On Sunday, Oct. 2, hundreds participated in the Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Cumberland to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the church building.
Father Fernando Cabral, pastor, paid tribute to the founders of the parish who built the church, adding that there have been so many graces and blessings over the years.
“They built it with great sacrifice, with the love of God and with us, their succeeding generations, in mind.” Father Cabral also thanked the devoted parishioners for their support and prayers throughout the years, the Holy Name Fraternity members who organized the anniversary dinner, and Bishop Tobin for his presence and for strengthening the parish in their faith.
Bishop Tobin said that it was a great honor to celebrate Mass at Our Lady of Fatima Sunday afternoon, and congratulated parishioners on this milestone, thanking them for the recent church renovation, which he said looks beautiful.
“You should all be congratulated for the good work you have done in renovating the church in glory to God. We thank God for the gift of the church in which you have formed this parish community, the church in which you come together to worship the Lord in spirit and truth. We pray that God continues to bless you on this occasion and in the days and years to come. This is indeed a very special moment for all of you and I wanted to be with you to share in this blessed occasion.”
Photos: Laura Kilgus
