ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE; FR. MARTIN BRUSATO, PRIEST...........

As we mark three weeks of the Easter Season, the Church liturgically commemorates St. Matthias, the Disciple of Jesus, chosen by lots to be the successor Apostle to Judas, among the Twelve.  Twnty two years ago today, May 14, 1989, the Church of the Diocese of Sacramento, called and ordained, native Sacramento vocation Reverend Father Martin Brusato, to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ.  Fr. Martin, like myself, is a local grown, South Sacramento priestly vocation.  Growing up in St. Anne's Parish, in Meadowview, where he worked with then Pastor, Reverend Father Nicholas Duggan, as a high school and college student, Fr. Martin completed his seminary formation at St. Patrick's Seminary, in Menlo Park, CA.  His first assignment as a priest was as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph's Parish, Elk Grove; where he served with Msgr. Albert O'Connor.  Then he became the Priest Secretary to Bishop Weigand, living In Residence at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, with Rector, Reverend Father Vincent Brady.  While residing there, a post midnight break-in, and untoward attack upon him, asleep in his bed, left him seriously afflicted.  But like any person, including priests dedicated to their Vocation, Fr. Brusato rallyed back, becoming Pastor of St. Christopher's Parish in Galt; at a time when they were breaking ground for the building of a new church.  Following a lengthy medical leave, and surgeries to alleviate and correct fall out conditions resulting from the attack he suffered, Fr. Martin was appointed Parochial Vicar of St. James Parish, in Davis.  Subsequent complications have him once again on medical leave, with I'm sure the resolve to soon resume his priestly ministry.  For the past nine years, Fr. Martin Brusato, and Fr. Phil Wells, another native diocesan vocation, currently serving as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Anderson; have been true personal and presbyteral inspirations to me, as I have faced my own health challenges; for their perseverance, patience, and enduring commitment to their priestly and pastoral vocations.  I salute them both; and wish my fellow partial, Portuguese ancestry sharing, colleague Fr. Martin, a Happy 22nd Anniversary of Priesthood, on this day after Our Lady of Fatima day...........Ad Multos Annos, Marty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...........Fraternally In The Risen And Redeeming Jesus The Christ,   Troy