It was delayed three days by constant rain, but the 2019 edition of the St. Matthias Carnival opened May 17 in almost perfect weather. There was a little sprinkle at about 7 p.m., an hour into opening day, but that did not chase anyone away. In fact, the crowd grew as the evening wore on. The incessant rain made it …
Read More »Balaji Temple Skits Give Life Lessons
Life lessons told through a series of skits were presented May 5 at the Srivari Sri Balaji Temple on Elizabeth Avenue. The five skits – four performed by children and the finale by adults – were based on stories taken from the Mahabaratham, one of the two religious books followed by the Hindu sect, said Vijay Poondi, the temple chairman. …
Read More »Hundreds Assemble At Masjid-e-Ali For Sri Lankan Bombing Vigil
Nearly 200 people gathered at the Masjid-e-Ali mosque on Cedar Grove Lane April 22 for a vigil to remember the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka. The wave of suicide bombings, in churches and hotels, left about 290 people dead and hundreds more wounded. Multiple suspects were arrested, and the attacks were blamed on a little-known Islamist …
Read More »St. Matthias Parishioners Hold Annual ‘Stations Of The Cross’ Walk
About 200 parishioners participated in the annual Stations of the Cross walk held by St. Matthias Catholic Church on April 19. The church holds the event every Good Friday. The 14 stations commemorate Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth, and focus on his suffering as he carried his cross to Cavalry, where he was crucified. The St. Matthias walk started …
Read More »New Zealand Mosque Attack Victims Remembered In Temple Beth El Vigil
People of all faiths packed Temple Beth El March 16 for a vigil in honor of the victims of the mosque shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand The roughly hour-long commemoration featured comments by political and faith leaders from the township and the region. The vigil was sponsored by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, whose vice-president is Temple Beth El’s Rabbi …
Read More »Former Mayor John Clyde Eulogized As Fearless And Caring Man
More than 100 mourners gathered at St. Matthias Catholic Church Jan. 29 to say goodbye to former township Mayor John Clyde. Clyde, 63, died Jan. 24 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. A two-time heart transplant survivor, Clyde battled a variety of health issues. Eulogists celebrated what they called his fearlessness in dealing with those issues. In addition …
Read More »Temple Beth El Commemorates Hanukkah With Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Concert
By PJ Parker. Temple Beth El on Amwell Road was the site Dec. 4 of the traditional lighting of the Menorah candles to commemorate the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah. In addition to congregation members, also in attendance were Mayor Phil Kramer; Alex Kharazi, president of the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, and Township Councilman Rajiv Prasad (D-At Large). Hanukkah commemorates the …
Read More »Updated: St. Matthias’ ‘Fr. Doug’ Resigns Amid ‘Serious Questions’ About Church Finances
Update: The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the matter, according to Det. Jeanne Trillhaase, the SCPO spokeswoman. She said the office “can’t provide details since the investigation is active and ongoing.” In a Nov. 5 meeting with parishioners, Metuchen Diocese Bishop James Checchio said that Fr. Doug, as he is known, admitted to “borrowing” approximately $500,000 from church coffers. …
Read More »Township Residents Join Hundreds At Hillsborough Vigil For Synagogue Shooting Victims
HILLSBOROUGH – Franklin Township was represented at an Oct. 30 vigil for the Pittsburgh, Pa. synagogue shooting victims. The vigil, which was held at Temple Beth-El on Route 206, attracted hundreds of people from around the region. Obe person affiliated with the temple said there were nearly 1,000 people in attendance. Among those in attendance were former Mayor and Somerset …
Read More »Masjid-e-Ali Mosque Hosts Vigil For Tree Of Life Synagogue Shooting Victims
Nearly 200 people gathered at the Masjid-e-Ali mosque on Cedar Grove Lane Oct. 28 in a vigil for the victims of the Tree of Life synagogue shootings in Pennsylvania. Organized by the Franklin Township Interfaith Council, the vigil featured comments from local politicians and faith leaders from throughout the township, state and Canada. The vigil’s purpose was to “reaffirm our …
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