Father Ronald Belisle didn’t want to make a big deal over his 80th birthday, but his parishioners at St. Edward Parish in Shelton finally convinced him otherwise.
“We’ve seen how much he appreciates the people around him, and then when it came time for his 80th, it was like, ‘Oh, I don’t have to do anything,’” said Mary Chapman, St. Edward’s pastoral associate for faith formation.
She recalled how Father Belisle once arranged for a big party complete with a crown and throne for St. Edward’s senior priest Father Richard Parle.
So parishioners persuaded their pastor to have a special Mass and celebration at his home on July 30. There was live music by the Spanish-language Santa Maria choir. The parish provided burgers, hotdogs and watermelon, and parishioners brought a multicultural array of potluck food and more than one birthday cake.
Instead of gifts, Father Belisle asked that people bring photos that highlighted moments in their spiritual journeys, like baptisms, first Communions and weddings. The photos were hung for all to see.
“He’s not a things kind of a guy,” Chapman said. “He’d rather sit and relax and experience.”