Post by LJ on Mar 13, 2009 11:27:07 GMT -6
Not a groupie, but priest is a big fan of Bon Jovi
by CHRISTINE SPARTA • Staff Writer • March 13, 2009
Rev. Bob Lynam is not your average father with a collar. His connection to Bon Jovi gives new meaning to the rock band's hit "Livin' On A Prayer."
For nearly 20 years, Lynam, pastor at St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Kendall Park, has helped run the Bon Jovi Fan Club.
He got to know Jon Bon Jovi's family (the clan's name is Italian — Bongiovi) back in the 1980s when he was a new priest at Our Lady of Victories Church in Sayreville, Jon Bon Jovi's home town.
A youth-group adviser prompted him to "write to this guy Bon Jovi" to see if he could perform at a benefit the church was conducting for Covenant House, an agency for runaway teens in New York City.
While the the band's frontman couldn't attend, his mother came through with some autographed items. The friendship grew from that point.
Lynam's church office is — naturally — filled with religious items. But one area, in the center of the main wall, is devoted to music memorabilia connected to the band.
His collection includes a framed Rolling Stone cover from the singer's "big-hair" days, photos and a cluster of backstage passes.
But don't call it an altar to rock.
"It's not a shrine; It's an affirmation," said the 50-year-old priest.
But the display is at least attention-getting. Couples who visit Lynam's office to discuss their weddings and receive pastoral counseling see the display and frequently have asked if the priest could get Jon Bon Jovi to sing at their nuptials.
That request always is met with a sharp, "No."
At the end of the 1980s, the band allowed him to come along as a guest on trip to Russia, where the band performed as part of the Moscow Music Peace Festival. Bon Jovi was one of the first American acts to play there since the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Lynam said that the Russian fans were not allowed to dance, and all patrons were required to remain seated at the end of the concert. Their exit from the venue was accompanied by classical music.
Friends suggested to the priest that he bring items such as cigarettes, condoms or pantyhose for use as barter during the Moscow visit.
by CHRISTINE SPARTA • Staff Writer • March 13, 2009
Rev. Bob Lynam is not your average father with a collar. His connection to Bon Jovi gives new meaning to the rock band's hit "Livin' On A Prayer."
For nearly 20 years, Lynam, pastor at St. Augustine of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Kendall Park, has helped run the Bon Jovi Fan Club.
He got to know Jon Bon Jovi's family (the clan's name is Italian — Bongiovi) back in the 1980s when he was a new priest at Our Lady of Victories Church in Sayreville, Jon Bon Jovi's home town.
A youth-group adviser prompted him to "write to this guy Bon Jovi" to see if he could perform at a benefit the church was conducting for Covenant House, an agency for runaway teens in New York City.
While the the band's frontman couldn't attend, his mother came through with some autographed items. The friendship grew from that point.
Lynam's church office is — naturally — filled with religious items. But one area, in the center of the main wall, is devoted to music memorabilia connected to the band.
His collection includes a framed Rolling Stone cover from the singer's "big-hair" days, photos and a cluster of backstage passes.
But don't call it an altar to rock.
"It's not a shrine; It's an affirmation," said the 50-year-old priest.
But the display is at least attention-getting. Couples who visit Lynam's office to discuss their weddings and receive pastoral counseling see the display and frequently have asked if the priest could get Jon Bon Jovi to sing at their nuptials.
That request always is met with a sharp, "No."
At the end of the 1980s, the band allowed him to come along as a guest on trip to Russia, where the band performed as part of the Moscow Music Peace Festival. Bon Jovi was one of the first American acts to play there since the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Lynam said that the Russian fans were not allowed to dance, and all patrons were required to remain seated at the end of the concert. Their exit from the venue was accompanied by classical music.
Friends suggested to the priest that he bring items such as cigarettes, condoms or pantyhose for use as barter during the Moscow visit.
