A Fond Farewell to Monsignor Marucci

Reverend Monsignor Louis A. Marucci, Jr. has been an honored member of MSAA’s Board of Directors since 1991, and a good friend of the organization since the late 1980s. MSAA Board members are limited in the terms they may serve, and the time had come for Msgr. Marucci to leave his position.

“I’m leaving, but I’m not going too far,” says Msgr. Marucci, “I will always be of service to MSAA, all they need to do is call.”
Msgr. Marucci was first introduced to MSAA in 1988, after experiencing his first MS attack. He was diagnosed with MS shortly after his ordination into the priesthood. Msgr. Marucci spent eight months in the hospital paralyzed from the neck down, and when he returned to his parish, he found the heavy wheelchair supplied by his insurance company to be difficult to maneuver.

“I was very active and healthy prior to the onset of MS,” Msgr. Marucci explains. “And I really needed a lighter-weight wheelchair to continue with the demands of my ministry and active lifestyle. This type of chair is expensive, and I exceeded the cap on my insurance coverage. One of the parishioners contacted MSAA, and they helped me to obtain a sports chair through their equipment loan program. One year later, MSAA helped to put a lift and other equipment in a van so I could drive.”

Msgr. Marucci continues, “MSAA really helped me at a critical time of need in my life. They are an organization of people helping people, easing the burden of others. MS strikes people at their prime, and changes them not only physically, but also affects their psyche and spirit as well.

“I have watched MSAA grow, change, and strengthen. Throughout these changes, MSAA’s mission has always remained constant: to serve and to be advocates for those in need. When we find ourselves in such a situation, it is reassuring to know that we are not alone, and there are people we can count on.

“My message to MSAA is one of gratitude and thanksgiving for all they have done for me and for others with MS. People should be willing to get involved in order to make other people’s lives better. MSAA could do so much more with greater funding… they could really soar.”

MSAA has been very fortunate to have Msgr. Marucci donate his time and expertise to help oversee our organization. Many thanks go out to Msgr. Marucci in appreciation of his many years of service. We hope that this is not a “farewell,” but simply a “see you again soon.”

Msgr. Marucci continues to serve as Director of Development for the Diocese of Camden, NJ, as well as pastor of St. Vincent Pallotti Parish in Haddon Township, NJ. In addition, he serves as the Executive Director of the Jubilate Deo Chorale & Orchestra.