By Mary Powers
The vibrant parish community of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in South San Francisco celebrated its 65th anniversary from September 11–15, with a series of events including special Masses; a keynote address by Father Anthony Stoeppel, former vice rector of St. Patrick’s Seminary and current associate professor of Church Management at the Catholic University of America; and a concert featuring the Philippine Madrigal Alumni Singers with participation from the parish’s music ministry. The weekend’s activities culminated inthe patronal feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15.
The weekend’s festivities included a Eucharistic pilgrimage to Sign Hill, the iconic landmark bearing the “South San Francisco, The Industrial City” sign, led by Father Vito Perrone, a Contemplative of St. Joseph and pastor of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, and Father Mikhael Mihic, a priest-monk serving as parochial vicar at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church.
“It was powerful,” said Father Vito. “Sign Hill is now a different sign. The sign of God — the greatest sign of God’s love — has been there and blessed it.”
A large group of parishioners joined the Eucharistic procession from the parish to the top of the hill, where Father Vito led a special blessing of the hill and the city of South San Francisco, and Father Mikhael led Benediction, blessing the valley below.
After the blessing and benediction, Father Vito said that tremendous peace and joy permeated everything.
“Everyone was so joyful!” said Father Vito. “People were smiling, laughing, and taking pictures together. It was such a powerful and transformative experience.”
New Mission and Vision Statement for the Parish
The anniversary weekend also marked the launch of a new mission and vision statement for the parish.
PARISH VISION
We, the faithful of Mater Dolorosa parish, as members of the Mystical Body of Christ, journey together in response to our baptismal call to holiness to reach our goal of eternal life.
PARISH MISSION
We are a Catholic community that draws life from Eucharistic adoration, contemplative prayer, and diverse liturgical celebrations. We form disciples in deepening the gospel values, celebrating the sacraments, and accompanying one another in Christ‐like love and sacrificial service.
As Mater Dolorosa enters its next chapter, parish leaders say the new mission and vision statement will serve as a guidepost for the parishes’ continued growth.
Photos: Colleen Hera
