WEST HARTFORD — Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne told 600 men at the Connecticut Catholic Men’s Conference to spread the Good News that Jesus is the true King, urging them to proclaim their allegiance through their words and works.
In his homily at the concluding Mass, the archbishop recalled family events at the seashore with nieces and nephews, playing “king on the hill.” On one occasion, he was shoved off the hill by his 4-year-old nephew Christopher, who boasted proudly, “I am the king of the universe! Worship me!”
Smiling, the Archbishop said, “You know, as a theologian, I thought — original sin.” He discussed a prevalent mentality in society best defined by the words “It’s all about me,” which leads to objectifying other people and pursuing greatness in the wrong ways.
“The Kingdom of God is not about who’s the greatest, who received the most and who gets accolades,” he said. “We fall into that trap…As kids start to grow, they learn the things our society teaches about getting ahead and keeping score. It’s the nature of our culture.”
He said these tendencies exemplify our brokenness and struggle with sin. However, “The Lord says, ‘If you want to be greatest in the Kingdom, you have to serve. You can’t be served.’” Christ did not proclaim himself an earthly king but suffered and died on the cross for our salvation, even though he was the Son of God, Archbishop Coyne said.
“We have to follow the real ‘King of the Hill,’” he said. “We have to do so in the sacrifices of our lives so that someday, we’ll hear that great statement, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, inherit the kingdom prepared for you’….Let us leave this place, ready to go and spread the Good News that Jesus is the King.”
The 17th annual conference on September 21 brought together men from across the state at Northwest Catholic High School with the theme of “The Four Last Things: Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.”
The speakers gave the men a “memento mori” — a reminder they must die and death is often unexpected, so be prepared spiritually.
Keynote speakers were Fr. Wade Menezes, CPM, author and homilist; Steve Ray, Catholic apologist and author; Kevin Wells, writer, and Peter Herbeck, Executive Vice President of Renewal Ministries and TV/radio host.
Men from all three dioceses attended the conference.
“This conference was more than just a moment; it felt like the beginning of something significant for many of us,” said Ken Santopietro, conference director. “The lessons we learned and the connections we made have left a lasting impression. It was an invitation to not just reflect, but to act on our faith in meaningful ways. We all felt called to carry the spirit of this gathering into our everyday lives, turning inspiration into action."
He said he was grateful to the archbishop, the exhibitors and attendees.
Deacon Rick Lawlor of St. Mary in Ridgefield, a member of the leadership committee, said, “Today 600 men gathered from around the state to worship God and nurture their faith as brothers. In an ever-increasing secular and sinful world, we must continue to find ways that keep us grounded and focused on Jesus Christ and the truth that set us free.”
The conference had a procession with first-class relics of 32 saints, Eucharistic adoration, confessions and Vigil Mass with the archbishop as principal celebrant.
Father Menezes, author of “The Four Last Things: A Catechetical Guide to Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell,” said the Church’s doctrine on eschatology — the last things — has been forgotten in recent decades but should be complementary with the teaching on salvation.
“We are meant to live ‘eternity minded’ in a joyful anticipatory way,” he said. And not be terrified of things to come if we live the Gospel. This will lead to frequent Communion and confession and a deeper spiritual life.
Fr. Anthony Federico, who represented the vocation directors of the dioceses, urged the men to “pray boldly” for more vocations and gave an update of the year-old campaign to pray for “1000 new holy priests” in the Archdiocese.
Since then, 90 men have called the vocation office, there is class of five new seminarians — the largest in almost 20 years — there will be 11 new seminarians next year, 22 men are in formation for the permanent diaconate, and 30 young women are interested in vocations as religious sisters.
He said it is the result of the efforts of “2000 prayer warriors” in the Vocation Prayer Society, who fast, pray and do Eucharistic adoration.
“New vocations to the priesthood, the diaconate, the religious life and holy Catholic marriage don’t come from programs, they don’t come from podcasts, they don’t come from social media, they come from holy Catholic families and the power of our prayers,” he said.
Fr. James Sullivan, rector of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and conference chaplain, said: “For the world to change, men have to come back to Christ. As men go, so goes society. If a father is faithful, there is a good chance his children will follow. A man has to be strong in spirit and remember that spirituality is manly.” Fr. Sullivan said 20 priests heard 350 confessions during the day.
Knights of Columbus State Deputy Joseph Rahtelli, a member of St. Virigilius Council #185 at St. Rose of Lima in Newtown, came with a group of Knights and men from his parish. “This is a terrific opportunity for Catholic men to bond and hear great speakers on an important topic,” he said.
Justin Murphy of Madison said he appreciated the perspective the speakers offered on death and the afterlife, recalling his father’s last words, “I’m dying to go” … because he looked forward to what lay ahead.
James Carmody of St. Mark in Stratford said the conference rejuvenated his spiritual life. “As always, the conference does not disappoint,” he said. “There were wonderful talks, solidarity with Catholic men, and the opportunity to connect with ministries.”
Aaron Joseph, conference co-director, said the event lets men reflect, pray together, network and enjoy fellowship: “It’s great for guys to take one day out of the year as a day of recollection with others to focus on a theme like this.”
John Scippa of St. Theresa in Trumbull said, I feel renewed and refreshed and proud to have been among so many men who came together to profess their faith and love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I did not want the day to end. In a culture which is in so many ways morally confusing and corrupt, it was invigorating to have been strengthened by the Catholic spirit and camaraderie I felt throughout the day with my brothers in Christ.”
By Joe Pisani
Photos by: Aaron Joseph, Photographer & Media Consultant, Archdiocese of Hartford