By Catholic San Francisco
Holy Name of Jesus parish in San Francisco’s Sunset District marked with a two-day celebration a milestone this past weekend — 100 years since the parish’s very first Mass.
The festivities began on Saturday, October 25, with a Centennial Gala dinner that brought together parishioners, alumni, clergy and religious sisters for an evening filled with laughter, stories and gratitude. Guests reminisced about their years at the parish and school, while displays of old photographs and memorabilia sparked conversations about generations of families who have called Holy Name home.
The celebration continued on Sunday, October 26, with a special Centennial Mass celebrated by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. The date held particular significance. It was exactly 100 years to the day since the first Mass was offered for the parish community in 1925. The church was filled with longtime parishioners, school families and members of the Sisters of Mercy and the Canossian Sisters, both of whom played vital roles in the parish and school over the years.
In his homily, Archbishop Cordileone reflected on the enduring faith of the community. “When we think back to the founding of this parish 100 years ago, thinking about founding pastor Father Ryan coming here in 1925, here in the Outer Sunset, a very different neighborhood than it is today—there were more sand dunes than people.”
The Archbishop went on to thank all those who served and supported the parish throughout the years including the sacrifice of many parishioners who gave so much of their time, talent and treasure so that church life and ministry would flourish.
Following the Mass, parishioners gathered for a lively reception in the gym. Guests enjoyed food, fellowship and speeches from parish leaders. A highlight of the afternoon was a performance by students from the Murphy School of Irish Dance, whose lively steps brought smiles and applause from the crowd.
Holy Name’s Flanagan Center was transformed into a walk-through-time with a stunning display of photographs and artifacts tracing the parish’s evolution over the past century.
Founded in 1925 under the leadership of Father Richard Ryan, Holy Name of Jesus parish began as a small mission parish serving 125 families. The current church was built in the early 1940s, and the parish school opened in 1941 under the direction of the Sisters of Mercy. For a century, the parish has been a cornerstone of Catholic life in the Sunset.
Photos: Brian Ong
