North Jersey Catholics Find Hope in Pope's "New Vibe" - See More At: Http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/north_jersey_catholics_say_pope_francis_has_rejuvenated_faith.html#sthash.ueddd676.dpuf

By Jeff Green
The Record
December 25, 2013

http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/North_Jersey_Catholics_say_Pope_Francis_has_rejuvenated_faith.html

Pope Francis’ humility, inclusive tone and emphasis on helping the poor instilled a sense of new hope for Catholics attending Christmas Mass on Wednesday in Bergen and Passaic counties, especially after a difficult year of revelations about clergy sex abuse in North Jersey.

Monsignor Ed Ciuba greeting parishioners at Christmas Mass at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. Many North Jersey Catholics are encouraged by Pope Francis’ non-judgmental tone.

Mary Beth Just and her son, Justin Machia, wishing each other peace during a Christmas morning Mass at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River.

“We always have a pope who’s appropriate for the time he’s been in office,” said Monsignor Robert Harahan, pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Wyckoff. “Now, we need a resurrection of basics of Christian life, commitment to the faith and service to people in need.”

Pope Francis, 77, has used his office to draw attention to poverty and youth unemployment and has surprised many Catholics with his non-judgmental tone on social issues, including homosexuality and divorce. In his first Christmas address at the Vatican, he extended a hand to atheists to join the cause of ending violence in Syria and Africa.

“I invite even non-believers to desire peace,” he said. “Let us all unite, either with prayer or with desire, but everyone, for peace.”

To some Catholics, Pope Francis, a native of Argentina and the first pope from South America, serves as an inspiration for the Hispanic community. His comments about gay priests — “Who am I to judge?” – and showing mercy has others hoping that the church will increase tolerance for gays and the involvement of women. He has departed from his predecessors, Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II, with his welcoming words, simplistic lifestyle and focus on the original Christian teaching of helping the impoverished.

“He is preaching traditional doctrine, but his style is opening the hearts of people,” Harahan said.

The pope’s uplifting message is especially welcome after several controversies emerged this year over sexually abusive priests in the Archdiocese of Newark, which covers Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Archbishop John J. Myers was accused of not supervising a priest who was banned from working with children and failing to investigate a molestation complaint received by his former diocese in Illinois.

Mary Anne Nugent, a parishioner at the Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, said the pope’s appointment of assistant Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda is a “move toward healing” from a “great deal of pain, suffering and disappointment.”

And the pastor, the Rev. Bob Stagg, said “the pope has helped all of us.”

Stagg added, “It’s hard not to be inspired by him. He’s changing the game and the attitude. He’s a wonderful breath of fresh air for us.”

Worshipers at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson praised the new pope for embracing the poor with his own hands. Denia Martinez and her mother said that they’ve found an advocate in Pope Francis as he stands up for the economically disadvantaged and represents the Hispanic community.

Juan Rodriguez of Clifton said he, too, feels more pride in his heritage. The selection of the pope, he said, is “a very good step for the Spanish world.”

Rodriguez said he was moved by Pope Francis when he visited Brazil during World Youth Day, forgoing the bulletproof vehicle traditionally used by popes in order to have direct contact with thousands of people, some of whom lived in dangerous slums.

“He wanted to be with the people,” Rodriguez said. “He’s not afraid. He has God protecting him.”

After attending the 9:30 a.m. Mass at the Church of the Presentation, parishioners said that they believed the new pope has rejuvenated their faith.

“This pope brings a leadership change I think the church has been looking for a long time,” said Edna Negron of Mahwah. “I’ve been watching, and I hope that his leadership and message continues. It will reach more people around the world.”

Nugent, a longtime parishioner, said the pope has validated activists for gay and women’s rights, like herself, who desire more inclusion. Even though Pope Francis has rejected the idea of women becoming priests, he has called for a new “theology of women,” which Nugent said is a movement toward their ordination.

“There’s a new vibe, the spirit has moved, and change has happened,” she said. “It feels like to me the laity has been heard. He has an open mind and willingness to listen.”

Nugent’s friend, Bob Henebry, said the pope’s message reminds him of a sign he once saw abroad that read, “You’re always welcome here.”

The parish added 400 families this year, bringing its congregation to 5,000, Stagg said. He’s not sure if those new parishioners were drawn in by the new pope, whose enlarged Time Magazine “Person of the Year” cover photo is displayed in the church’s entrance, but his message and humility “hasn’t hurt,” he said.

Email: greenj@northjersey.com