by Fr. Steve Whelan, SDB

It was a bright, clear day, and the mercury climbed to a record-breaking 90° in North Beach, San Francisco. At SS. Peter and Paul Church the heat was noted but not daunting as 11 Salesian brothers and priests prepared for their anniversary Mass and tributes. October 6, 1996, was designated the day of public honor for all those who reached significant milestones in their service of the Church and of youth in the Salesian Society.

The Salesians and the people they serve were especially privileged to witness the blessed accomplishment of Fr. Gabriel Zavattaro in reaching 70 years of religious profession! He has been serving the San Francisco Province for 70% of the 100 years of the Salesians' presence in the United States. The "baby" of the group was Fr. John Lam, serving the Chinese community out of SS. Peter and Paul, who celebrated 25 years of priesthood.

The celebration began at the 5:30 PM parish Mass with the church filled with fellow Salesians, family, friends, guests, parishioners and visitors to The City. To the inspiring hymn "Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee," sung to the melody of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy," an impressive procession of 50 priests and brothers preceded Fr. William P. Schafer, SDB, provincial of the San Francisco Province and presider/homilist for the occasion.

Fr. Schafer gave well-deserved tribute to all who were marking these accomplishments of service. He referred to the gospel of the day, the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time, reminding all present that these men have worked and are working in the vineyard of the Lord so much so that all, workers and faithful, have become the vineyard of the Lord Jesus Christ, bearing fruit for the benefit of their fellow human beings and the glory of God.

There was a reception in the church cafeteria followed at 7:30 PM by a sit-down dinner in the gymnasium. The gym was well decorated and the meal was caringly served by the local chapter of the Salesian Cooperators, who did yeomen's duty to make sure all was "Just right." The Pastor of SS. Peter and Paul, Fr. David Purdy, SDB, was the emcee for the occasion. With his customary wit and aplomb he introduced each honoree, who in turn was introduced testimonial given by the one and a "Thank You," with variations, given by the other.

Fr. Gabriel Zavattaro, in giving thanks and making acknowledgments, referred to a familiar theme: a mere callow youth of 86 (!), he recalled the joy of his vocation to the Salesian Society and the gift of his priesthood and stated most candidly that now was his time to spend well waiting for God's call saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master." He concluded by asking the prayers of his listeners to be well-prepared for that call. He received a standing ovation.

Perhaps, the most poignant moment came when Father Ralph Murphy, SDB, treasurer of Don Bosco Hall, Berkeley, and Fr. Thomas Prendiville, SDB, director of the same Don Bosco Hall, both jubilarians celebrating 40 years of priesthood, gave testimony to each other. They have known each other since 1938 when they were in the sixth grade together and were together throughout hishg school, novitiate, college and theology, separating only during their various apostolates. Fr. Ralph acknowledged Fr. Tom's leadership skills and Fr. Tom did the same for Fr. Ralph. Fr. Tom marveled at the fighting spirit of Fr. Ralph as he has battled cancer in recent years and was there for Fr. Ralph during this crisis. It was a marvel to see two persons so united and complementary as they serve the Lord.

The real humor of the affair came when Bro. Abel Zanella, SDB, celebrating 60 years of religious profession, was introduced as the man "whom time and superiors forgot!" He was assigned to St. Francis School in Watsonville, CA, in 1947 and has remained there ever since. No one else in the province can claim such longevity of tenure. It's a good thing he likes what he does! He is a man of faith, of prayer and of culinary skills. He keeps everyone on the "straight and narrow" and makes his table a gustatory delight.

These men ask for your prayers to continue to do the Lord's work, each in his own way. Please pray and encourage vocations among people of your acquaintance, especially young people, to continue God's work for youth.