Parishioners from Manhattan’s Upper West Side and Staten Island were undeterred by steady rain on Saturday, January 10, as they joined Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Edmund J. Whalen, vicar for clergy, as he installed Holy Name of Jesus – St. Gregory the Great parish’s new pastor, Father Carlos Limongi. 

Father Limongi, formerly pastor at St. Joseph-St. Mary Immaculate parish in Staten Island, takes over pastoral duties at Holy Name from Father George Sears, now pastor at Good Shepherd Parish, also in Manhattan, and vocations director of the archdiocese. 

During the Mass that featured readings in Spanish and French, the polyglot Bishop Whalen told the hundreds who attended the Saturday vigil Mass that Holy Name was getting a “tremendous” pastor, one who possesses “the sensitivity to the people as an immigrant himself, as a young person who was a young professional before he became a priest.” The bishop noted that Father Limongi “can reach out to the young professionals in this neighborhood, and yet he’s able to unite all the different communities that make up this one family of faith with a unique gift, great dedication, and just a real true priestly presence.” 

In his homily, Bishop Whalen was effusive in his praise of Father Limongi and indicated that Cardinal Timothy Dolan had supported the choice of the young priest as the new pastor. “That’s why the cardinal said to me, ‘All right, make sure it’s Carlos Limongi for our Holy Name of Jesus.’ Because he’s going to walk with you, walk the long haul as one of you, encouraging, pushing, pulling, walking together, being lifted up by him as you lift him up.” 

Standing ovation follows formal installation ceremony 

Tying the installation to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord being observed that day, Bishop Whalen, who spoke in English, Spanish, and French during his homily out of respect for the parish’s diverse community, asked parishioners to do three things: “Talk to God about the blessing of being in this parish,” “tell God about experiencing His reality through the parish,” and “talk to God about your new pastor.” 

Accompanied by Bishop Whalen, Father Limongi then officially took the responsibilities of running and caring for the parish, taking oaths in front of parish lay officers and the congregation. When the formalities were completed, Bishop Whalen said, “Welcome your new pastor,” which led to applause from those in attendance. 

However, when one woman exclaimed “Alleluia,” the parishioners leapt to their feet and gave Father Limongi a standing ovation. 

At the end of Mass, the new pastor thanked Bishop Whalen, his concelebrants, and everyone in attendance, including those who came from his former parish in Staten Island. 

“I never asked for a parish, never told them to send me anywhere. Whatever they say, I go. I try to do my best, not only for the people of God, but also for myself. This is what I was ordained to do,” he said. 

New pastor promises to love parishioners 

“To my Holy Name-St. Gregory parish, thank you very much, first of all, for opening the doors of your homes to me. I know, different guy, new guy, it’s always weird, it’s always a little uncomfortable. But I can only make you one promise: If you let me, I will love you with all my heart,” he said.

“Father Carlos has the sensitivity to the people as an immigrant himself, as a young person, who was a young professional before he became a priest. He can reach out to the young professionals in this neighborhood, and yet he’s able to unite all the different communities that make up this one family of faith with a unique gift, a great dedication, and just a real, true, priestly presence,” Bishop Whalen told The Good Newsroom after the installation Mass. 

At a joyous reception for Father Limongi in Holy Name’s new church hall, Father Limongi told The Good Newsroom he would rely on his experience and earlier assignments in his new role. “Obviously, this is a completely different monster. The city, so many ideologies, so many thoughts, so many backgrounds that people just come with. And so again, from those experiences, just to be as loving and as present as I can be for the people.” 

One member of the Holy Name community, who assisted at the reception by serving a cake topped with a Father Limongi bobblehead figure, shared her joy over the new arrival. “I’m thrilled that he’s our pastor,” parishioner Eileen Tarallo told The Good Newsroom. “I think he’s doing an amazing job. He’s really connected with the parish and the people in the parish. He’s young, he’s vibrant, and he has great ideas. He’s reverent, which we appreciate. It was such a seamless transition. I think everyone is thrilled.”