In a history of this kind, all this activity is simply summed up by saying the priest was appointed on one date, and he left on another. Real history is hidden behind this pedestrian recital of facts.
Yet no priest has been in Amherst who did not leave behind part of himself.
Whether for few or many years, whatever his stay, he gave a portion of
his life to the church and parish. That is why all the many priests are
the unsung heroes of any parish history. They were not ordained for their
own glory but for the glory of God.
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The lesson to be learned from this history is that God has always provided, as He promised, so that His Church could continue and could expand in Amherst as in most parts of the world, could teach what He taught, could bring Christ to His people.
If the priesthood succeeds it is because of dedicated Religious and devoted lay people.
The Sisters of Charity opened their first mission in Amherst in poverty. Sacrifices were made in silence and parishioners never knew. The same devout spirit that animated the first group has been maintained all through the years. That God's work has been abundantly fruitful in Amherst, that it continues to grow enormously, is due in no small measure to the self-less, Mary-like Sisters of Charity. Only God knows how far-reaching is the spiritual good that this band of holy women continues to effect for Catholics and non- Catholics alike. Their God-inspired work continues and increases from year to year. Truly the Sisters have been the right hand of the Catholic priests always.
A parish history concentrates too much on priest's activities and tends
to ignore the devoted Catholic people, who are the main reason for which
all the effort is made, who are, after all, the Church itself. No priest
could succeed without a fervant Catholic laity. That the Church in Amherst
has developed so remarkably through the years and has made, and contunues
to make such significant contributions to community life and the Archdiocese
is a living testimonial of the deep faith, the self-sacrificing generosity
that has always characterized the Amherst Catholics. Having cast their
bread upon the water, they certainly have seen it returned a hundred-fold.