Fill in the blank with a suitable homophone: Father Costello assured me that…

Answer: Rite

Explanation:

• Context: "Father Costello" indicates a religious figure, so the sentence is about a ceremony he will conduct.

• Grammar: the article "the" before the blank signals that a noun is expected.

• Meanings of the choices:

• Rite — a noun meaning a religious or solemn ceremony; fits the sentence.

• Write — a verb meaning to produce text; does not fit the noun slot.

• Right — commonly means correct or a direction/entitlement; not a ceremony, so it does not suit the context.

• Conclusion: "Rite" is the correct choice because it is the noun that denotes a religious ceremony, matching both the grammar and the context.