PAST EVENTS
NOTE: This Section, shown in reverse chronological order, lists only events which occurred during the last 12 calendar months, or, if an annual event, the most recent such event, even if more than 12 months ago.
Updated December 1, 2008
Annual Mass for the Canonization of Blessed John of Vercelli - On Sunday. November 30, 2008, the PAHNU held its Annual Mass for the Canonization of Blessed John of Vercelli at Holy Name of Jesus Parish. Principal Celebrant was the pastor, Father Groarke; con-celebrants were Father Lendacki of St. Agnes-St. John Parish, and Father Janton of Our Lady Help of Christians. Paul DiVito delivered the first reading, and George Sapp proclaimed the sec0nd reading. Over 100 persons were in attendance, and 7 parishes brought their banners.
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Annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Members - On Sunday, November 23, 2008, the PAHNU celebrated its Annual Memorial Mass for Deceased Members at the 10:30 AM Mass at St. Hugh of Cluny Parish, in Philadelphia. The Mass was celebrated in Spanish, and was followed by a reception in the basement of the convent.
Candidates' Night - On Wednesday, October 22nd, the PAHNU and the Annunciation BVM Parish Holy Name Society (Brookline) jointly sponsored a Candidates' Night in the Church Hall. Representatives of the presidential candidates answered questions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Immigration, Energy Policy, Health Care, and the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
John Joseph O’Conner - PAHNU lost a faithful long time member of The Holy Name Society on September 12th, 2008. John J. O’Conner, 84, of Cherry Hill, NJ, with his family by his side, passed on to Our Lord peacefully in his sleep on that day. A WW II Veteran, he served in the Coast Guard, and was employed by Conrail for 42 years. During his tenure at Conrail, he served as President of the Railroad Holy Name Society and remained a faithful member of our society for many years. He was a 1942 graduate of St. Thomas More and active board member of their Alumni Association, founding board member of the Blue Army of Our Lady of Fatima, and member of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. John also lectured for his parish, was a Eucharistic Minister, and 50 year retreatant of Men of Malvern. John also attended St. Joseph’s College.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Florence (Youngflesh); his daughter, Maureen; son-in-law, Paul Blom; and grandchildren, Christine and Sean, all of Marlton, NJ. He was the son of the late Thomas and Mary O’Conner. He is survived by his sisters, Josephine Ross of Philadelphia and Theresa Coyle of Havertown; brother Jeremiah O’Conner (Anne) of Glenolden; sisters-in-law Ann (Sis), Vera, and Barbara, as well as 35 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sisters, Anna, Mary, Eileen; and brothers, Thomas, James and Francis.
PAHNU Executive Board Meeting - October 18, Catholic Center for Evangelization, Philadelphia, PA.
PAHNS Fall 2008 Meeting - October 17-18, Our Lady of Peace Retreat Center, Fairfield, PA. Philadelphia was represented by Past President John F. Bradley.
National Association of the Holy Name Society Annual Convention - September 24-28, Minneapolis, MN. Philadelphia was represented by Past Presidents T. Paul DiVito (Delegate), and John F. Bradley (Alternate). Jack Weber also attended, and promoted the "Pen Pal" Prison Ministry program.
TV Mass - September 14, 2008, the Annual Holy Name TV Mass aired on Channel 6, at 5:30 AM. The celebrant was Rev. Leonard Lewandowski, pastor of St. Josaphat Parish. Parishioners from St. Josaphat served as Lector and Altar Server. Music was provided by world-renowned pianist Annette DiMedio.
Holy Name Night at the Phillies - May 28, 2008, at Citizens Bank Park. Seventy-five (75) Holy Name members and guests saw the Phillies defeat the Colorado Rockies by a score of 6-1.
Annual Mass for the Canonization of Blessed John of Vercelli - On September 30, 2007, the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Holy Name Union held its Annual Mass for the Canonization of Blessed John of Vercelli at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Philadelphia. The Mass was preceded by the opportunity for Confession, and the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Celebrants included the host pastor, Father Groarke, along with Father Lendacky (Pastor of St. Agnes-St. John Nepomucene Parish, Philadelphia) and Rev. Stephen Carmody, Vice-Postulator of the Canonization Cause of Blessed John. Father Carmody served as Homilist.
Seven parishes brought their Holy Name banners. Following Mass, there was a brief Prayer Ceremony in honor of Blessed John, followed by a very pleasant reception in the parish hall. Approximately 75 persons attended the Mass.