From 1995 to 2003, Father Joseph Capella was a chaplain, Spanish and religion teacher, and headmaster at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School in Pennsauken. For eight years, he fostered relationships with hundreds of young men and women, overseeing and facilitating their growth as individuals living out the Gospel.
When these former students heard of the damage done to Saint Lawrence Church at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish Shrine, Lindenwold, where Father Capella is pastor, they put their faith into action to help.
On Jan. 6, a person or persons smashed eight stained-glass windows, and damaged the church’s paschal candle, papal flag and altar cross.
Soon, the Bishop Eustace Class of 2002 set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for repairs.
Some $6,200 was raised, and last Sunday former students joined Father Capella at the 11:30 a.m. liturgy. Afterward, former teacher and students had brunch at Pennylvania 6 in Philadelphia.
“They’ve stayed in touch with me over the years,” said Father Capella, expressing thanks for the students’ generosity, one of many acts of kindness the church has received since news of the vandalism.
“That was very thoughtful of them. Thank God for social media,” he said.
Written by Peter G. Sánchez
[imic_button colour=”btn-primary” type=”enabled” link=”http://catholicstarherald.org/bishop-eustace-alumni-raise-funds-for-church-repair/” target=”_self” extraclass=”” size=”btn-lg”]Read in Catholic Star Herald[/imic_button]