St. Luke's parish in Whitestone, NY, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. At a special mass on February 2, the parish thanked the Dominan Sisters of Amityville who served at the school and parish.
"A treasured part of these 150 years is the presence and ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, who for over 100 years, dedicated themselves to the students and families of our parish school," said Msgr. John. C. Tosi, the pastor of St. Luke's Church.
More than 20 Sisters attended the liturgy including former principals Sisters Loretta Devoy and Peggy Krajci, as well Sisters Antoinette De Aveiro, Bernadette Izzo, Peggy Tully, Helen Mulhbauer, Judy Flanagan, Diane Morgan, Peggy McVetty, Jeanne Matullo, Barbara Kradick, Joan Martin, Kathryn Walsh, Alice Grillo, Lenore Toscano, Joan Fronc, Marilyn Breen, Mary Davies, Elizabeth Callahan, Ann Elizabeth Diliberti, Ellen Patricia Finn and Mary Hughes. Sister Mary Hughes, who had taught at St. Luke's, addressed the parish during the 10:45am liturgy.
"My years at St. Luke's are a wonderful memory to which the February 2nd's celebration has added a new piece," said S. Loretta DeVoy, who served as a principal there from 1970-1973. "Visiting with the faithful and the faith-filled parishioners led by Msgr. John Tosi was delightful. St. Luke's parish certainly has taken the light of Christ and shared it well for 150 years."
"They were wonderful years and it brought back many memories at Sunday’s celebration," said Sister Peggy Krajci who serves on Sisters' Leadership Council and was also principal there from 1979 to 1996. "Msgr Tosi and the parishioners were very gracious and welcoming."
After mass, the sisters and parishioners gathered in the parish hall where there were many reunions with former students and their parents. The sisters were then invited to enjoy a delicious dinner in the rectory. A good time was enjoyed by all!