OLOP celebrates 50th Anniversary

On June 24^th, the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace in Santa Clara, California celebrated the 50^th anniversary of its foundation.

Our Lady of Peace was blessed by the presence of His Excellency Patrick McGrath, the Bishop of San José, who celebrated the mass of thanksgiving. There were also about ten other priests who concelebrated the mass—these included the pastor of OLOP, Fr. José Giunta, as well as the former pastor, Fr. Walter Mallo (who preached the homily), Fr. Gustavo Nieto (IVE provincial superior), Fr. Fran Cilia (vicar general of the Diocese of San José), Fr. Marcelo Navarro (pastor of St. Leo’s) and others.

After the mass the parishioners organized a dinner to which all were invited. After the dinner two different videos were also showed—one video about Our Lady of Peace that showed Msgr. Sweeney (the long-time pastor and motive force of OLOP who passed away in 2006), and another beautiful video prepared by a family of the IVE’s Third Order at OLOP. OLOP has grown tremendously since 1961, when it was built in the middle of a pear orchard—it currently has over 4,000 people for mass on Sundays, about 1,000 people for daily mass (!), perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and many other activities. To those who live or work near it, it is best recognizable for the enormous statue of Our Lady that overlooks Highway 101. We give thanks for this important milestone in the life of our parish, and pray that Our Blessed Mother, patroness of Our Lady of Peace Shrine, will continue to intercede for the sanctity and well-being of OLOP parishioners and of the whole world.

To see a photo album from the 50^th Anniversary celebration, click here