Cardinal Tobin Celebrates Advent Mass at Caldwell University

Caldwell, N.J., Dec. 7, 2017 – His Eminence Joseph William Cardinal Tobin, C.Ss.R., D.D., Archbishop of the Newark Archdiocese, visited Caldwell University Dec. 6 to celebrate an Advent Mass and meet students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the board of trustees.

In his homily, Cardinal Tobin spoke of the Gospel reading Matthew 15:29-37, which is the story of the multiplication of loaves and fishes and how it is “the most told miracle of Jesus,” and can be found in all four books of the Gospel.

If we want to see miracles today, said the Cardinal we “have to try to have the eyes of Jesus.” Just as the disciples only had seven loaves and a few fish to give, and Jesus was able to abundantly multiply that, Cardinal Tobin said,  “all we have to do is give what we have.”   If we give “our time, patience, a hug,” and it is given out of compassion, it will not only be enough, but it will be abundant,” said the Cardinal.     Noting that there were students making sandwiches for the homeless, he encouraged the Caldwell community to continue to care for the dignity of others – “Like Jesus you are moved with compassion.”

Brittany Gaule, a freshman, said the Cardinal’s sermon was a real good boost to help the students as they prepare for final exams. She loved the story he told about meeting St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) in his native Detroit at the residence of the Missionaries  of Charity, the order Mother founded.  Irielis Garcia, a senior, said the homily came at an important time for her since she has an illness and has had to face treatments at the holiday season for the last two years. “He gave me the joy I needed.” Katherine Llangari, a senior who will be graduating in December, said the Cardinal’s words helped her as she prepares for graduation and is making plans to apply to law school. “The Lord gives us what we need at the moment we need it.”

President Nancy Blattner welcomed the Cardinal to campus sharing with him how over the 78 years since Caldwell opened its doors it “has embraced the needs of the times through consistent growth, providing excellence in education with dedicated faculty and staff, and an unwavering focus on its Catholic mission and Dominican heritage.”

The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Msgr. Michael A. Andreano, vicar general and chancellor/secretary to the Archbishop, Father Al Berner, Caldwell’s former chaplain, and Father James Manos, pastor of St. Luke’s in Ho-ho-kus.

The music was provided by The Caldwell University Chorale under the direction of Dr. Laura Greenwald.

The Cardinal spent time talking with and having lunch with students, faculty, staff, alumni, board of trustees members and Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell.