Father Salerno celebrates 40 years in the priesthood

Parishioners surprise local priest on fortieth anniversary in the priesthood

Icon is celebrating a very special anniversary.

Father joe salerno is observing 40 years in the priesthood this year.

To acknowledge this accomplishment, his parishioners surprised him in the parking lot of our lady of lourdes church with an impromptu gathering...champag ne... and cake.

Father joe not only serves our lady of lourdes in utica, but also our lady of the rosary in new hartford.

His first assignment after being ordained, was at st.

Mary of the assumption in binghamton.

"this caught me totally off guard.

I thought because of the pandemic, we'd be celebrating very quietly.

I have an incredible parish community both here and at our lady of the rosary and not to be able to see many of these people for the past 6 weeks or so... this was a shot in the arm."

Father salerno also serves as chaplain to both the utica police and utica fire departments.

Just like you saw, many people are doing drive bye