Cincinnati Province Celebrates the Bicentennial

August 27, 2015

Giving glory to God, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in the Cincinnati Province marked the bicentennial of the Congregation’s founding with an event for all at St. Charles Center in Carthagena, Ohio.

A standing-room-only crowd listened to a presentation on the C.PP.S. missionary spirit, with a keynote address by Fr. Barry Fischer, C.PP.S., former moderator general, early in the afternoon of August 15, the actual bicentennial of the Congregation. Over 1,750 people joined the Missionaries in celebrating a Mass on St. Charles’ spacious front lawn. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati presided, and Fr. Bill Nordenbrock, C.PP.S., moderator general, gave the homily.  At the Mass, 65 priests and three bishops concelebrated with the archbishop, including Bishop Joseph Binzer, auxiliary bishop of Cincinnati; Bishop Frederick Campbell, bishop of Columbus, Ohio; and Bishop William Higi, bishop emeritus of Lafayette in Indiana.

C.PP.S. brothers also took part in the liturgy. Brs. Jerome Schulte, C.PP.S., and Charles McCafferty, C.PP.S., carried Precious Blood banners in the procession. Br. Joseph Fisher, C.PP.S., was a lector. Companion Margaret Saliga of Whiting, Ind., was also a lector A combined choir from several parishes led the Congregation in music from the Mass of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, composed by Fr. Ralph Verdi, C.PP.S.  In his closing remarks, Archbishop Schnurr thanked the Missionaries for their ministry in the archdiocese of Cincinnati, where they have served since 1844.

After the joyful Mass, the focus moved to the large picnic tent set up to the southeast of St. Charles’ main building. There, barbecued chicken prepared by the Schnipke family and their friends was served to 1,500 guests.

Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S., headed the committee that organized the event. He was aided by Angela Hamberg of New Bremen, event planner; Companions Jean Borgert, Mark and Jean Giesige, and Dave and Jane McNeal; and Amy Day, St. Charles facility director.

“So many people helped with this day, including the Schnipkes’ cooking crew, the musicians and liturgical ministers, and over 70 volunteers. We also owe our thanks to the St. Charles staff and residents, who survived the bicentennial celebration. It was clear it was a labor of love,” Fr. Larry Hemmelgarn said. “We hope that this is a celebration we’ll all remember and that it sets the tone for our next 200 years.”

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Over 1,500 people enjoyed a chicken dinner thanks to the generosity of the Schnipke family.
Over 1,500 people enjoyed a chicken dinner thanks to the generosity of the Schnipke family.

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Rev. Barry Fischer delivers the keynote address during the celebration.
Rev. Barry Fischer delivers the keynote address during the celebration.

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V.Rev. William Nordenbrock, C.PP.S. gave the homily during the liturgy.
V.Rev. William Nordenbrock, C.PP.S. gave the homily during the liturgy.

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Rev. Vince Wirtner, C.PP.S. assists Rev. Len Kostka, C.PP.S. during the presentation of the gifts. At 101 years of age, Rev. Kostka is the oldest Missionary of the Precious Blood in the world.
Rev. Vince Wirtner, C.PP.S. assists Rev. Len Kostka, C.PP.S. during the presentation of the gifts. At 101 years of age, Rev. Kostka is the oldest Missionary of the Precious Blood in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Missionaries of the Precious Blood await the beginning of the Bicentennial liturgy.
Missionaries of the Precious Blood await the beginning of the Bicentennial liturgy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article provided by Jean Giesige

Photos provided by Jean Giesige and Anthony Dugal

 

 

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