GARFIELD, N.J. — Most Holy Name Church, founded by Holy Name Province in 1911, is planning nine months of events to commemorate its 100th anniversary. HNP friars staffed the parish for nearly 80 years.
Richard Trezza, OFM, who served at the North Jersey parish for 10 years, received a flyer about a calendar of centennial events for the parish and asked that this information be publicized for “friars formerly stationed in Garfield who may wish to attend some of the events.”
| • Sept. 25 | Inaugural Mass with Bishop John Flesey, of Bergen County, at 12 p.m. |
| • Oct. 16 | Concert of Gratitude performed by Most Holy Name Choir and guest choirs, 3:30 p.m. |
| • Nov. 20 | Thanksgiving covered dish supper celebrating cultural diversity, 4 p.m. |
| • Jan. 15 | Arts festival featuring creative gifts from parishioners, 1 to 4 p.m. |
| • Feb. 12 | Liturgy honoring civic leaders and government officials, 10:30 a.m. |
| • March 12-19 | Walking tour of church including “Signs and Symbols,” directed by God’s Youth |
| • April 22 | Dinner dance at the Royal Manor, 3 p.m. |
| • May | Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps reunion and presentation |
| • June 3 | Most Holy Name School alumni Mass, 10:30 a.m. |
Richard said the Garfield parish was his first assignment as a solemnly professed friar. “I was sent there in September 1972 and remained until June 1982.” His responsibilities included director of the elementary school, where he taught music, religion and Spanish, of liturgy and of the adult and childrens choirs. He said Gene Pistacchio, OFM, was among the last friars to serve the parish.
Most Holy Name Church is one of roughly 15 parishes in New Jersey’s Bergen and Passaic counties that Holy Name Province staffed.
Information about the centennial events can be obtained by contacting the parish, at 99 Marsellus Place, by phone (973-340-0032) or email (mohonach@optonline.net).