Father Lawrence Frizzell is Director of the Institute of  Judaeo-Christian Studies at Seton Hall University.

Rev. Msgr. Richard J. Arnhols is pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Bergenfield, and Archdiocesan Vicar for Pastoral Life.

Last month this whole part of the country was put on alert for a devastating hurricane that was fast approaching us. Television channels cancelled all their regular programming to bring us the very latest news on the progress of Hurricane Irene. Our governors and mayors spoke to us constantly to warn us of the possible dangers.

In somewhat the same manner as we prepared for Hurricane Irene, Rev. Msgr. James M. Sheehan prepared himself for an event that was fast approaching in his life. This was not just a threat for someone to think about. This event was guaranteed by the best medical information available. The diagnosis was cancer and the prognosis was that it was terminal. Msgr. Sheehan accepted this information with a prayerful calmness that characterized his whole life.

January of this year marked the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States. Here in the Archdiocese of Newark, I feel we have a story that could rival Camelot and the Kennedy presidency, although it is not as world famous or strikingly glamorous as those two productions were.

However, I am convinced that this experience made a lasting impression on all who came in contact with it. I am speaking of the hopes and dreams that arose for many when Father Hector Fabio Galvis Rios began his priestly life in our midst. Fr. Hector was ordained on May 23, 2009 and died a few weeks ago. He served as a priest for only 20 months.