- - - Fr Julian Cassar - - -
Celebrating 32 years of Priestly Ministry
1977 - JUNE 19 - 2009
In this page I would like to share with family, relatives and friends some reflections, prayers and recollections as well as pictures from the past 28 years of my priesthhod.
I dedicate this page in memory of my father and in thanksgiving for all that my parents and family did with me over these years. I dedicate these reflections to all my parishioners,
at St Julian's, Malta,
Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park, Long Island
St Anthony of Padua, Rocky Point, Long Island
Holy Family in Hicksville, Long Island
St Stanislaus Kostka, Pleasant Valley, Upstate New York
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, John Day, Oregon
St. Francis De Sales Cathedral, Baker City, Oregon
This a group photo of my class, taken around Christmas time 1971, on our first Christmas together. I am standing third from left, with still a full head of hair.
Another group picture, just before our Ordination in June 1977. In the center is Msgr Victor Grech, the Rector at that time. I am kneeling, second from left, with just a little bit of hair still left on my head.
On my Ordination day, June 19, 1977, with my parents Mary and John. My first assignment was as an Associate Pastor in my hometown parish of St Julian's, Malta
During a First Holy Communion in May 1980 in my first parish of St Julian's.
The girl is Ramona Formosa, who eventually became a professional pianist.
In my first New York Parish, at Holy Spirit, New Hyde Park, where I served from
1981 until 1991.
THE PRIEST
To live in the midst of the world, without desiring its pleasures.
To be a member of each family, yet belonging to none.
To share all sufferings, to heal all wounds.
To penetrate all secrets, without being curious.
To go from men to God and offer Him their prayers.
To return from God to men, to bring pardon, hope and peace.
To have a heart of gold for charity, and a heart of bronze for chastity
To teach, to listen, to forgive. To lead, to console, to bless always.
This is your life, o priest of Christ.                       (Lacordaire)

October 2001 - During a Baptismal Ceremony at the Parish of St Stanislaus Kostka, in Pleasant Valley, New York. 

Celebrating Mass early in the morning at Bahar ic-Caghaq, Malta, for the hunters just before a Trap Shooting Competition was held. This was back in August 1984, and was organized by my brother Paul, of  Paul's Bar and the St Julian's Shooting Club.
Another flash-back. This was our 10th Anniversary, June 19 1987, after celebrating Mass at Zabbar Parish Church. From left to right, standing are: Fr Teddy Cumbo, Fr Julian Cassar, Fr Carmelo Farrugia, Fr Manwel Bugeja, Fr Anton Gouder, Fr Joe Borg, Fr Mario Tong, Fr Gino Gauci, Fr Carmel Attard. Kneeling left to right are: Fr Joe Bajada, Fr Tancred Sultana, Fr Carmel Mercieca. Absent was Fr Walter Cauchi.
A priest's prayer

I am not alone.
Each day as a Priest I give advice with the  Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6)
I solve conflicts with the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
I watch over the sheep with the  Shepherd. (John 10:11)
I guide and instruct with the Teacher. (John 1:49)
I ease pain and grief with the Comforter. (2 Corinthians 1:3)
I strengthen the weak with my Rock of Refuge. (Psalm 31:2)
I build and construct with my cornerstone. (1 Peter 2:6)
I follow in the footsteps of my Leader. (Isaiah 55:4)
I make decisions with the help of the Righteous Judge. (2 Tim 4:8)
I even walk in darkness surrounded by the LIGHT. (John 1:4)
I feel protected by the Shield. ( Genesis 15:1)
I take advice from the Advocate. (1 John 2:1)
I foresee the future with the Prophet. (Luke 7:16)
I feel healed by the Physician. (Luke 4:23)
I wait and pray with my HOPE. (Psalm 71:5)
I feel fortified by the Tower of salvation. (2 Samuel 22:51)
In times of trouble, I feel saved by my redeemer. (Isaiah 59:20)
If I start to lose perspective, I remember of my eternal life.(1 John 5:20)
I nurture and nourish myself with the living bread. (John 6:51)
I am deeply in love with my beloved. (Matthew 12:18)
I rely for support on my Faithful witness. (Revelation 1:5)
I feel safe and secure in the presence of my Defender. (Psalms 84:11)
I forget about my past because I behold my beginning. (Colossians 1:18)
I feel invigorated by my strength. (Psalm 27:1)
I am truly fortified by my fortress. (Psalm 18:2)
I find companionship with my Friend. (Proverbs 18:24)
I bow before the KING of Kings. (Revelation 17:14)
and I follow the way, the truth and the life. (John 14:6)
I am not alone.

Celebrating Mass at Holy Spirit Church in New Hyde Park around the year 1989
1989 - After a First Holy Communion with the Mikowski family of New Hyde Park, NY
Baptizing my nephew Julian on September 9,1990
at St Julian's Parish Church, Malta
1983 - At Holy Spirit Rectory, New Hyde Park, NY
2002, June 19 -With my mother after my 25th Anniversary Mass at St Julian's Lapsi Church. The Mass was both a Thanksgiving Mass and a Memorial Mass for my father and other relatives and friends who have died over the years.
1956 - as an altar-boy in
St. Julian's parish
1958, June 29
My first Holy Communion
1959 - my Confirmation with my Grandfather and Sponsor, Paul Scicluna
My childhood Parish Church in St. Julian's, where I served and said Mass many times, where my parents were married, and whre I was baptized.
1970-1977 - my Seminary years
At the end of one of the
New York City Marathons, 1985
1999 - Playing the Flute at Saranac Lake, NY
1990 - Saying Mass at my hometown Church, St. Julian's, during my nephew Julian's Baptism
1990 - Three Julians - St. Julian, Father Julian Cassar and baby Julian Cassar
1987 - One of the many Banners I designed and crafted over the years
1991-1996 - at St. Anthony of Padua
Parish, Rocky Point, NY
1994 - with my second nephew, Peter
1996-1998 - at Holy Family Parish, Hicksville, NY
1996 - with my brothers Marcel and Paul
1997 - growing a beard at St. Joseph's Abbey,
Spencer, Massachusetts
1997 - Meeting my kindergarten teacher,
Sister Ubaldina Portelli
1997 - at St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, Massachusetts
1998 -2002 - At St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish,
Pleasant Valley, NY
2001 - Baptizing the Fowler triplets at Pleasant Valley, NY
2002 - Praying at the Infirmary Chapel, St. Joseph's Abbey, Spencer, MA
"Take your sandals off your feet, because this is sacred ground...."
2002 June 19 - Celebrating my 25th Anniversary Mass at St. Julian's Lapsi Church, Malta
2003 - Christmas at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish,
John Day, Oregon
2003 - winter at St. Elizabeth's, John Day, Oregon
2004 - Foot washing ceremony
for our young children on Holy Thursday
2004 - Palm Sunday donkey procession
2005 - Finally riding a horse. Cowboy Padre.
2004, April 18 - with Bishop Robert Vasa,
Bishop of the Baker Diocese
2005 - Aerial view of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish,
John Day
2005 - St. Francis de Sales Cathedral Parish, Baker City, Oregon
Celebrating the Eucharist at Saranac Lake, New York
2004 - By Mount Hood, Oregon
14 Converts baptized, confirmed and received into the Church at the Easter Vigil 2005 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish, John Day, Oregon
2005 - With Taylor Allen after foot-washing ceremony for children
Thank you for visiting this web-site.
More pictures and memories will be added from time to time.

Father Julian Cassar
My new Parish as of June 2005 - the Cathedral of St. Francis DeSales in Baker City, Oregon 97814
St Francis DeSales Cathedral, Baker City, OR
Built between 1906-1908
One of the beautiful and artistic stained glass windows in the Cathedral. There are three types of windows, the oldest being created in 1923, then two others were crafted in New York in 1955 and the latest were crafted in the 1980s. The above pictures shows Jesus with the children, from the 1923 originals. The Cathedral was renovated in the 1980s. A new renovation is underway to prepare for the centennial of 2008.
Baker City, OREGON with St. Francis De Sales Cathedral in the foreground and the snow-capped Wallowa Mountains in the background.
The Cathedral spires on a July evening 2006 (photo: Fr Julian)
The day I became an American citizen in Portland OREGON, on September 5, 2006.
As a new citizen, now I can vote, serve on a jury and complain about anything and anyone I want!
Between April and October 2007, I led a major renovation of the Baker City Cathedral, in preparation for its centennial celebration in 2008. With the help of many parishioners volunteers, other craftsmen and workers, we were able to restore the beauty of the old Cathedral and bring back the tabernacle in the center of the apse, under a  newly-constructed badacchino, besides restoring old stencils that were hidden for 50 years, and painting the apse and carpeting and tiling the entire church.