Chelsea Priests Celebrate 45 Years of Service

Two members of the Servants of Charity congregation at St. Louis Center in Chelsea were honored by the community for serving 45 years in the priesthood on Feb. 27 at St. Joseph Church in Dexter.

More than 300 people were present for a special anniversary celebration mass held in honor of Fr. Fortunato Turati, and Fr. Joseph Rinaldo, who were both ordained in Italy in December 1967.

A reception immediately followed in the parish hall, and was hosted by the Cardinal O’Hara 4th Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus, representing the Knights of Washtenaw County.

This special event also presented an opportunity for Fr. Turati’s friends to say goodbye, as he recently accepted a transfer to Mt. St. Joseph in Lake Zurich, Ill., a residential care facility for women with developmental disabilities run by the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence.

Both priests have served as administrator of St. Louis Center at different points in their careers, and both have spelled many of the area priests at local Catholic parishes when needed.

Joining Turati and Rinaldo on the altar during mass was Rev. Brendan Walsh, pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Dexter, and Rev. Timothy MacDonald, pastor of St. Mary – Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson. During the consecration of the sacraments at mass, they were joined by several other priests from the Servants of Charity and local area parishes.

Following mass, several speakers celebrated the contributions of Turati and Rinaldo. Members in attendance bid farewell to Fr. Turati for his many years of service to the Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Legatus International, Huron Valley Catholic School, Fr. Gabriel Richard High School, and the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake.