Little Flower Catholic Church - Hollywood / Facebook
CV NEWS FEED // Little Flower Church in Hollywood, Florida, recently celebrated its centennial with a special Mass celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Wenski and 25 priests from the Archdiocese of Miami.
The anniversary service, held on October 1, coincided with the feast day of St. Therese of Lisieux, the church’s patroness, according to an October 14 report from the Archdiocese. Approximately 500 parishioners gathered to celebrate “another century of spiritual flourishing in Broward County’s second oldest Catholic parish.”
The report shared that the Mass was concelebrated by pastor Father Javier Barreto and 25 archdiocesan priests, including former parochial vicars and transitional deacons.
In his homily, Archbishop Wenski reflected on his personal connection to Little Flower Church, sharing memories of attending Mass as a child. The Archbishop spoke about St. Therese’s “little way” to sainthood, emphasizing that holiness can be achieved through simple acts of love and charity.
“We can grow in holiness if we do the little things with great love,” he told the faithful.
“[L]ook to the future with confidence,” he continued, “and let us expect that in the years to come the Little Flower will bring to you a ‘shower of roses.’ St. Therese will continue, in the next 100 years to spend her time in heaven doing good on earth — and here at Little Flower.”
The Archdiocese shared that Little Flower Church currently serves about 1,000 families. Nearly half are Hispanic, from diverse backgrounds. In addition to the celebratory Mass, the parish hosted a flamenco and paella dinner on September 28.
Father Julio De Jesus, pastor of St. John XXIII Parish in Miramar, reflected on the celebration, saying, “Jesus Christ is always present and stays here. We have to proclaim him. It’s beautiful, 100 years of faith, hope and love.”
Archbishop Wenski recently joined experts on a discussion panel to educate Florida voters on the misleading pro-abortion Amendment 4 on the November ballot.
After the Mass, attendees had the opportunity to pray before a replica of St. Therese’s tomb crafted by parishioner Len Maniscalco, according to the report.
The church, which was founded in 1924, has undergone significant changes and growth over the years, moving from its initial meetings “in theaters and an office building” to the current structure, which was completed in 1941, according to the Archdiocese.
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