Father Jim was honored on the weekend of May 18 and 19, 2024, on the occasion of his 50th anniversary of his ordination.
At the 4:30 p.m. Saturday Mass, he was presented with a proclamation from state Sen. Joseph Griffo, was treated to beautiful music by members of the parish’s Burmese community, and parishioners celebrated his day with a reception after the Mass.
A special Mass took place in Father Jim’s honor at 11 a.m. Sunday, where Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon presented him with a proclamation from the state Assembly. On Sunday afternoon, a large gathering took place at the Oncenter in Syracuse with faithful from parishes in Utica, Syracuse and Oswego he has served for five decades.
Previously, on Friday, May 17, a street was renamed in his honor: “Father Jim Cesta Way.”
Father Jim was ordained on May 18, 1974.
The photos from the Syracuse event are courtesy of Tom Loughlin Jr.