HUNTINGTON, N.Y. — Priests in the Diocese of Brooklyn, ranging from the recently ordained to retired “senior” priests, filled the former Seminary of the Immaculate Conception on Long Island, Sept. 15-19, for their triennial “away” convocation.
This year’s venue was familiar to most of the priests because it is where many of them went through formation.
As in years past, this convocation was divided into two groups — the first, Monday through Wednesday morning, and the second, Wednesday afternoon through Friday.
“There’s a great spirit,” Bishop Robert Brennan said following dinner on Wednesday. “It’s good when all the priests of the diocese can get together in a relaxed setting.
“And to be here at the seminary where many, myself included, were formed — it means a lot.”
The mid-week overlap brought together both groups for lunch, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Ashley Fernandes, a bioethicist and a professor of pediatrics at The Ohio State University’s College of Medicine.
His presentation, titled “Bioethics for Catholic Clergy,” was followed by an address from Bishop Brennan, who was attending his second away convocation since he came to Brooklyn in 2021.
Dr. Fernandes is the brother of Bishop Earl Fernandes, who replaced Bishop Brennan as the prelate of the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio.
The keynote was not open to the media, but Bishop Brennan said Dr. Fernandes did a great job discussing the importance of human dignity and its relevance to recent topics such as assisted suicide and gender ideology.
The priests also heard from a man, Forrest Smith, who pursued transitioning into a woman, but discovered Jesus during a COVID quarantine. He subsequently chose “detransitioning” and converted to the Catholic faith.
“There’s some very serious stuff going on, and some very serious concerns,” Bishop Brennan said. “And there are a lot of untold stories.”
Priests participating Wednesday through Friday heard similar presentations from other bioethics professionals, including Dr. Patrick Hunter, a pediatrician from Pensacola, Florida.
Dr. Nicole Shirilla, also a medical professor at Ohio State University, discussed Catholic teachings and palliative care in dealing with end-of-life cases.
“They gave good advice to us on being able to accompany people who are suffering, and to do so, treating people with human dignity,” Bishop Brennan said. “Because it’s not about writing people off. It’s not about making judgments.
“It’s about walking with people who are trying to find their way.”
Wednesday evening also drew the attendance of Bishop Emeritus Nicholas DiMarzio and Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Paul Sanchez.
Msgr. Cuong Pham, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Astoria, praised the convocation for how it bolsters unity among the priests.
“We’re so busy, we don’t get to see each other often,” Msgr. Pham said. “But when guys come back here and spend time together, that’s the best.”
Msgr. Pham, whose formation was also in Huntington, said he enjoyed seeing the former seminarians reconnecting in the halls and sharing contact information.
“You even see the bishops mingling with the priests,” he said. “That’s very important. So, the vibes have been exceedingly positive.”
