One hundred and fifty years ago on Christmas Day the first Mass was celebrated in the newly established parish in Effingham under the patronage of Saint Anthony of Padua.On a warm and windy Epiphany afternoon, the Most Reverend George J. Lucas, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, to commemorate the founding of the parish, celebrated the opening Mass of the Sesquicentennial Year of St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Effingham, Illinois on January 6, 2008.
Many of the priests who served the parish over the years as pastors, assistant pastors, or parochial vicars - and others - joined in the celebration. Three priests of the Diocese are sons of the parish and concelebrated the Mass.
Eight religious Sisters are daughters of the parish and attended the Mass, as well as three sisters who served the parish in the past or presently.Twenty Fourth Degree members of the Knights of Columbus provided an honor guard for Bishop Lucas.
The Adult Choir provided beautiful music for the Mass and the hand bell choir and a harpist provided prelude music.
A reception in the parish center followed the well attended Mass, affording parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the past 150 years and to reconnect with former priests and nuns.
The Adult Choir provided beautiful music for the Mass and the hand bell choir and a harpist provided prelude music.
A reception in the parish center followed the well attended Mass, affording parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the past 150 years and to reconnect with former priests and nuns.
All in all, it was a wonderful day!
Monsignor Enlow, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua parish, welcomes everyone to the Mass (above) while Bishop Lucas and the Concelebrants listen (below).
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