Celebrating God s Love 50 Years June 27, 2009

Transcription

1 Celebrating God s Love 50 Years June 27, 2009 St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church 2930 Thomas Street Columbus, Georgia 1959 ~ 2009

2 St Benedict the Moor Master of Ceremonies Welcome/Occasion P rogram Dr. Gary Dawson Mrs. Christine Dawson Selections from the St. Benedict the Moor Choir Opening Prayer Dinner Music by Ambiance Fr. Paul T. Brick History of St Benedict the Moor Parish Photo History Elizabeth Lunsford Duncan ESQ Our Parish Family Selections from the St. Benedict the Moor Choir Introduction of the Guest Speaker Fr. Donatus Mgbeaujuo MSP The Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah Closing Remarks and Prayer Fr. Donatus Mgbeaujuo MSP Our God is an Awesome God June 27, 2009

3 St. Benedict the Moor Our History I n July, 1941, Fr. Bede Friedrich, Provincial of the Society of the Divine Savior, wrote a letter to the Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah-Atlanta, the Most Rev. Gerald P. O Hara, DD, indicating that his society would be taking responsibility for a mission in Phenix City, Alabama, just across the river from the city of Columbus, Georgia. While having a mission in Phenix City, Fr. Bede wanted to establish a monastery in Columbus. Bishop O Hara welcomed the idea and the Salvatorians began their work among the Black community in Columbus. Black Catholics from Columbus were primarily members of Mother Mary Mission in Alabama. It was the idea of Fr. Gregory Putzer, SDS, to build an African American Catholic parish in Columbus. Fr. Gregory Putzer celebrated the first home parish Mass of the newly established parish of St. Benedict the Moor on February 22, This Mass was offered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cox, on the corner of Rigdon Road and Baldwin Street. The congregation was made up largely of converts who had been baptized at Mother Mary Mission where the Salvatorian Priests along with the Vincentian Sisters of Charity worked for many years among the Blacks of Russell County and Muscogee County. The first church/parish hall and adjoining rooms were built in May of 1958 to serve as the first church and rectory. The parish hall was built as large as the plot of land allowed. One room served as a sacristy, another as office and residence for the pastor. Two more rooms provided a bit of privacy for instructions and kitchen facilities. The church or hall held about a hundred people, if all spaces were utilized including the sanctuary. Almost a year after the hall was built, St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church was canonically established as a parish in April of 1959 with Fr. Augustine Lucca, SDS as the first pastor. Succeeding him, in August, 1959, was the first resident pastor, Fr. Ignatius Behr, SDS. In January, 1961, adjoining property was purchased for a new church building. Ground was broken for the new church on June 4, The late Most Rev. Thomas J. McDonough, DD, Bishop of Savannah, dedicated the new church, which seated 200 people, on Sunday, October 22, The rectory was built in 1969 under the leadership of Fr. Thomas Leannah and the present parish hall in 1984 under the guidance of Fr. Mark Sterbenz. St. Benedict s parishioners have received many spiritual blessings. Specifically, two religious leaders are products of St. Benedict. The late Sr. Julian Griffin, VSC, took her vows at St. Benedict on August 15, 1968 and Fr. Bruce Greening, SDS, who grew up in the community, was ordained a priest at St. Benedict on June 7, Many priests have contributed to the growth and success of St. Benedict the Moor: Fr. Augustine Lucca, SDS 1959;Fr. Ignatius Behr, SDS ;Fr. Austin Martin, SDS 1960;Fr. Andrew Shimek, SDS 1968;Fr. Thomas Leannah, SDS ;Fr. Mark Sterbenz, SDS ;Fr. Bruce Greening, SDS ;Fr. Neal Durham, SDS ;Fr. Paul Brick, SDS ;Fr. Donatus Mgbeajuo, MSP 2005-Present. The longest resident priest, Fr. Paul T. Brick, spent 15 years ministering to the parishioners and continuing the growth of St. Benedict with his inspirational homilies and caring spirit. In 2005, a mission pact was entered into by the Most Rev. Bishop J. Kevin Boland, DD, of the Diocese of Savannah and the Missionary Society of St. Paul, an order of the Apostolic Life formed in 1977 in Nigeria by the Nigerian Bishops Conference which started mission work among the African American Catholics in partnership with the Josephite priests and brothers in This was necessitated due to the lack of personnel to continue the good work that the Salvatorian priests had successfully accomplished at St. Benedict over the years. That pact brought Fr. Donatus to St. Benedict in He is just completing his fourth year of ministry amongst the parishioners of this great parish on this Sunday of the 50 th Anniversary. The parishioners are grateful to God who made it possible and look forward to many years of work and partnership with this African Religious Order. Today, there are over 120 families who are members of St. Benedict the Moor. St. Benedict is well known for its Gospel Choir, which has accepted many invitations to participate in community events. Major organizations and committees at St. Benedict include the Legion of Mary, the Youth Organization, CCD, CCW, The Men s Club, Bible Study Group, and the Outreach Ministry. For 50 years St. Benedict has been: Where Everybody is Somebody and Jesus is Lord.

4 St. Benedict the Moor Benedict was born to African slaves who were brought from Africa to Messina, Sicily. There they converted to Christianity and lived an exemplary life. Benedict grew up on the farm working as slave like his parents. His master freed him from slavery at age 18. He then began earning wages as a farm worker. When he had enough money, he bought a pair of oxen to help him plow the fields. He also shared with the poor and helped cared for the sick. The people nicknamed him "il moro santo" meaning "black saint", which has been translated as "the Moor," incorrectly identifying his ethnic and religious roots. In time, he became acquainted with hermits who followed the rule of St. Francis. Attracted to their way of life and wanting to dedicate his life to God, he sold his small possessions and gave everything to the poor. He joined the hermits in the vicinity of Palermo. When their leader died, this group made Benedict their leader. In 1562, Pope Pius IV ordered the hermits to join established religious orders. Benedict joined the Order of Friars Minor at Palermo. At the friary, he served as a cook. He practiced poverty and humility. He followed the examples of St. Francis observing the "40-days fast" seven times a year, sleeping only a few hours at night on a bare floor and wearing a very coarse habit. He was appointed novice master and then guardian of the friary in Palermo, even though he was only a brother. As guardian, he corrected the friars with humility and charity. When his term was up, he gladly returned to his duties as cook. Often, he was visited by people of all conditions the poor asking for alms, the sick wanting to be healed and even famous people asking for advice and prayers. He responded to their needs with compassion. Benedict died on April 4, 1589 at the exact hour he foretold. King Phillip III of Spain paid for a special tomb for him. Several years later, his body was found incorrupt, emitting a pleasant odor. Pope Pius VII canonized him in St. Benedict, the Moor is honored as the patron saint of African Americans.

5 C ongratulations St. Benedict the Moor PASTOR REV. J. GERARD SCHRECK REV. MARTINO NGUYEN 2020 Kay Circle ~ Columbus GA ~ ~ Phone: ~

6 God Bless you on your 50th Anniversary May you continue to Witness to Christ and His Church Your Sisters and Brothers St Patrick Church Kathleen, Georgia Pastor Fr. Kirk Mansell

7 We Congratulate You And Celebrate St Benedict The Moor On your 50th Anniversary Many Blessings On each of you and your loved ones Pastor Father Raphael Ezeh, MSP Corpus Christi Catholic Church 4920 S. King Drive Chicago IL 60615

8 Congratulations St. Benedict the Moor 50 Years of Service in God s Love River City Rehabilitation and Spine Specialist Dr. Gary Dawson

9 St Benedict the Moor 50th Anniversary Mass June 28, a.m. EDT Celebrated with The Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland D.D. Bishop of the Diocese of Savannah Reception to Follow