PARISH NEWS

Galley, video: Parish celebrates Father Jim’s 50th anniversary of priesthood

Father Jim was honored on the weekend of May 18 and 19, 2024, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of his ordination.

At the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass, he was presented with a proclamation from state Sen. Joseph Griffo, was treated to beautiful music by members of the parish’s Burmese community, and parishioners celebrated his day with a reception after the Mass.

A special Mass took place in Father Jim’s honor at 11 a.m. Sunday, where Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon presented him with a proclamation from the state Assembly. On Sunday afternoon, a large gathering took place at the Oncenter in Syracuse with faithful from parishes in Utica, Syracuse and Oswego he has served for five decades.

Previously, on Friday, May 17, a street was renamed in his honor: “Father Jim Cesta Way.”

Father Jim was ordained on May 18, 1974.

The photos from the Syracuse event are courtesy of Tom Loughlin Jr.