With hundreds of parishioners, former parishioners, and distinguished guests in attendance, St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Jasper marked its 100th anniversary with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Dec. 3. Bishop Steven Raica was the primary celebrant with Father Antony Vadakara, C.M.I., pastor of St. Cecilia’s, concelebrating. Assisting was Deacon Dan Whitaker, a longtime member of our parish and who, during his involvement with the Legion of Mary, worked to bring Catholics in the Walker and Winston County communities back to the faith as members of the parish.

Director of adult formation Sister Marie Leonard, O.S.B., welcomed present and former parishioners as well as charter members and their families. She also acknowledged several religious guests, including Sister Elisabeth Meadows, prioress of the Benedictine Sisters at Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman. Sister Marie also welcomed Benedictine Sister Mary Adrian McLean whose parents and family were charter members of St. Cecilia's. Also present were Benedictine Brother Thomas Jones (former parishioner) and seminarian Ross Gilliland.

The church was filled to capacity with a majority of attendees wearing their commemorative centennial shirts. During the Mass, Bishop Raica blessed the congregation and church with holy water and gave a homily focused on the First Sunday of Advent. As the Mass neared conclusion, Deacon Whitaker shared some thoughts with the congregation on the incredible history of how the church was originally established. He spoke of some founding families, including Mr. and Mrs. Henry McLean, who hosted Mass in their home beginning in 1916, and acknowledged some of their descendants who were in attendance.

Father Antony spoke as well, giving his thoughts on the importance of this celebration and the renovation work - new flooring, fresh paint, new kneeler cushions and covers, and reupholstered benches and chairs - was initiated, funded, and carried out over the few weeks preceding the celebration. Father Antony also expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make this celebration possible.

After Mass, everyone was invited to the social hall for a wonderful lunch consisting of pork tenderloin, chicken, and tamales with lots of sides. There were three large cakes to commemorate the occasion as well. 

To read the complete text of the bishop’s homily, please click here.