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Read the Book
| Introduction
| Chronology
| Santa Maria
Goretti Parish | Acknowledgements
The phone rang. Mr. Biasutto picked up the receiver and an
unmistakable voice on the other end spoke these words: "Angelo,
come and get your priests." It was Bishop Anthony Jordan calling.
Two priests. Father Rino Ziliotto and Father
John Bonelli, Missionaries of St. Charles (Scalabrians) had just
arrived from Chicago to take charge of the pastoral care of the Italian
community of Edmonton. It was December 1957. They had no place of their
own, so they were guests at the Archbishop's residence. It did not take
them long to get into the action and brave the cold winter of Edmonton,
at times on foot, at others chauffeured by kind paesani who could afford
an automobile. The two priests began to visit families, preach the Word,
administer the Sacraments, visit the sick in hospitals, find jobs for
the newly arrived, help them with immigration papers, with language
problems, and serve as peacemakers. It was an endless mission and not
always rewarding.
Previously, a group of Italians had been gathering at the General
Hospital's Chapel for their Sunday Mass, celebrated by Father Luigi, of
the Salesian Fathers. But the number was now increasing more rapidly and
a new place was needed; therefore, they were offered the basement of
Sacred Heart Church (not exactly the atmosphere of the beautiful,
artistic Churches that many of them had left behind, even in small
towns). Soon, even that space appeared not only inadequate, but also not
dignified enough for the spiritual needs of our people. The community
needed its own Church. So the two priests, with a committee of laymen,
set out in search of a building to be adapted as their own Church. But
all seemed to present some drawback. Finally, the right choice came
along when the Christopher Columbus Society offered a piece of land
which it had in trust from the City, for possible future construction.
The Society did not foresee any development in the near future and,
therefore, decided to turn over the land on 110 Avenue and 90 Street to
the Fathers for a new Church. But this was only the first step. Once the
land was found, money for construction was needed. So the committee and
a number of volunteers set about the difficult task of obtaining
pledges. Naturally, it was more easily said than done. Most people were
recent immigrants, with small incomes and were striving to build up
their own financial stability and their own homes. But with faith,
courage and hard work, the construction soon got under way. Permission
was granted on September 7, 1958, and on September 8, work got under
way. There was no stopping the enthusiasm of so many people, and on
December 21 of that same year the new Church was dedicated to Santa
Maria Goretti. Two name Saints were presented to the Bishop: St. Cecilia
and Santa Maria Goretti. Bishop Jordan felt that the latter would be
closer to our people since she is a "saint of our days."
"Do you think that your people can pay for the Church?" Bishop
Jordan questioned some of the committee members. The answer was quick
and to the point: "Your Grace, if our people were able to pay for
hundreds of bigger and more beautiful churches all over Italy, they will
be able to pay for this one also." That voice was not mistaken. In
less than 15 years, the Church and the hall were paid in full.
Soon the people realized that the Priest's headquarters resembled a
shack more than a rectory. This project too was soon begun and fast
brought to completion with the skill and dedication of members of the
parish. Thus, during the winter of 1966, Father John Bonelli and Father
Joseph Vicentini were happy to move into the new rectory.
The Twenty-fifth Anniversary is always an important event. It is
precisely this anniversary that brings back fond memories to the hearts
of so many people. Just to mention a few, during these 25 years over
1000 marriages were celebrated in our Church; close to 4000 children
received God's life in the Sacrament of Baptism; over 2400 First
Communions and more than 2400 Confirmations were administered. To these
we should add the innumerable encounters in the Eucharistic Celebrations
and in the Sacraments of His Forgiveness, words of comfort and prayers
of intercession for the departed, and messages of God's Word in the
Sunday homilies and on the radio programs.
I see in the short history of our parish, a reflection of the history of
so many of our families. The many experiences and stories I often hear
from you speak of difficult times, of sacrifices, of dedication and of
determination to succeed. We have good reasons, therefore, to celebrate
the anniversary of Santa Maria Goretti Parish, the Parish which played
an important role in your personal life and the lives of many families.
The first chapter is practically completed, but the book is not
finished. A younger generation is fast growing and making good strides
in the Canadian community. This young generation, more than ever, needs
our efforts and care, so that we may not lose, in a few short years,
what precious values have been so painstakingly preserved during these
past years, both in the faith and cultural heritage.
The project of new facilities for the parish has been born from these
convictions. We look back with pride to what has already been
accomplished. We look forward to the next 25 years with great hopes and
expectations.
Reverend Father Augusto Feccia
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