New wood altar is among the items that now grace Saint Jane’s church.

Sunday, September 16, 2007, was a memorable, exciting day at Saint Jane Frances parish, in North Hollywood, California. Father Ferdinand Lansing, O.Carm., the pastor of Saint Jane’s hosted a celebration marking the re-dedication of the church. After extensive renovations the interior of the church now has new pews, new stained glass, a new ornate wood altar, as well as new flooring and lighting, and a Blessed Sacrament chapel. A prayer grotto was also added. The Most Reverend Gerald Eugene Wilkerson, auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles, presided and was the homilist at the eleven o’clock liturgy.

Beside the rededication of the church, the weekend also marked the culmination of the parish’s capital campaign. The bishop acknowledged that the parish’s people are great examples of generosity, forgiveness and love. He used the example of a homeless beggar during his homily to illustrate the point that lay people inspire the Church to great charity.

Prayer grotto of Our Lady of Guadalupe is dedicated.

Going into a large grocery store, the bishop observed a beggar busily talking to anyone who would listen. As many public Church leaders, the bishop looked to give loose cash to help. When he returned to the beggar’s station, he saw a mother and daughter getting the man his lunch; anything he wanted from the store’s deli menu. Despite the uneasiness felt by everyone in line (except the generous woman) people’s charity often exceeds our expectation. We all benefit from God’s overabundant love, said the bishop.

The rededication would not be a true celebration without food, food and more food. Father Ferdinand had both a “thank you” brunch for donors of the capital campaign and festive lunch for the parishioners after the rededication liturgy. The exquisite spirited music from the Mass continued into the reception as live musicians entertained the lunch guests. Young people, who are the musicians and singers in the choir, provided the continued entertainment. The multi-cultural make-up of the parish was apparent in both the congregation and the celebration afterwards.

	Aztec dancers performed after Mass.

The creation of a prayer grotto dedicated to the Lady of Guadalupe provided a beautiful outer symbol of the life that is present in the parish. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is a common trait to the parish’s Filipino and Central American communities. In addition to the tile mural, the grotto has benches for prayers and vigil candles to honor Our Lady. The dedication of the grotto included stunning plants and flowers amongst the flags of the Central American countries. In the afternoon, following the one o’clock Spanish liturgy, there were Aztec dancers performing for the crowds after Mass. And more food as well; always a treat to the Mexican people who enjoyed it.

All in all, it was a great day of celebrations at Saint Jane’s.