AUGUST 2, 2022

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A New wooden statue of St. Justin, Apostle of Vocations 

                          has arrived from Italy

St. Justin Russolillo was born on January 18, 1891 and died on August 2, 1955. Cannonized on May 15, 2022. St Justin is the founder of the Vocationist Congregation.

 The statue will be installed by Bishop Kevin Sweeney, Bishop of the Diocese of Paterson at the Sanctuary of Mary of the Holy Spirit on August  2, 2022, St Justin's first liturgical feast day. At that time the Sanctuary of Mary will become an official Shrine dedicated to St.  Justin; a quiet place for prayer and contemplation.

The statue is a natural image of St. Justin. He is vested in a cassock with a sash around his waist the garments typical of the Vocationist Fathers. In his right hand is the emblem of the Congregation, which symbolizes the Vocationist Spirituality (the Most Holy Trinity, Holy Family, the Universal Church and Goals and Fields). In his left hand is a book with a phrase engraved, which was very dear to his heart: "O My God And My All GOd Calls You" Through this phrase he received God's strength to invite all to follow. The Rosary of Our Lady of Divine Vocations is worn around St Justin's neck as a symbol of his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother, Mary. St. Justin always had the rosary with him and he encouraged others to participate in this powerful prayer.