Church of
Assumption and Immaculate Conception
Tuckahoe, New York 10707
March 8, 2002
Dear Nancy
My recollection of St. Agatha days are many.
I cherish every moment of my six years, assigned by Cardinal Spellman,
Archbishop of New York, as chaplain in June 1957. I took the assignment
seriously while admitting I hardly knew what to expect. There
were then about 600 boys and girls, ranging in age from 2 to 18.
They lived in groups of thirty (more or less) with a Sister and
her assistant.
I was their Priest and they were my children. I enjoyed them
thoroughly. The "them" were the boys and girls from 1 to
18. The little ones (2-6), I visited regularly in their groups,
but not as often as the older children.
My time during school hours was usually in the school (1st
- 8th grades on the grounds - Sister Ignatius was Principal. Sr.
Charles - 8th Grade; Sr. Paula - 7th Grade; Sr. Goretti - 6th
Grade); visiting every grade (1st - 8th) weekly; spending about
one-half hour per visit.
I was demanding of those preparing to receive Sacraments.
I wanted them to know the matter very well. I rejected the sentiment
that they could not "do it." I insisted and even 2nd Graders memorized
certain catechism areas. They were so happy that they passed.
After, I actually played with them dividing my time equally
among the boys and girls. With the boys, it was hand ball, basketball,
races, ring-o-livio (a chasing game), stick ball, or just talking,
laughing. They were so happy those children. With the girls, it
was jump rope, hide and seek, soft ball, just talking, teasing,
laughing. My Priest friends often asked me when was I going to
get out of the "play pen," and do Priest work.
The kids loved to come to my house. It was not 30 kids like
their house, they got away from all that. I always had cookies
and milk.
Winter time meant "snowball fights." Gee, how they loved that,
especially the girls, for I was bringing over the boys. I would
get a gang of boys (20 or so) and tell them to make three or four
snowballs. With "ammunition" set, we would charge the girls area.
They would see us coming; they would run in every direction. Snowballs
would fly all over the place. Screaming, yelling, laughing. The
noise decibel was equal to heavy bombing. I would yell retreat
and we would go running back to the Boy's side. Reload and attack
again. Face washing in the snow was also the order of the day.
I would reverse it. I would get a gang of girls (bigger girls)
load up and charge the boys. The boys could hear us coming. They
didn't run. They would quickly load up and fire away. The boys
would get a big charge out of hitting me. It was such fun.
Nights I would visit the cottages and play pool, cards, or
tell them spooky stories or watch TV. It was such fun. I knew
the kids needed money, so on Sundays, I would have water drinking
contests. Anyone could enter, 1st place - 25 cents; 2nd place
- 10 cents; 3rd place 5 cents. The boys drank water until it came
out of their noses. I think Hector Morreno once drank 12-13 glasses
(8 ounces) of water.
Nancy, that's enough for now. How I wish I could go back
to those days. I close my eyes and I see them. They were
always so happy when they were with each other.
I trained the alter boys. I had about 50 of them. In those
days they had to know Latin. I trained them and they learned.
For Christmas and Easter, Sr, Charles and Sr. Paula would dress
them for those special masses. I was a bit of a nut. I wanted
military precision. We practiced the procession lines in the Chapel
until they got it perfect. Often the Srs. (about 40) would be
in Chapel for prayers and I would carry on giving them a laugh.
It was just great.
God bless you, Nancy.
Much love
The Home Priest
Rev, Msgr. Francis E. Oliverio
Pastor
(914) 961-3643 - - - (914) 961-0283(Fax)
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