by Andrea Oliva Florendo

When Father Tom Pettei arrived at St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, in 2007, he knew he had found a home. Parishioners welcomed him with open arms and hearts.

“It was love at first sight,” a parishioner recalled. “And that love affair between the pastor and the parish has never ended.”

In February, 2014 Father Pettei received a call that would add another milestone to his life and the history of St. Nicholas of Tolentine. The call would announce his appointment as episcopal vicar of Queens.

Father Pettei’s installation as vicar on May 23 was greatly anticipated. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio would preside. One could not imagine a more perfect setting for such a well-loved pastor! Light glimmered on the tall stained-glass windows, icons, marble floors and the tabernacle. Pride, love and joy spilled over to the assembly that filled the pews. Hundreds of people with close to 100 members of the clergy including Auxiliary Bishops Octavio Cisneros and Raymond Chappetto attended. For those who were there, the intimate and sacred occasion was sort of pilgrimage.

“I cried when I saw them come in during the processional,” remarked parishioner Finita Canillas. “It was like being in the midst of a host of angels!”

For Thelma Oliva, St. Nick’s Today photographer, it became both a revelation and a great privilege!

As vicar, Father Pettei has been given the task to assist the Bishop in the governance of the vicariate of Queens. He will also share in all the rights, privileges and obligations attached to this ecclesiastical office by the general law of the Church. The bishop said that while the bishop has the ultimate responsibility for the mission of the Church, he cannot do it alone.

“In our present structure,” the bishop explained, “we have a vicar for Brooklyn and one for Queens.” Father Pettei “will represent me to the parishes and the priest, and people in Queens.”

In his homily, Bishop DiMarzio reiterated the mission of the Church using the example of Jesus who gave the commandment ‘love one another’ come alive. It is with genuine friendship that Christians could live the commandment of love for one another.

That is exactly what the mission of the Church is today, he said. This is precisely “Father Tom’s mission” as episcopal vicar. He has “to be a friend to a lot of priests and to a lot of people. He has to make sure that they have what they need that the difficulties that may arise can be resolved in some way.”

The bishop then expressed his pride over Father Pettei’s immediate acceptance of his new role.

“I have never heard any complaints about him,” he remarked. “In fact, when I offered him this position, Father Tom did not say, ‘Let me think about it,’ or, ‘Give me a few days,’ or, ‘Can I consult with my confessor or with five of my best friends.’ Instead, he responded ‘Bishop DiMarzio, if this what you want me to do? I‘ll do it willingly!’” The bishop beamed with pride, “I thank him for that. I did not have to ask him twice!” The comments elicited a thunderous round of applause from the congregation.

In accepting the appointment, Father Pettei said, “I grew up in Queens, so I sort of know my way around. But, as you know, there is more diversity here than just about anywhere in the country. So I have plenty to learn, and I hope to get to know the people and the leaders in all of the parishes better as I serve as your Vicar.”

He went on to thank “my family, friends at St. Nick’s and various parishes in Queens, and from the diocesan offices.” Much of his gratitude, however, went to Bishop DiMarzio for “his confidence in me as he places me in this special role of service.”

Articulating John’s Gospel and reaffirming his Catholic identity, he concluded “Jesus tells us: ‘I have called you friends.’ What a difference it would make if we remembered at every moment that Jesus has chosen us as his friends! I pray that we may bring the love and friendship of Jesus to all whom we meet, and so be messengers of the Good News and bearing witness to his Kingdom!”[hr] Andrea Oliva Florendo teaches theology and religious studies at St. John’s University; is editor of St. Nick’s Today; and curator of Mary Garden at St. John’s.