By Catholic San Francisco
From August 19 to 28, St. Augustine Catholic Church in South San Francisco celebrated its 55th anniversary with a joyful series of events leading up to the parish feast day on August 28. The multi-day festival, filled with liturgies, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations, was a delayed commemoration of the parish’s 50th anniversary, which could not be observed at the time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Saturday, August 23, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone joined more than 550 parishioners to celebrate Mass and lead a Eucharistic procession around the church. In his homily, he noted that God had a plan even in the hardship of the delayed celebration.
“As it turns out, this was actually providential, because now we celebrate this happy occasion under the leadership of a Pope who has the same patron saint as this parish—Pope Leo XIV, of course, being an Augustinian friar,” said Archbishop Cordileone.
The archbishop reflected on the parish’s rich history and the ways its members have built not only church structures but a living community of faith. He recalled the construction of the church itself, the renovation of its sanctuary, and the hall that serves as a gathering place for fellowship. Most importantly, he praised the “building of the faith life of the community,” pointing to St. Augustine’s vibrant religious education program and numerous parish ministries.
Such growth, the archbishop emphasized, flows from a life of stewardship.
“Living the spirituality of stewardship is what makes this possible; it makes possible all the works of the Church because it is living the communion that we share as members of the Body of Christ,” said Archbishop Cordileone.
He also pointed to the parish’s resilience following an attack on the church last year as evidence of faith in action made strong by the willingness of parisioners to share their gifts of time, talent and treasure.
Archbishop Cordileone expressed his gratitude to the many pastors and clergy who have guided the parish over the decades. In particular, he thanked the current pastor, Father Ray Reyes, for his devoted leadership and service to both the parish and the archdiocese.
“He has been not only an exemplary and deservedly respected pastor, but also a valued collaborator in many ways who has a real heart for his brother priests and has been a positive influence throughout our local church,” said Archbishop Cordileone.
Following Mass, the archbishop led the parish in a Eucharistic procession around the church stopping at the statues of St. Monica and St. Augustine for prayer. Included in the procession were statues of St. Monica and St. Augustine as well as a first-class relic of St. Augustine.
Following the Mass there was a reception in the courtyard.
Photos: John Bartolome
