When people ask about the origin of my vocation to priesthood, I always remember a prayer book I was given when I received First Communion. One of the prayers after communion was Psalm 84. These words resonated deeply with me even at a young age: “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Hosts. My soul longs for the courts of the Lord.” These sentiments in the context of the Eucharist oriented me towards priesthood.
My priestly ministry has been, for the most part, in the field of Seminary and University education. After receiving a doctorate in theology, I taught for eight years at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Dunwoodie. Then, with the blessing of Cardinal O’Connor, I taught for 30 years at Boston College. I always kept close ties with parish ministry, however, and lived in a rectory during the entire time of my teaching at Boston College. My conviction is that the most significant theological action is the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist.
I have been blessed to be living in retirement for the past six years at the lovely Saint John Vianney Residence in Riverdale. The people of the archdiocese have been wonderfully generous in supporting this unique retirement facility, and the staff here are tremendously dedicated and efficient. In their everyday care, even in the smallest things, they provide an impressive witness to Christian charity.
As a small token of my gratitude, I have taken out several charitable gift annuities with the archdiocese for the benefit of the Vianney Residence. They are attractive on many counts. They are a tangible contribution to the future of the Residence, even as they provide the donor with a significant tax deduction and attractive annual interest while the donor is still living.
With warm blessings,
Father Robert Imbelli
A gift in your will or estate plan can bless the lives of our parishioners throughout the archdiocese in the same way that Father Imbelli’s has, and add to your own future financial stability. Contact the Planned Giving Office at 646-794-3317 and Planned.Giving@archny.org to learn more.