Continuing a legacy of faith

By Marcy Knight - Florida Catholic

Photography: COURTESY

DAVIE | The community of St. David Parish in Davie joined Archbishop Thomas Wenski for a Mass celebrating new beginnings, naming Father Ryan Saunders as pastor and paying tribute to the parish's rich history.

Following the Mass, Archbishop Wenski blessed and rededicated the parish hall as "O'Reilly Hall," a lasting tribute to the parish's founding pastor, Father Gabriel O'Reilly. Father O'Reilly laid the foundation for the vibrant community St. David is today.

In his homily, Archbishop Wenski reminded parishioners that the heart of priestly ministry is not about personal authority but about service and love.

“The authority of the pastor is not about leading others to himself,” the archbishop said Oct. 12, 2025. “It’s about leading them to the Lord. Father Saunders is entrusted with the care of your souls. He will do well here in trying to please the Lord in all things and above all things. He has an attitude of gratitude.”

“This is why I became a priest — for parish ministry,” Father Saunders said. “From the moment I set foot on this campus, the people have been so warmly welcoming, and it’s a very unique and special place. I have fallen in love with it from day one. The people are absolutely wonderful.”

 

HONORING FATHER GABRIEL O’REILLY

Father Saunders, who previously served as Archbishop Wenski’s secretary, recognizes the sacred responsibility that comes with following in the footsteps of those who came before him. He spoke about his predecessors and their impact on the parish.

“I saw very quickly the vision that Father O’Reilly had when he founded the parish in 1974,” said Father Saunders. Archbishop McCarthy asked Father O’Reilly to establish the parish. “I am only the steward of this gift. This is God’s house, but this parish belongs to the people,” he said.

When Father Saunders arrived at St. David in June 2024, he wrote to parishioners, “I have inherited big shoes to fill.” His two predecessors, Father O’Reilly, who built everything that can be seen today, and Father Steven O’Hala, current rector of St. Mary Cathedral in Miami, who maintained it for 13 years, “have left remarkable legacies. I am here to continue to build upon what they and the people have built, to honor their legacy but also to grow the parish and our ministries,” he said.

The rededication of the parish hall to Father O’Reilly, who died in June 2013, brought smiles among those who knew and loved the founding pastor. Father O'Reilly embodied a deep sense of community that continues to shape St. David Parish more than five decades after its founding.

“Father O'Reilly was so humble, loving, and caring. And no matter if you were the landscaper at the school or the archbishop who came to the school, everybody was treated with dignity and respect,” said Joi Dondl, parishioner of St. David.

Another longtime parishioner and St. David School principal, Michelle Chimietri, shared, “Father O’Reilly was about family. He made everyone feel important — no matter who you were. He had a gift.”

That gift — a love that saw the face of Christ in every person — still resonates through the walls of St. David Church and in the lives of its parishioners. By naming the parish hall “O’Reilly Hall,” Archbishop Wenski ensured that future generations will remember not only Father O’Reilly’s name but also the faith-filled foundation he built.

Relatives of the late Father Gabriel O'Reilly were present at the rededication of the parish hall: his brother, Hubert O’Reilly Sr., and his nephew, Hubert O’Reilly Jr.

“It was a great idea,” said O’Reilly Jr. “Even though my uncle was well known in the area, this is an honor. My uncle started the parish from scratch,” he said, adding that the parish had only 60 parishioners when Father O'Reilly started.

O’Reilly Jr. said he has been visiting the parish every year since 1980. “St. David’s is a fabulous community full of wonderful families. Everyone who joins can be part of many different ministries.”

Many of those ministries, started by his uncle, continue to thrive and grow to this day.

Father O’Reilly’s brother said he was honored to be part of the ceremony and grateful to attend. He attended the church's 50th anniversary celebration in June 2024 with his brother, Terry O'Reilly and sister-in-law, Monica O'Reilly.

 

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

For Father Saunders, the installation Mass marked a new chapter, — for himself and for the parish. He shared his vision for the community — one rooted in faith formation, spiritual growth, and strong, active ministries.

“I want to help expose them (people) to different things, to grow in prayer and understanding, and to continue to build a vibrant, faith-filled parish family,” said Father Saunders.

The celebration brought together parishioners, clergy, and friends who have walked with St. David Parish through its many seasons.

Father Saunders embodies the mission that Father O’Reilly began more than 50 years ago — to make St. David a true spiritual home.