Father Anthony Russo celebrates 50th jubilee

On Sunday, November 8, Father Anthony Russo, a member of the Visitation BVM community, celebrated his 50th jubilee as a Redemptorist priest. Father Russo has ministered to the deaf community in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for more than 48 years.

There was a concelebrated Mass at Our Lady of Ransom, a site for sign-language-interpreted Masses. Father Thomas Nasta, the pastor, was the main celebrant. Father Joseph Bruce, a deaf Jesuit from Massachusetts, preached the homily. Also in attendance were Father Russo’s confreres, Donald Miniscalco, Bruce Lewandowski, Raymond Collins, and John Olenick.

In his homily Father Bruce signed how Father Tony has used his hands in so many ways over the last 50 years as a priest to the deaf faithful. “He used his hands to drive a car to visit us in hospitals and homes. He used his hands to absolve our sins and explained about God’s mercy. He used his hands to bless us and celebrate the Mass so we can experience God’s love for us. We have seen and experienced heaven in your hands!”

Father Russo said he “felt like Santa Claus” as he sat in a chair in the sanctuary and numerous well wishers came up to congratulate him and have their pictures taken with “the archbishop of the deaf” as one gentleman put it.

The International Catholic Deaf Association Philadelphia chapter organized a luncheon after the Mass at a local Italian restaurant, and 100 people attended. Father Russo enjoyed the veal parmigian and the wonderful smiles and stories of the community that has enjoyed his ministry for almost five decades.

Ad multos annos!