History of St. Veronica's Parish (Part One)
Gaily decorated with strings of flags, its steeple
shining brightly in a blaze of sunlight, the church of St. Veronica, Bay View
and Harris and Buckley's new pretty little red church on Wallace Terrace, was
officially opened and blessed by the Right Rev. R.H. Dignan, Bishop of the
Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie, yesterday morning at 9:30 o'clock before a
hushed crowd of more than a thousand persons.
Impressive in its pompousness the event attracted
young and old members of the West End's new parish, organized by Father Leo
Smith, resident priest, and a great number of people from the city. As early
as 7:30 a.m. people began to gather at the church doors and shortly after
they were opened at 8:30 o'clock every available inch of seating space had
been taken up and when the bishop arrived on the scene approximately 300
crowded the space between the entrance and the highway.
Pontifical blessing of the building began when the
bishop, accompanied by Father Smith and preceded by the cross and two
acolytes, altar boys and visiting priests, proceeded from the side entrance
to the main doors and into the church while the choir sang "Vivat." Following
the rites within the church the procession returned outdoors and around by
the right side of the building. Bishop Dignan blessing it as he proceeded on
the journey circling the church completely.
Back within the edifice once more a pontifical
high mass was celebrated by the bishop. Mgr. T.J. Crowley, acted as assistant
priest, Father C.C. Fawcett and Father T.J. Brennan (Espanola) deacon and
sub-deacon of honor; Father J.J. O'Leary (Sudbury) and Rev. J.E. Regan
(Creighton) deacon and subdeacon; Rev. J. Clayton Humphries, chancellor of
North Bay, master of ceremonies and Rev. C.J. Coughlin (Falconbridge) carried
the censer.
"Six weeks ago this was a field" said Father
Smith, prior to introducing his Excellency to his parishioners, "and it is
through the good will of the people of Bay View and Harris and Buckley;. kind
donations, advice from neighbouring priests, and other ways, that this
building has been erected," he continued in voicing his thanks to all those
who had assisted in making the enterprise a success.
"I wish to thank in particular our good bishop who
has made this building possible," he went on, citing His Excellency's love
for the poor and the need he had seen for a church in the district." We owe
him a debt of gratitude that we must not forget on this glorious morning when
this church is dedicated to St. Veronica and we must promise to remember him
in our prayers," said he in conclusion.
"It is indeed for me, as it is for Father Smith, a glorious day," said Bishop Dignan in referring to the blessing and dedication of the church, "almost miraculously a dream come true, a day of thanksgiving and of gladness overflowing," he continued. "But in our joy we must not forget others upon whose foundation we are building," said he in thanking everyone who had assisted towards building of the edifice. "And let us not forget the good Ukranians whose hospitality we have enjoyed so long and who we now ask to join us here." He also voiced his appreciation of the good work of the Jesuit fathers who had looked after the spiritual welfare of the district for so many years.
