'175 Years Of Tremendous Faith'
St. Ferdinand Parish in Ferdinand kicked off its – and the town’s – 175th anniversary celebration June 14 with Mass and a community dinner. “We celebrate today 175 years of tremendous faith that’s gone into the blood sweat and tears of building up this parish,” said Bishop Charles C. Thompson.
He concelebrated the Mass with six priests: St. Ferdinand Pastor Father Jack Durcholz; former pastors Father Joe Kane and Father Bill Wargel; Father John Schipp; Father Ralph Schipp; Father John Boeglin, pastor of Holy Family Parish in Jasper; and Father Scott Woods of the Diocese of Toledo Ohio. Father Woods served St. Ferdinand as a deacon when he attended St. Meinrad Theological Seminary.
Benedictine sisters from Monastery Immaculate Conception in Ferdinand filled three pews in the church. Bishop Thompson and Father Durcholz saluted them for their service to the diocese and the parish.
“This is a beautiful church,” Bishop Thompson said during his homily. “These are beautiful grounds. This is a beautiful town. There’s a beautiful monastery on the hill. But the ultimate beauty is in the lives and the faces and the relationships that are forged among the people of God. And it is that beauty we must keep before us.
‘It is that beauty that reveals something very profound of God,” he added, “the very love and mercy of God we celebrate here in Word and Sacrament.”
Bishop Thompson talked about the history of the parish and its place as a cornerstone of the heritage and legacy of Dubois County. But he also encouraged those who will enjoy a variety of anniversary events that continue through June 21.
“We have reason to believe that what we celebrate here is not merely what has taken place in the past, but what continues to happen today and will continue to be a reality,” Bishop Thompson said. “We have reason to hope, to be people of faith, to continue to glorify God; to raise up our voices, our minds and our hearts as people of God.... The kingdom of God is among us. Jesus’ victory is as real today as it was those 2,000 years ago. We pray that we continue to have that same faith going forward, seeking always to glorify God.”
Dinner immediately followed Mass at the Ferdinand Community Center. Father Durcholz introduced Bishop Thompson, who opened the event with prayer. Following the meal, St. Ferdinand Parish Deacon James King introduced the priests and sisters in attendance. Town of Ferdinand President Ken Sicard also spoke to the large crowd.
Celebration continues through Sunday
“Ferdinand’s 175th Celebration” culminates June 21 with a parade through town that begins at 2 p.m. EDT. A hot air balloon race is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. June 19, and a full slate of events June 20 includes a classic car show; basketball, wiffle ball, horseshoe and volleyball tournaments; baking and barbecue contests; and a variety of other activities.
