People came from far and wide to say, “Thank you and farewell,” to Monsignor Joseph Calise, Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s pastor for the past nine years.
It was standing room only at Sunday morning’s 11 o’clock mass on January 29th. People came from far and wide to say, “Thank you and farewell,” to Monsignor Joseph Calise, Our Lady of Mount Carmel’s pastor for the past nine years. Fondness for their pastor was evident in the many personal greetings Calise received in addition to the high mass attendance, many had to stand.
Gratitude was a two-way street as Pastor Calise said his time at Our Lady of Mount Carmel was wonderful and that he’d miss this parish. He conveyed, however, that he must accept this new phase the bishop has asked of him. He is looking forward to serve as pastor to two churches, Transfiguration and St. Stanislaus Kostka, in Maspeth, Queens. Pastor Calise also said, “I wish my successor the same welcome and blessings I have received since I have been here.”
Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, will serve as the new pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. He will begin celebrating mass in February and will have his formal installation this June.
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