by Richard Silvio

LOWELL – Memorial Day 2024 held special meaning this year. 

Not only did Americans across country and the Merrimack Valley gather to honor our fallen war heroes, but Catholics in the Lowell area also gathered to pay tribute to four Priests who have reached major milestones in their years of ministry. 

St. Joseph the Worker’s Shrine’s Father Steve Conserva, OMI and Gene Tremblay, OMI are celebrating 50 years of Priesthood this year, while Director Father Michael Amesse, OMI and Father Ron Meyer, OMI were recognized for 40 and 53 years, respectively. 

To honor the nearly 200 years of combined service these Holy men have offered to the poorest of communities across the country, the Shrine held 40 hours of celebration over the Memorial Day weekend. The string of events culminated Monday, with a 4PM Holy Hour, followed by a procession through the streets of downtown Lowell. 

Some of you may recall the deep roots which the Oblates of Mary Immaculate have in Lowell. 

From Father Garon’s establishment of St. Joseph’s, The Immaculate Conception, the Franco-American School, St. Joseph’s High School, St. Jean Baptiste, as well as the work of the OMI’s in cooperation with the local religious sisters to sponsor countless hospitals and orphanages in the city, Lowell was largely constructed and developed under the careful watch of the Catholic Church, namely the Oblate order. 

St. Joseph the Worker’s Shrine is a landmark for Catholics in Merrimack Valley, as many take advantage of their confessions (heard three times a day), as well as their Masses (also offered three times a day) Monday through Sunday. 

The charities which the Shrine contribute towards, as well as their spiritual direction for all who drift from the streets into this early 19th Century Church, are just two of the indispensable services offered by the Oblates. 

St. Joseph the Worker Shrine is truly that—a worker’s Shrine. As inscribed along the stained glass in the lobby, St. Joseph invites all through the Words of Jesus, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” 

(Richard J. Silvio is an Associate Member of Oblates of Mary Immaculate)