Mass will honor retired priests

Father Salvatore Livigni retired from active ministry four years ago, but you’d never know it from his schedule.

The 75-year-old priest assists with Masses and confessions at St. Michael the Archangel in Overlea and St. Athanasius in Curtis Bay. He makes regular visits to the sick and homebound, and he works part time as the archdiocesan director of the office of pastoral service for retired priests.

“I feel I have a lot of energy left,” said Father Livigni, who resides at St. Michael and sometimes assists in the parish school where he is “energized” by the spirit of the children.

“Being around people is really important to me,” he said. “I try to be there for them, and I think I want to be put to use.”

Father Livigni said his attitude is typical of retired priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They provide invaluable service by assisting at parishes, hospitals, retirement homes and other institutions, he said.

The archdiocese will recognize the contributions of retired priests on Oct. 25 when Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien celebrates a 3 p.m. Mass at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland. About 30 of the 82 retired priests are expected to attend the celebration, Father Livigni said.

Catholics are encouraged to attend the Mass as a sign of their appreciation for retired priests, Father Livigni said. There will be designated areas at the end of Mass where attendees can express their personal thanks to priests.

The combined service of all the retired priests represents hundreds and hundreds of years of ministry, Father Livigni said.

“The Mass is a way to recognize them and let them know they aren’t forgotten,” Father Livigni said. “These are the pioneers of the church in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and they did a great job.”

Catholic Review

The Catholic Review is the official publication of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.