Father Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Catholic Church

Fr. Richard Tartaglia of St. Mary's Church

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Almost twenty years have passed since I began my initial search for a spiritual director/confessor.  I expected the process to be straightforward and simple; however, it became rather challenging.  The most important element in my mind at the time was to find someone that could understand and relate to my spiritual circumstances as connected to my Catholic faith. 

Since 1991, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has revealed his spiritual presence in my life through signs and wonders. I believe it's extremely important for anyone experiencing the presence of God to have an advisor in order to anaylize the spiritual events as well as to discuss the meaning of God's plan and purpose in your life.

Have you ever tried looking for the appropriate medical specialist before making a final decision?  Perhaps you found someone and then later decided to switch because you were not satisfied with the outcome?  The comparison can be made with someone who serves the Lord and provides guidance for dealing with everyday journeys of life here on earth.

More than fifteen years have passed since making that faithful decision in choosing Father Richard Tartaglia as my spiritual director/confessor.  However, before making that decisive choice, it was a hit and miss process with a few other priests.  In hindsight, it was the appropriate choice. Father Richard is not only a skillful spiritual counselor, but I also consider him as a friend.

                                                                             

St. Mary's Church - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Fr. Richard is one of several pastors at Saint Mary's Catholic Church, located on Myers Avenue and Route 46 in Denville, NJ.  Saint Mary's Prep is also part of the parish and provides Catholic education from kindergarten through 8th grade. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor at Saint Mary's Parish.

Fr. Richard Tartaglia's Office - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

                                     

Frankly, I admit, it's a delight to sit down and engage in dialogue with Fr. Richard about our Catholic faith, and then suddenly without warning, switch topics to baseball!  

If you examine the photograph of Father Richard's desk, he has more New York Yankees memorabilia than the Cooperstown Museum in NY.  I am in awe of his widespread collection of baseball souvenirs. And candidly, I must say, why not enjoy the game of baseball through collectibles?  It's fun entertainment for all ages and families.  In my opinion, he's the NY Yankees number one fan in the tri-state area.  I am quite sure he is happy about the major league baseball season finally getting started, especially with the game played between the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox on Sunday.  What an exciting rivalry for Yankee and Boston fans! 

Almost everyone at St. Mary's parish is aware of his love for God and baseball. 

His work in helping parishioners at St. Mary's and celebrating Holy Mass is appreciated by many and by no means forgotten.  As a gesture of thanks, baseball collectibles are common gifts given by parishioners for his thoughtful support and kindness.

He has numerous baseballs with some signed by Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson.  He has a plaque of Derek Jeter breaking Lou Gehrig's team record in 2009 for hits by a Yankee.  A photo of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig hangs on the wall with a plaque of newcomer pitchers, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.

If time would allow, you could spend hours discussing baseball with Fr. Richard, but because of his busy schedule, God's work prevails.  When it comes to faith, he's a walking encyclopedia of church doctrine and a model priest for all.  God the Father has gifted Fr. Richard with an open mind and open heart to address matters of spiritual importance.

Going back more than fifteen years, the most important matter I needed addressed was my request to receive the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Because of an on-going heart condition known as Atrial Fibrillation and continued bouts with headaches, it was God's spiritual remedy for treating my medical condition.  Through prayer, the Blessed Mother guided me to Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for his perfect timing in blessing me with this healing sacrament of the Catholic Church.

After requesting church assistance, I was anointed with oil by Fr. Richard Tartaglia with the healing sacrament. I thank the Lord for working his healing grace through this Holy Sacrament at Saint Mary's Catholic Church.

Through the blessings and grace of God, I was healed of my heart arrhythmia. The medical condition is treated with Lanoxin, a cardiac medicine. However, I've not used the medication for over fifteen years. I was treated by Dr. Gilbert Mandel of Denville, NJ, for the disorder. Additionally, I was healed from years of suffering painful headaches after countless visits to medical specialists with treatments that went to no avail. With the power of prayer and the Anointing of the Sick, God's healing grace cured me. The sacrament is administered through the church.



In James 5:14-15 the following is noted: "Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven."



I hope that through reading my testimony, God will bless you with His grace to use the sacraments of the church and to return to weekly celebration of the Mass.



May God bless you on the pathway to salvation and healing!



Copyright 2010 Loci B. Lenar
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