The Rev. Tom DiLorenzo, the well-known spiritual leader at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Winthrop for the past 25 years, is leaving the church to become the pastor at St. John the Baptist Church in Quincy.
“Father Tom,†as the distinguished clergyman is known reverentially by those who have had the honor of being a part of ministry and the thousands across the country who listen to his daily radio program, will start in new position on June 1.
“I’m going to miss Winthrop and Holy Rosary, of course,†said the Rev. DiLorenzo, 73. “Through the years, I’ve met hundreds of Winthrop residents. I’d mention names, but I can’t do that because I would be leaving people out. I’m going to the miss the people here. We’ve prayed for healing for so many people.
“People with cancer have been healed. People with other things have been healed as we pray with them,†said the Rev. DiLorenzo. “I’m going to miss that and the people are going to miss that, too.â€
The Rev. DiLorenzo said he learned about his new position at St. John the Baptist three weeks ago. Because the church has suspended all Masses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rev. DiLorenzo didn’t have the immediate opportunity to make the announcement in person to the parish.
“I hope to say good-bye during a service at the church,†said the Rev. DiLorenzo. “But my farewell address is: All that God did, praise him.â€
Growing up in East Boston
The Rev. DiLorenzo began his ministry at Holy Rosary in Winthrop in 1995. He has resided on Shirley Avenue, just two doors from the church.
He previously held the top spiritual leadership position at St. Adelaide’s Church in Peabody for eight years and prior to that, he served at Sacred Heart Church in North Quincy for eight years.
He grew up in East Boston and attended East Boston High School, Class of 1964.
“Those were good years growing up in East Boston, said DiLorenzo
Early on he chose his path to the priesthood and realized his goal after excelling in his theological studies. He attended Salem State University and St. John Seminary, Brighton.
“I knew I was going to be a priest but I didn’t know I would be serving in Winthrop one day,†he said.
Reflecting on his tenure at Holy Rosary, he said he takes pride in the strength and vitality of the church’s congregation. “With the Lord’s leadership through me, Holy Rosary has remained strong in Winthrop,†said the Rev. DiLorenzo. “The congregation has been very supportive.â€
Host of a national radio program for 34 years
The Rev. Tom DiLorenzo has hosted “In Season and Out of Season,†a national radio program for 34 years. Each day he preaches to thousands of listeners on Boston stations WROL, WEZE, and on stations throughout the country.
“I will be continuing my radio program that is on Monday through Friday in 30-minute and 15-minute broadcasts twice a day,†he said proudly. Though the Rev. DiLorenzo won’t be officiating Masses in Winthrop, Holy Rosary parishioners will be able to listen to his inspiring thoughts each day on his popular radio program.