Loading

Father Christopher DiTomo Honoring #HeroPriests

Father Christopher DiTomo (Diocese of Rockford '11), St. Mary's in Huntley, IL, previously at St. Gall in Elburn, IL

Watch this video with Father Christopher DiTomo to hear about his Eucharistic procession through the streets on Palm Sunday.

Submitted by: Allison Lally

This pandemic hit at a very unfortunate time, during our Holy season of Lent. That penitential season took on a new meaning through it all. It was terribly frustrating and sad to experience it without being able to go to church per the shutdown. Fr. DiTomo went to extraordinary lengths as pastor and only priest to be a presence not only to his parish but to the community at large. He offered Holy Mass and the Divine Mercy Chaplet daily. With permission he offered frequent confession in the parking lot in all kinds of foul weather! He also included the seminarian staying with him at the time in his works to serve the people. Their most memorable plan was a Eucharistic Procession through 9 miles of Elburn on Palm Sunday. Since people could not come to church he brought Jesus to the people. It was not the Palm Sunday I was used to but now I feel so grateful for that act of love they did as they walked all those miles. People brought signs, dropped to their knees to pray or receive a blessing and cried as the monstrance passed. That may have been the only reminder of Holy Week any of those witnesses may have experienced! It was very emotional. Fr. Ditomo was tireless as a pastor and only priest to serve not only his parish, those in his town and beyond. He made a huge difference in the pandemic for me, my family and parish of St. Gall. Thank you Father and Mundelien for this opportunity to share my gratitude.

He kept me from feeling despair over the loss of physically not being able to worship in person, in community and without sacraments during the pandemic

I believe his love for the Eucharist, the Holy church, the Blessed Mother and his parishioners/community were his priorities during that difficult time.