A First High Mass for Newly Ordained Fr. Jonah Garno
On Sunday, July 14th, parishioners and friends of St. Joseph's Church were blessed to assist at a first High Mass celebrated by Fr. Jonah Garno.
Fr. Garno was a student of St. Joseph's Academy from 2001 until he left for LaSalette Academy in Illinois to complete his high school education. Fr. Garno entered St. Thomas Aquinas Seminary immediately after his graduation from LaSalette and has spent the last 7 years studying at the seminary — both at its previous location in Winona, MN and, following the relocation, in Dillwyn, VA.
Fr. Garno joins a growing list of priestly vocations hailing from St. Joseph's Church: Fr. Richard Boyle, Fr. Timothy Sick, Fr. Thomas Tamm, and many others. It is a testimony to the faith and devotion of the faithful and the grace of God poured out on souls through the sacraments offered in our humble parish.
In thanksgiving for this grace, the Altar & Rosary Society provided a beautiful banquet for the parish and for friends who had travelled from outside the area for this occasion. Flowers graced the tables, delicious food was abundant, and joyful conversation filled St. Philomena Hall.
To conclude the banquet, several parish groups offered gifts to the newly ordained Fr. Garno: a sick call set, a confessional stole, a reliquary, and a monogrammed leather briefcase. These beautiful gifts will be a wonderful reminder of Father's parish home as he departs for the mission field in South Africa next month.
