Holy Family’s first two pastors, Fr. James O’Neill and Msgr. Michael Galvin were remembered as an Irish flag was carried to honor them. A piper led the procession and an entourage of people, dressed in the traditional attire of their native countries as a reminder of the different nationalities that are represented at Holy Family Church and schools, followed into the church.
As the Mass came to an end, parishioners headed to the grade school across the street for lunch and entertainment.
Longtime members, including Marian Ackerman-Crowley of Simi Valley, stopped to reflect on the meaning of the centennial before heading toward the school.
“It’s a real joy and celebration,” Crowley, a 50-year member, said. “There is so much about this parish. I feel a proud part of it.”
Crowley’s two sons were altar boys during Galvin’s funeral in 1974.
Eagle Rock residents Bob and Jeanette Lotz also came to take part in the celebration.
The Lotzes, who have been members of the church for more than 40 years, sent their children to school at Holy Family. Now their grandchildren attend.
“Holy Family has always been very warm and family-oriented,” Jeanette Lotz said.
The theme of the centennial, “Jubilee,” signified the many restorations the church recently underwent, Brad Thomas, the pastor’s assistant, said.
Some of the additions that were made over the last year to the interior of the church were murals, paintings, statues and stained-glass windows.
On Sunday, celebrants ate a buffet-style lunch in the school’s playground as a live band performed.
Glendale resident Sergio Andres, a member of the church since 1999, ate pasta and meatballs and listened to the music.
“It’s very exciting and emotional and I’m so glad to be a part of it,” Andres said, of the centennial.
Holy Family Grade School eighth-grader Catherine Marceloalso attended the celebration.
“It’s like amazing,” the 13-year-old said. “The church is really old. The people are really nice and we are like a big holy family.”
Catherine’s friend, 15-year-old Alex Legaspi, a graduate of the grade school, also came to celebrate the church’s anniversary and to visit with friends.
“One-hundred years is a long time,” Alex said.
“It’s a long time for prayer and holiness.”
ANI AMIRKHANIAN is a news assistant. She may be reached at (818) 637-3230 or by e-mail at ani.amirkhanian@latimes.com.
