OLS honors patroness in celebration

A parish-wide celebration of prayer, music and dinner celebrating the Blessed Virgin Mary’s title of Our Lady of Sorrows brought parishioners of all ages together at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood. The event was held on September 15, the date that the church celebrates the Our Lady of Sorrows feast day.

The evening began with a music meditation by the children’s choir, a cantor and the congregation. Selections included “There is Nothing Told,” “Hail Mary: Gentle Woman,” “Sing of Mary” and “Mother Dearest, Mother Fairest.” Three different renditions of “Ave Maria” were sung.

The prayer service was presided by OLS associate pastor Father Balta Pentareddy. It included Meditation on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows, and Benediction.   

The light family dinner was courtesy of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Guild, which is part of the Women’s Altar Sodality. The dishes included macaroni and cheese casseroles, stewed vegetable medley, fresh fruit and fried chicken. Dessert was three decorated cakes.

Our Lady of Sorrows parish was established in 1887 at 14th Street and Seventh Avenue for German-speaking Catholics. In 1949, the church interior was ruined by fire except for the Pieta. The Blessed Sacrament was rescued by two priests. The present church on Oxmoor Road in Homewood was completed in 1959. It was dedicated in January of 1960 by Bishop Thomas J. Toolen.

– Submitted by Frances Smith.