Parish parade honors priest on 50th anniversary of ordination

Fifty years ago, Father Leroy DiPietro and 19 other men were ordained as priests in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. His parish family made sure today’s  celebration was memorable.

Police escorted a parade of dozens of parishioners of the Neighbors North Catholic Community through West View and into the St. Athanasius Church parking lot. Honking horns, waving signs and holding balloons, they expressed their affection for Father DiPietro.

“We love you and miss you,” some shouted to Father DiPietro from their cars.

“This was a surprise,” Father DiPietro said. “God’s people have kept me going these past 50 years of being a priest.”

Father DiPietro grew up in St. Rosalia Parish in Pittsburgh’s Greenfield neighborhood, and following his ordination he served in parish ministry in Mt. Washington, Natrona Heights, Canonsburg, Brentwood and Braddock.

For the past decade he has lived at St. Athanasius Parish while serving as the bishop’s delegate for retired priests, helping men who are transitioning from active ministry and visiting those who are no longer capable of independent living. He also is chaplain to the Benedictine Sisters in Bakerstown.

Parishioners across the diocese have been finding creative ways to show support for their clergy, many of whom they haven’t seen in person since public Masses were suspended in mid-March.

Of the 20 priests who were ordained in 1970 in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, four remain in active ministry, including Father Fred Cain, regional vicar of Vicariate 2.

For his part, Father DiPietro said it doesn’t seem like he’s been a priest for a half century and is honored to serve.

“This celebration was very humbling,” he said.

Above photo: Father Leroy DiPietro
Below photo: Parishioners help Father DiPietro celebrate 50 years of priesthood