St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Onoway, and our own Rev. Thomas Puthupparampil, welcomed Archbishop Stephen Hero to celebrate our Centennial Mass – 100 years of faith in Onoway.
The Aug. 30 Mass was attended by many parishioners as well as community leaders and dignitaries. The Knights of Columbus were in attendance for the Mass and provided a third and fourth-degree honour guard. Archbishop Hero delivered a beautiful homily on St. Peter and acknowledged the years this parish has stood strong for this community.
We were also honoured to welcome Bishop Emeritus Paul Terrio, the former shepherd of the St. Paul Diocese, who served as pastor at St. Rose of Lima from 1999-2000. Rev. Andrew Rybak was also able to attend which was a great blessing to many parishioners who fondly remember his 16 years as the beloved pastor of St. Rose of Lima from 2006-2023. We were also blessed to have Deacon Wes Turton from Holy Trinity Parish in Spruce Grove in attendance for the mass.
Minister Adriana LaGrange attended the mass on behalf of Premier Danielle Smith and gave a beautiful address congratulating our parish. Onoway Mayor Bridgette Coninx (Mayor of Onoway) also attended the Mass and reception and presented the church with a commemorative plaque to recognizes 100 years in the Onoway community. Presentations and notes of congratulations were also made on behalf of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s League and MP Michael Cooper.
Following Mass, Archbishop Hero led us in Eucharistic Procession around the church. Some of the children from the parish participated by holding banners and flowers and the choir led us in Eucharistic song.
Then the congregation proceeded downstairs to the hall of the church for a lovely lunch reception. We heard from parishioners reflecting on the past 100 years of our parish as well as the events of this centennial year – which have honestly brought a renewed sense of life and energy into a community that had been struggling for some time. There were parishioners there who have been in the parish/community for more than 50yrs, and others who are joining OCIA this fall to be baptized next year! What an extraordinary testament to the resiliency and renewed vibrancy of this parish!
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the Archbishop Hero’s presentation of a Papal Blessing – given to the parish by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the parish.
This day had been something that the entire church community had been planning for and preparing for all year. Every parishioner currently attending St. Rose of Lima contributed in some way to this event. From decorating, preparing the altar, setting out the flower arrangements, and planning music to logistics of parking, invitations, and setting up the hall.
Everyone had their part and served with joy to celebrate our parish and honour Our Lord. Our little country church has quietly stood the test of time, ministering to families for generations. This day, celebrating with many community members and special guests, was a mere reflection of that resilience, strength and ultimately faith of the people who came before us. We recognize and accept this gift of faith, and, through the grace of God, we hope to continue to pass that torch for future generations.
-Caroline Campbell is chair of the 100th anniversary committee
