The chalices of Father John Triolo, left, and Father William Burns. (GLENDA MEEKINS)
ORLANDO | Father William Burns received his chalice as a gift from longtime friends Deacon Ron and Ann L’Huillier, in honor of his late mother, Lorraine. On a visit to the seminary his daughter, Sarah, accompanied him to a silversmith in the nearby town in Massachusetts where his mother had lived.
Father William Burns’ chalice. (GLENDA MEEKINS)
“The chalice really drew me because of the symbolism on it,” Father Burns said. At the base are the four symbols for the Gospel evangelists, representing the Word of God — “the basis of our faith,” including an angel or winged man, a lion, an ox and an eagle, which reflect Matthew, Mark, Luke and John respectively.
The upper part represents the 12 apostles, which he described as “foundational to our faith.” The bottom of the matching paten also portrays the image of the 12 apostles.
“So, the Word of God and the tradition of the Apostles were very deep and personal to me,” he said.
Gifted to him by his parents, Mariam and Tom Triolo, Father John Triolo’s chalice unites his biological and spiritual families. “My biological family purchased this chalice and on the bottom of the chalice you can see the Holy Family,” he explained.
He pointed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which he has a great devotion, the Immaculate Heart of Jesus, and St. Joseph and his Most Chaste Heart all found at the base of the chalice. On the node is the name of Jesus. On the top are the words of consecration in Latin.
Father John Triolo’s chalice. (GLENDA MEEKINS)
The back of his paten portrays a pelican, symbolizing the Eucharist, which is similar to a symbol found on Bishop John Noonan’s crest. “In a way, this unites me to our bishop who ordains me,” he said.
By Glenda Meekins of the Florida Catholic staff, May 30, 2025
