Names are important. They often have special meaning, and form part of our identity.
Without using proper names, there is a vagueness. Names make all the difference. Imagine reading the Gospels without knowing the names of the Apostles. Loving our neighbour begins with knowing someone's name. Everyone's deepest desire is to be known and to be loved by others. At church, if we don't know someone's name, we will have something called anonymous Christianity, and we will remain strangers to each other. Father Matthew takes the time to encourage the parishoners to walk at least steps to mingle a little bit, and to meet at least one new person.
