THE ADORNO FATHERS IN SOUTH CAROLINA

 

The presence of the Adorno Fathers in South Carolina started, as did their presence in the United States, with a request from the Filippine Sisters. The sisters had accepted the invitation of Most Reverend Ernest L. Unterkoefler, Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston, to become administrators and teachers at Divine Redeemer Catholic School in Hanahan, SC. After the ordination of Father Michael Marotta, CRM, and Father Leo Prince, the idea of a possible expansion to the South was entertained. The sisters introduced them to Father Joseph J. Murphy, pastor of Divine Redeemer. Father Murphy introduced them to the Bishop. Father Hector DiNardo, CRM, received a letter from Father Murphy, dated May 21, 1987, inviting the Order to come and spend some time in the area. In the letter he cited the urgent need for priests in the Diocese of Charleston and the possibility of a visit with the Bishop. Father Hector received a letter dated September 4, 1987, from the Bishop expressing his interest to speak to the Order about possible expansion in to South Carolina. A meeting was held in Lodi, New Jersey on April 28, 1989. Representatives of the communities of Ramsey, New Jersey and Lodi were present along with the General Procurator of the Order, Father Nicholas Capetola, CRM. The American community accepted the challenge to expand into South Carolina. South Carolina was and, in a sense, still is a mission area. Even though Charleston is one of the oldest Catholic Dioceses in the United States, the Catholics are a small minority (3 to 4%) of the general population. Father Nicholas arrived in Goose Creek, South Carolina on May 20, 1989. He took possession of Immaculate Conception parish on June 6, 1989 and was appointed pastor, effective June 9, 1989. The parish was composed of 396 families who worshiped in a multi-purpose building. It was used on Sundays for Masses and religious education classes. During the rest of the week it was used for all other parish social activities. There was a rectory with two apartments, a secretary's office and a small office for the pastor. Today, the parish family worships in a church which seats 750 and is the pride of the area. The parish family has grown from 396 fami- lies to about 2,000, approximately 6,000 souls. Our church, as a visiting priest aptly put it, is one in which everything is in its place and is decorated with simplicity and decorum. The church is a place of celebration and contemplation. The Adorno Fathers have brought, and are continuing to instill their love for the Eucharist and their sense of joy in the celebration of the Liturgy to the people of the parish. This is a community of people coming from different areas of the country and the world, with different ethnic backgrounds, who are able to worship, pray and play together. In October 1994, while in South Carolina, the Adorno Fathers came in contact with Father Edgardo O. Enverga. He was here from the Philippines for a family baptism. He expressed an interest in the Order. After his coming in to the Order, a door was opened in Southeast Asia. Father Ed took his Profession of Solemn Vows at Immaculate Conception Church on June 18, 2000. Our current pastor, Father Jason and Parochial Vicar, Father Gerry were the first two priests ordained in this parish on December 7, 2002. Father Liam was ordained here on June 23, 2007 and Father Melvin, Father Noni, and Father Jun were ordained as transitional deacons. This section of South Carolina is exploding with newcomers from all over the United States. Demographic projections of the area indicate that this area will double itself in the next ten to fifteen years. These people are coming from areas where the percentage of Catholics is much higher. May the Adorno Fathers, who are happily employed in spiritual and apostolic work for the glory of God, for the consolation of the church and the honor of their Father, Saint Francis Caracciolo, be blessed and successful. May they live, flourish and increase "for the greater glory of the Risen Christ."