The Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Mauriello, S.T.L., will speak about and sign his new book Mercies remembered: reflections and reminiscences of a parish priest in the auditorium of the Silas Bronson Library, 267 Grand St., Tuesday, December 6th at 6:30 p.m.
The book opens with reminiscences of Father Matt’s Italian-American upbringing in New Jersey as well as stories of mercy from his 22 years as a parish priest. When he writes of his grandmother, who overcame her bitterness over being widowed young, Father Matt emphasizes that it’s not a sin to be a bon vivant – to find a way to enjoy life to the fullest – as long as we follow St. Paul’s advice that “In all things whether we eat or drink, we give glory to God” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Father Matt also recalls his experiences studying in Rome, serving at his first parish in Puerto Rico, being named an Honorary Canon of the Cathedral Basilica of Orvieto, Italy and meeting beloved opera star Luciano Pavarotti in New York City.
His encounter with Pope John Paul II is representative of the book’s appealing tales. At a papal audience Father Matt attended while he was a seminarian in Rome, he thrust his hand out as the pope was walking down the aisle saying “Pray that I’ll be a good priest.” – to which the pope replied “Pray that I’ll be a good pope.”
Part two is composed of reflections on theological themes such as prayer and humility.
The mercies described in the book are threefold: God’s Mercy to others of which Father Matt has either witnessed or heard of, God’s Mercy received by Fr. Matt, and Father’s priestly ministry as an instrument of bringing God’s Mercy to others. The message of the book is to spread awareness of God’s bountiful mercy and bring it to others as we help one another persevere on the path that brings us to the kingdom of heaven.
The complete work is written with the simplicity, humility, humor and profundity of a happy, holy, fun-filled faith-filled life.
Fr. Mauriello ordained to the Holy Priesthood in 1988 and was named President of the North American Congress on Mercy and represented North America at the International Congress on Mercy at the Vatican. He is trilingual, loves opera, Italy and travel and often serves as chaplain on cruise ships during his vacation time. He currently serves as pastor of St. Roch Church in the Italian section of Greenwich, CT.