August 17, 2021
Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Josephine Bakhita Parish,
Greetings and blessings!
This past week I was informed of the passing of a dear and special priest, Fr. Nicholas “Nick” Cesaro.
On the journey of every priest, we are always looking for the best role models to assist us in our discernment and growth. Boy oh boy, did I find that role model in Fr. Nick. Over his 95 years he touched the hearts, minds, and souls of countless people, including me.
I first met Fr. Nick when I entered St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield for my college years. He was on the faculty as a History and Italian teacher. He also functioned as a spiritual director for countless seminarians. For me, I encountered his greatness and inspiration through the drama productions we did each year. He was always the director of the play we picked each year. He was knowledgeable on all levels about the needs of a good production. We always did a musical, even though he was not a musician, he had the uncanny ability to pick the right people with the right talents to make the production work. Plus, he was a very patient, saintly patience.
Some years later, well into my priesthood, and pastor at St. Mary, Newington I encountered Fr. Nick once again. He was pastor at St. Augustine, Hartford. He called one day and asked if he could move into my rectory at St. Mary…for he was soon retiring and needed a place to live and help. Thank God I said yes! The next five years were an amazing gift. We enjoyed the time to share, to pray, to eat, to talk about the issues of the day and the church. It was a blessing to me to discover Fr. Nick as a friend, a mentor, and a soul mate.
He was a wonderful cook...I was not able to boil a pot of water. So, he often cooked, and I would clean-up. I was always inspired by his desire to take care of his health. He would often, if not daily, walk from Newington to Hartford (Bushnell Park) meet a friend on their lunch break and then walk back. That regime, obviously, never rubbed off on me!
His passion for doing justice and upholding the dignity of all people was truly an inspiration. He was also a trained and licensed marriage therapist. He touched the lives of so many through this powerful ministry. He was renowned for this part of his priestly life and work.
This is just a small taste of the goodness and awesomeness of this fine man and priest. May Fr. Nick rest in the loving embrace of his Creator. Peace!!
UPDATE ON COVID-19 (Delta) safety:
For the deepest concern and respect for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Archbishop Blair announced and requested on August 7th, that all those attending Masses and other events be encouraged to resume the wearing of masks due to the rise in the virus infections in our state. I personally think this is a wise and prudent decision.
Peace and Blessings,
Fr. George Couturier
Pastor
