In the spirit of thanksgiving: A century of grace celebrated during trilingual Mass

By Renee Webb
Globe associate editor
Posted June 20, 2002

Gathering in the Spirit of Thanksgiving was the theme of the Diocese of Sioux City's centennial celebration held June 16 at the Sioux City Convention Center. About 1,900 parishioners from throughout the diocese attended the trilingual Mass that marked 100 years of grace.

Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, presided at the liturgy while Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo and Bishop Lawrence D. Soens, retired, concelebrated with other 14 archbishops and bishops and the priests of the diocese. Ron Forrest and Tim Murphy were the deacons of the Mass.

Prior to the start of Mass, the Knights of Columbus formed an honor guard for the procession where parish representatives carried flags identifying many of the parish communities of northwest Iowa. The procession of clergy followed.

"My dear friends, I am extremely pleased to be with all of you for this wonderful moment in your history as you celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Diocese of Sioux City," said the papal representative in his homily. The decision to have the apostolic nuncio, he added, "clearly shows your love for the Holy Father."

Archbishop Montalvo acknowledged that the last 100 years have most likely proved to be a story filled with joys and sorrow, struggle and success along with difficulties and triumphs.

"Without exception, it is Jesus himself who has been the center of the diocese. So many faithful people make great sacrifices to support the church," said the archbishop, adding that since the founding of the diocese the parishioners have listened to the Word of God.

The papal representative told them that they were very blessed because they have been faithful to the covenant of the first disciples to proclaim the word.

Archbishop Montalvo said that proclaiming the Gospel must continue to take root. Referring to the Scripture reading where the harvest was upon them but the laborers were few, he asked the people to continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. He told them to encourage the young people to hear the words of the Lord, calling them to serve the Lord as priests, sisters and brothers.

"There is much that must still be done," he said.

At the new millennium, the archbishop pointed out that the pope encouraged people "to look at the past with gratitude and the future with faith, hope and assurance."

"Our comfort rests in knowing that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega - beginning and end. There is no reason to fear the future," stressed the archbishop.

He asked them to continue the journey of faith and live in the words of the Holy Father who said, "Go forth in hope."

In closing comments, Bishop DiNardo remarked that in the early days of the diocese one might have heard Bohemian and German, but today, as witnessed by the ceremony through song and readings, Vietnamese and Spanish is growing. Regardless of language, he noted they came together to celebrate and proclaim "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."

He thanked the many people involved in various aspects of planning centennial activities and extended gratitude to the 80-member diocesan choir consisting of parishioners throughout the diocese. The bishop also acknowledged those who participated in the Pilgrimage on Wheels bicycle pilgrimage through the diocesethat concluded a day earlier.

"I want to give one last special thank you and I will do so in the name of us all. I want to express my deep gratitude to the priests and deacons of the diocese who are such excellent collaborators with me in word, sacrament, teaching and in integrity of heart," said Bishop DiNardo.

Special guests at the celebration included: Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus of Dubuque, Archbishop Justin F. Rigali of St. Louis, Archbishop Elden F. Curtiss of Omaha, Bishop Leonard P. Blair, auxiliary bishop of Detroit; Bishop Joseph L. Charron of Des Moines, Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Rapid City, S.D.; Bishop Timothy M. Dolan, auxiliary bishop of St. Louis; Bishop William E. Franklin of Davenport, Bishop John R. Gaydos of Jefferson City, Mo.; Bishop John J. Leibrecht of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Bishop Lawrence J. McNamara of Grand Island, Neb.; Bishop William F. Murphy of Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Bishop John C. Nienstedt of New Ulm, Minn. and the diocesan native son, Bishop Dennis M. Schnurr of Duluth.

Denominational leaders from northwest Iowa were Bishop Michael Last of Western Iowa Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Rev. Sarai Schnucker-Beck, Ecumenical Ministries of Iowa.

Peggy Pohlen of Hospers said she enjoyed the celebration. Coming from an area in the diocese with a predominant Anglo population, she noted that she particularly liked the trilingual aspect of the service because it included all of the cultures.

"I enjoyed seeing a lot of the priests that I know," said Mike Even of Alton. "I thought the ceremony was very good."

Marcia Anderson, a parishioner at Christ the King in Dayton, found it to be inspirational to be part of a congregation of hundreds of people.

"Everyone was so up and positive," she said. "I thought it was wonderful."

Coming from a small parish community that almost closed a few years ago, Anderson added that she celebrated Mass in great thanksgiving.

About 700 people stayed for lunch following Mass.