Monsignor Sam A. Sirianni FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — The Rev. Sam A. Sirianni came to St. Robert Bellarmine Roman Catholic Church, Georgia Road, in January 2009 to lead the parish as its pastor.
On April 23, Sirianni, 56, was elevated to the position of monsignor during an Investiture ceremony at the church that was officiated by Bishop John M. Smith of Trenton.
Sirianni also celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest this year.
“Both events have been graced moments for me to reflect in how Christ has worked in my life and in the lives of those I have served,” the monsignor said.
He told those in the audience at the ceremony, “You all reflect the mystery of Christ’s church, your presence in my life and your invitation to allow me to enter into your lives and bring Christ reminds me of how God has worked down through the ages. God uses the weak and makes them strong in showing forth the love of God and his son Jesus Christ.”
Sirianni said he would recommit himself and all of his resources to continue to serve the parishioners of St. Robert Bellarmine with “joy and humor.”
In an interview, he said he was overwhelmed by the number of people — more than 700 — who attended his investiture ceremony. More than 50 priests from throughout the Diocese of Trenton attended the ceremony.
Msgr. Ralph Stansley, of Our Lady of Sorrows, Trenton, gave the homily at the ceremony.
Sirianni said Stansley and other people said so many nice things about him that he wondered who they were talking about.
“You do what you are called on to do,” Sirianni said, explaining his position in the church. “Then you hope and pray for success.”
Sirianni said he is grateful for his parents, who he said have been a blessing. Having parents who demonstrated a strong sense of faith, family and service was how Sirianni and his siblings were raised.
“This investiture was a celebration of Christ, my work and to show forth the face of God,” he said. “Our job is to make real what we believe and to help the faithful experience that.”
Sirianni, who is a native of Long Branch, said he enjoys leading the 3,500 families in the parish at St. Robert Bellarmine.
“It is a beautiful parish with beautiful people,” he said.
In addition to his duties leading the parish, Sirianni holds the position of director of the Office of Worship in Trenton. Currently, Sirianni is working on the preparation and acceptance of the third edition translation of the Roman Missal, a book that Catholics have used to follow the Mass since Vatican II.
Noting that the title of monsignor is an honorary title bestowed upon him by Pope Benedict XVI, he said, “It is with a sense of humility that I accept this honor. People wonder now, what do they call me? Whatever you want. Remember, I am still a priest.
“The title of Father is a very powerful title,” he said. “When I think about this, we as priests should and must be most compassionate and most understanding. The very image of a father prompts understanding.”
Sirianni has lived by a philosophy that was taught to him and his three brothers by his parents: “Have the courage to stand firm in our faith, work as if everything relied on us, and pray as if everything relied on God.”