New Columbus church to celebrate 100 years
The Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux, formerly Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in New Columbus, will host a centennial celebration this weekend. TIMES NEWS FILE PHOTO
It’s been 100 years since Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church relocated to New Columbus.
The church building, nestled in the little town above Nesquehoning, is the site of the Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux.
To commemorate the history of New Columbus and the Catholic faith that was a cornerstone of the community, the advisory board for the Diocesan Shrine and the Rev. Allen J. Hoffa, rector of the shrine and pastor of St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley, will host a centennial celebration and Mass this weekend.
“This is the centennial celebration of the community of ‘Little Italy’ being relocated from its original location between Lansford and Nesquehoning and moved to the now known section of Nesquehoning referred to as New Columbus,” said Sheree Strauss, director of the shrine.
The events for the weekend include something for everyone.
At 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, a St. Therese paint and sip will take place in Madonna Hall for a cost of $5. The gathering will be led by Nancy Berchtold, coordinator of spiritual and catechetical activities.
To reserve a spot at the event, call St. Joseph Parish of the Panther Valley rectory at 570-645-2664, ext. 1, or email Lisa Smith at lisassjpv@gmail.com.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, the shrine will host a roast beef dinner in Madonna Hall. Eat-in and takeouts are available at a cost of $12.
On July 16, a Mass celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Rite of Blessing of “The Shower of Roses” will take place at 6 p.m. in the shrine.
To commemorate the milestone, Strauss said, Hoffa commissioned a 5-by-7-foot oil painting of “The Shower of Roses” that will be revealed and dedicated during the Mass.
The piece has been painted by artist Dana Van Horn and is “a dedication to the many men and women who have made their faith and their devotion to Our Lord, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, and St. Therese the summit of their lives.”
A reception will follow in Madonna Hall.
The Shrine of St. Therese of Lisieux is located at 1 E. Garibaldi Ave. and is the site of the annual “Shower of Roses” celebration each October.
For more information on the shrine and its history, visit www.shrineofsainttherese.com.
