Staten Island’s Church of the Sacred Heart marked the month of its namesake with a Mass to consecrate the United States of America to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, after a similar Mass was celebrated by the U.S. bishops earlier in the week. 

Archdiocese of New York Auxiliary Bishop Peter Byrne, who serves as dean of the Staten Island Deanery, was the principal celebrant, joined by Fr. Rhey Garcia, pastor of Sacred Heart, concelebrating, with Deacon Jim Cowan assisting. 

Endowed by their Creator with unalienable rights 

At the capacity Sunday Mass, which also fell on Flag Day, June 14, Sacred Heart’s pastor, Fr. Rhey Garcia said, “I invited Msgr. Greg Mustaciuolo to be with us this morning, but he sent his regrets, although I’m grateful he was able to send his homily.” Msgr. Mustaciuolo serves as chief executive officer of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and is a former vicar general and chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York. 

“The American flag is more than a piece of cloth. It represents a vision: that every human person possesses a dignity that comes not from government, wealth, or power, but from God himself. The Declaration of Independence famously states that all people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. Our founding fathers understood that human dignity originates in God. Rights are not granted by governments; they are recognized because they come from the Creator,” Fr. Garcia said. 

Via Msgr. Mustaciuolo’s words, Fr. Garcia expressed the intention of the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. “Imagine what would happen if more hearts were transformed by Christ. Families would become stronger, communities would become more united, the vulnerable would be better protected, the lonely would find comfort, and the poor would find compassion, and our nation would become more fully what it is called to be.” 

READ: Staten Island’s Church of the Sacred Heart Marks 150th Anniversary with Mass, Gala 

He concluded, “As we approach the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding, perhaps the greatest gift we can offer America is not merely a tradition, but discipleship; not simply a cry in our nation, but faith in God; not merely waving a flag, but living the Gospel. For Christians, hope is never based solely on human institutions or human leaders. Our hope is in Christ. Empires rise and fall. Nations flourish and struggle. But the Heart of Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.” 

At the end of Mass and before the consecration, Fr. Garcia took time to thank Bishop Byrne and the people who participated in and organized the Mass, including representatives from the United States Coast Guard, Junior ROTC from Richmond High School, the color guard from Knights of Columbus Council 3993 and Assembly 697, representatives of non-denominational veterans group Rolling Thunder, and members of the band from Tottenville High School. He also thanked the religious sisters thatwho attended Mass, including the Sisters of St. Joseph, the Daughters of Divine Charity, the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden, and the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. 

Flag raising ceremony concludes formalities 

Following the consecration, performed by Bishop Byrne, celebrants and parishioners gathered outside for a flag-raising ceremony. Beginning with the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the singing of the national anthem, Deacon Jim Cowan read the names of members of the parish who had died in combat. He also remembered Servant of God Lt. Vincent Capodanno, a Staten Island native and U.S. Army chaplain killed in action in Vietnam. Members of Rolling Thunder then raised the American flag and the MIA/POW banner.  

Attendees then celebrated with ice cream, including Fr. Garcia’s favorite flavor, pistachio.