N.J. Admin. Code § Executive Order No. 94 (2019)
Governor Philip D. Murphy
Executive Order No. 94 (2019)
A Tribute to the Life and Passing of Monsignor Philip A. Lowery
Issued: December 4, 2019.
Effective: December 4, 2019.
WHEREAS, Monsignor Philip A. Lowery was a dedicated public servant who tirelessly served the people of the Catholic Church and the State of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was born on February 22, 1949, to Philip and Ella Lowery; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic schools in Jersey City; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery attended Pace University in New York City; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery entered Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, Connecticut, and completed his graduate studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1976; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery served as parochial vicar at St. Joseph's Parish in Toms River, New Jersey from 1976 to 1987 and then at St. Barnabas Parish in Bayville, New Jersey from 1987 to 1990; and
WHEREAS, in 1990, Monsignor Lowery was appointed pastor of St. James Church in Red Bank, New Jersey, and concurrently director of Red Bank Catholic High School and Saint James Grammar School, an assignment he handled for the next 29 years, making him the longest serving pastor of the parish; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery served as New Jersey State Police Chief of Chaplains for nearly 25 years, where he provided spiritual support and counseling for officers and their families; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was a friend and mentor both to me and my wife Tammy, standing beside me as I was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Germany in 2009 and then as Governor in 2018; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was a constant source of support, both personally and spiritually, to my family for over 30 years, as he was for so many families throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was one of the first responders during the September 11th terrorist attacks, volunteering with New Jersey's Urban Search and Rescue, Task Force 1 at Ground Zero; and
WHEREAS, in 2005, Monsignor Lowery traveled to New Orleans to support the recovery efforts following Hurricane Katrina and, in 2012, with Bishop David O'Connell, visited the churches and areas affected by Superstorm Sandy to render spiritual aid to those impacted by the disaster; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery found his calling serving his faith and the people of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was deeply devoted to his parishioners, providing spiritual guidance and support for all who needed it; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery was always there for those in need, generously giving his time, support, and advice; and
WHEREAS, Monsignor Lowery's presence will be sorely missed by his family, parishioners, countless friends, colleagues, and by the people of New Jersey whom he served so well; and
WHEREAS, it is with great sorrow that we mourn the passing of Monsignor Lowery and extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and colleagues; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to honor the exemplary character, selflessness, and cherished memory of Monsignor Lowery and to mark his passing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PHILIP D. MURPHY, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
N.J. Admin. Code Executive Order No. 94 (2019)