August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, is one of my favorite feast days -- not only because of the wonderful mystery we celebrate, but also because of the following:- On August 15, 1983, twenty-five years ago, I was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in San Fernando Cathedral, and the parish, consisting of eighteen people, was canonically erected by Archbishop Patrick F. Flores.
- On August 15, 1987, the High Altar was consecrated and the original church building was dedicated by Archbishop Flores.
- On August 15, 1994, the parish school, The Atonement Academy, opened its doors to students for the first time, for grades K-3.
- On August 15, 2003, Bishop Bernard F. Popp came for the groundbreaking of the high school and the expanded church building, and construction began.
- On August 15, 2006, Archbishop Jose Gomez blessed the new expansion.
Yep. It'll be a great day.
