An Update from Msgr. Todd & Fr. Anthony Camilleri
Dear Parish Family,
As the echoes of "Silent Night" and "O Little Town of Bethlehem" still ring in our ears, I write to all of you with some very significant news. The mystery of the Incarnation moves us to marvel at the depths to which God loves us, by sending to us the Eternal Word, who comes to us in humility through the Holy Family and the simplicity of the stable in Bethlehem. That mystery transforms the hearts of every disciple, and moves us to give faithful witness in the world, even through the challenges that we all face. And so, in that context, I want to share with you the letter below from Fr. Anthony.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I am writing to inform you of my current circumstances. I will be relocating from the Merciful Love of Jesus parish due to medical reasons. I received the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on Friday, December 19, at 10:30 am. To receive the necessary medical care, I will be relocating closer to the doctors and treatment facilities in the West side of the Archdiocese. Due to the kindness of Archbishop Weisenburger and Monsignor Todd, I will be returning to OLGC as part-time priest support. I will be ministering at OLGC and receiving treatment for my cancer.
Please understand that there will be days and times when I will have to be in chemotherapy treatment or possibly recovering from chemotherapy treatment. However, I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Archbishop, Monsignor, and my brother priests for allowing me to return to a place where I loved ministering and grew to know and become friends with many people.
Sincerely, Fr. Anthony Camilleri
While my own heart is deeply saddened by this news, I am also moved by the strong faith of Fr. Anthony and the profound trust he has in the Lord. It will be a blessing to have him assigned to our parish again and live in the rectory. He will move into the rectory in the first week of January. Due to the chemotherapy and the challenges of navigating pancreatic cancer treatment, we will work with Fr. Anthony to schedule him for sacraments and liturgy when it is appropriate and around the times of his treatment. As a result, I ask that you please support him through prayer and also understand that you might not see him consistently, due to the plan of treatment.
There will be much more to share in the coming weeks, but please join me at this time in praying that the transition back to OLGC and our family goes well and that his treatment is effective for healing. As Fr. Anthony moves into this season of his life, he asked that we pray in a special way through the intercession of St. Paul (who spent time on Malta); St. John Paul II (who inspired his vocation); and St. Therese of Lisieux (who guides his spirituality). These three saints are his “All Star Team” as I like to call them. Again, there will be more details forthcoming, and I’ll keep the parish updated as I am able in the weeks to come. I offer my gratitude to all of you in advance, in the spirit of Blessed Solanus Casey, for your kindness and the unwavering support I know that you will provide!
Peace, Msgr. Todd
