By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

Addressing an assembly that filled St. Paul Church, Burlington, Oct. 26, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., reflected on the teaching from the day’s Gospel:  “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

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The Bishop served as principal celebrant, as St. Katharine Drexel Parish recognized the 150th anniversary of one of the faith communities on which it was built – (the former) St. Paul Parish. The original parish, which eventually became St. Katharine Drexel Parish, was remembered for its incorporation 150 years ago. However, the Catholic roots in the Burlington area were actually laid in the 18th century when the faithful were attended to by the Augustinian fathers of Philadelphia.

Concelebrating the Mass of Thanksgiving with Bishop O’Connell were Father Michael Dunn, St. Katharine Drexel pastor, and pastors of nearby parishes, including Msgr. James Dubell of St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, (former pastor of St. Paul Parish);  Father Peter James Alindogan of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Cinnaminson, and dean of the Northern Burlington County Deanery, and Father Michael Burns, pastor, St. Mary Parish, Bordentown.

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell referenced the Gospel of Matthew, “If you truly love God, you have to love the neighbor God created.”

 “We come together today to celebrate that relationship and a very special occasion and milestone in the history of our Diocese and parish that has grown up around it: 150 years of loving God and loving neighbor as a community of faith that is St. Paul Church in St. Katharine Drexel Parish,” Bishop O’Connell remarked in his homily.

“From its first days, this parish has lived the Gospel in Burlington County,” he said. “We have so much to remember, so much to appreciate and so much to look forward to. Enjoy all of God’s blessings for another 150 years.”

Father Dunn concurred with Bishop O’Connell as he thanked his parishioners for their dedication in serving Christ.

“Without you we wouldn’t have a parish to celebrate,” he spoke, addressing his parishioners who worked diligently to prepare the celebration. An anniversary committee was formed to plan the Mass of Thanksgiving as well as previous kick-off festivities.

“We bloom where we are planted, and we are planting seeds of faith here in Burlington,” said Father Dunn.

Following the Mass, a reception and luncheon was held in St. Paul School, where memorabilia from more than 150 years was displayed for the guests in attendance to view.

Josephine Nicolo, 94, one of the oldest parishioners in St. Katharine Drexel Parish, was selected to be part of the offertory procession. 

“It was the second greatest honor of my life,” she said of presenting the gifts of bread and wine to Bishop O’Connell with fellow parishioner, Donnie DiRienzo, 97. For Nicolo, it was only her wedding day that trumped this joyous occasion.

Eileen Korang, who assisted Father Dunn in the planning process as co-chair of the anniversary committee, was overjoyed by the response of the parish.

“The time and dedication given by members of the committee was certainly overwhelming and appreciated,” she admitted.

She credited “the strong foundation of faith” that was laid in Burlington so many years ago. “This is why we come together today to celebrate.”

Karin Samulis reflected on the significance of the Mass of Thanksgiving.

“In a time where people criticize the faith and question its relevance, to see this,” she said gesturing to the crowd of people who came together to honor the history and origin of their parish “is really something.”

As Bishop O’Connell concluded in his homily, “Things will change as the future unfolds, but one thing will always remain the same: we will continue to love God and love our neighbor here as we have for 150 years.”