Rochester, N.Y., Jun 29, 2005 / 22:00 pm
It will be a double celebration of sorts for Fr. Tom Brown’s golden jubilee. The Oblate of Mary Immaculate is marking his 50th anniversary to the priesthood in his native United States as well as in his adopted home, Sao Paolo, Brazil.
The Irondequoit native from upstate New York was ordained to the missionary order June 6, 1955. He began his ministry in São Paulo shortly after his ordination back in 1955 and currently serves as pastor of the 50,000-member Our Lady Help of Christians Parish.
It is one of two English-speaking parishes in Brazil, and many of the faithful are relatively well off. But, in an interview with Rochester’s Democrat & Chronicle, Fr. Brown pointed out that the parish has a mission to the needy.
He said parishioners “build bridges with the poor” by offering them a number of services, including food and clothing. The parish also provides day care, adopt-a-family services and English-language classes.