ROSEDALE, Md. — A Rosedale family, priests and parishioners are praying that a stolen heirloom will be returned in time for an important ceremony this weekend.
On Saturday, Friar David Kashen is to be ordained as a priest at St. Clements Catholic Church in Rosedale, the parish where he grew up.
But something important is missing.
Last week, the chalice that once belonged to his uncle, the late Father John Barbernitz, was stolen.
It was the same chalice Barbernitz held when he was ordained in the same sanctuary in 1950.
"The chalice that was given was a gift from the parish. It’s very special to me. Not only was it my uncle’s, but it was something that came from the parish," Kashen said.
"The people in this parish donated jewels and gold to make this chalice. That’s why it has so much meaning," said Patricia Barbernitz, a nun who is Kashen’s aunt and sister to his late uncle.
The chalice and communion plate, called the Patton, were stolen last week from Kashen’s aunt’s house not far from the church.
The Patton? Well General Patton was called "Old Blood and Guts", but that is not exactly the same as vessels for the Sacred Body and Blood. Of course they meant Paten, which is an easy mistake.
I do hope that they are returned in time.
"The sisters aren’t going to pray to St. Anthony, because it’s not lost. Instead, they’re praying to the thief. He has no idea what he’s up against, with all these nuns praying, and I agree with that," Barbernitz said.
St. Dismas get to work!
2 comments
the mis spelling of Paten reminds me of the journalist who referred to the bishop’s staff as a crow’s ear.
can you tell me if this is the same father john barbernitz that was in the army and was stationed for awhile at Fort Rucker, Al. Growing up, he was a big support to our family while we were stationed there. Can you tell me when he passed on to be with God and where he is resting. I want to pay my respects. Thanks