altar Servers at Sacred Hearts - St. Stephen Church on Sunday January 8th at the 10AM Mass.

It is our custom to install new servers on the feast of the Three Kings marking the anniversary of ordination of our late moderator

Rev. Fr. Simon Joseph.

This year we will be installing three new servers. We congratulate them and their families.

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.

Joseph Galletta was born in 1921 on Carroll Street. He lived on Carroll Street his entire life and was a devote parishioner of our parish and great friend to all. Joe is said to be the parish's first Eucharistic Minister who continued to help at the Altar till the age of 89. Joseph could tell you what life was like on Carroll Street when the Funeral Directors kept their horse drawn coaches across from his house, or about the action he saw during his days in the Navy during World War II. Joseph was a loyal Knight of Columbus and daily Mass attendee. His faith was something to admire and his life was something to be proud of. Joseph is survived by his 4 daughters 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. It was easy to find Joe at morning Mass, 5:30 Mass or with his friends hanging out in Sunny's car guarding Carroll Street. We will all miss Joe and his ability to always see the glass half full and the brighter side. 

Eternal Rest grant onto him O Lord and may perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. 

Maria Ambrosino was born in Monte di Procida Italy to Ciro and Filomena. She immigrated to America making Carroll Gardens her home and eventually settling on 4th Place. Along with her husband Tommaso a Longshoreman, she raised her Three Children Lucy, Onofrio and Philomena. She was the proud grandmother of four and great-grandmother to two. Maria could always be found at morning Mass lectoring in Italian as well as on Sundays. She was a woman of great faith and devotion. She especially held devotions to Our Lady of the Assumption (Patron of her home town) Madonna Del Arco (in whose name she sent charitable contributions back to Italy) and St. Padre Pio whom she felt a special connection. She will remain for all of us a true foundation stone of our parish. Always willing to give, even when she did not have much herself. She was a person of class and strength, determination and faith. She was present representing the parish at many diocesan events and always present for parish pilgrimages. She will be missed by her family and parish - but most of all by her friends with whom she shared in the breaking of the bread everyone morning.   

A wake for Mrs. Ambrosino will be held on Thursday and Friday from 2-5 & 7-9 at Scotto Funeral Home. Her Funeral Mass will be on Saturday at 10am at Sacred Hearts-St. Stephen Church. The Family has asked that donation be made to the parish instead of sending flowers.  

L'eterno riposo dona loro, o Signore,
e splenda ad essi la luce perpetua.
Riposino in pace. Amen.