Paulist Fathers 150th Anniversary National Celebration

The Paulist Fathers, Paulist Associates, Paulist Collaborators (Paulist staff) and  friends of the Paulists gathered in Washington, D.C. on June 19th, 20th and 21st for a poignant celebration of the order’s 150th Anniversary. The event started on Thursday evening with a barbecue welcome dinner and reception at St. Paul’s College.

On Friday two general sessions including Paulist History, and Faith and Culture were enjoyed by all.  These were followed by breakout sessions for Paulists, Paulist Associates, Paulist Collaborators and Paulist Friends. Following the breakout sessions an exceptional Mass was celebrated for all deceased Paulist Fathers. As part of the Mass an 18 minute slide presentation including video clips honored all departed Paulists. A tearful but extremely beautiful tribute to all deceased Paulists. After Mass a dinner was enjoyed by the Paulist Fathers. All other enjoyed a seafood buffet and a D.C. monuments tour.  

On Saturday there were also two general sessions including Spirituality,  and The Church of Tomorrow. Breakout sessions included Evangelization, Reconciliation, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, Young Adult and 

Campus Ministries and Media Ministries. Then the highlight of the convocation the Sesquicentennial Anniversary Liturgy was celebrated at the Crypt Church in The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus (retired), Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. All Paulist Fathers wore very beautiful and special 150th anniversary celebration stoles. This awesome Mass was followed by a reception, dinner and awards presentation at the Catholic University of America, Przbyla Center.

On Sunday, June 22 the Paulist Fathers launched its next 150 years of history with the ordination of Steven Bell, CSP at the Trinity University Chapel. A reception for Father Bell followed his ordination. Congratulations Father Bell and may God forever bless you. 

The Convocation was a magnificent tribute to the  Paulist community. Father Isaac Hecker (1819-1888) is surely smiling down from heaven and  expressing “thanks” to all of us for our dedication and support of his Paulist Fathers.