By Jonathan Martinez - Florida Catholic
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ| FC
Archbishop Thomas Wenski blessed the altar by anointing it with holy oils first and then surrounding it with incense.
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ| FC
Among the renovations made to St. Gregory was the addition of the stain glass window depicting the Ascension and the altar made of Italian marble with the Last Supper depicted on the front facing the congregation.
“We have been planning for, praying for and paying for this day for almost 10 years,” said Msgr. Noel Fogarty, pastor. “Today, we assemble to bring closure to all those efforts and to ask almighty God, from our renovated house of worship, to lead us and guide us in his service during the years ahead.”
The church was filled to capacity as Archbishop Thomas Wenski blessed the altar by anointing it with holy oils and surrounding it with incense.
“All this was to symbolize vividly what an altar is all about — a sacred entity set aside, through anointing, for sacred worship and from which our prayers — like the smoke of burning incense — ascend continually to God in heaven,” explained Msgr. Fogarty.
“This afternoon I pray that this church building, and all its features, will help communicate to you and to future generations the great mystery of our salvation which is celebrated here every day,” said Archbishop Wenski told the congregation.
In 2005, the parish initiated a campaign entitled "Worshipping Together in Faith," with a goal of raising $6 million to finance the church renovations. These included building a bell tower, moving the tabernacle to a prominent place in the sanctuary, installing new seating and flooring and updating the electrical and sound systems.
In July 2008, construction began. Five years after the launch of the campaign, parishioners met their goal and the church did not have to seek outside loans to complete the project.
While construction was underway inside the church, Masses where held in the school gymnatorium. On Easter Sunday of this year, the first Mass was held inside the church. Technically, the celebration of Mass should not occur until the church and altar are rededicated, but Archbishop Emeritus John Favalora granted the parish a special exception.
“The rededication of the church was the most beautiful thing that I’ve ever seen,” said Kim Hummer-Van Buskirk, a parishioner for 13 years. “St. Gregory is home to us, it is family. We’ve grown together. A few parishioners have gone on to become priests, seminarians and sisters. To see how far we have come and to celebrate it in this fashion is an amazing feeling.”
Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ| FC
In a filled to capacity Church, Keith Koenig, parishioner at St Gregory for the past 30 years, prays at the parish's rededication Mass.
“I love the splendor of the church at night. When you drive by it lights up the whole street,” said Daniel Rodriguez, a parishioner for the past 7 years.
