St. Ambrose parish in Fields Corner marked its centennial on Sunday with a Mass and luncheon. . Bill Brett photo

Past and present parishioners of St. Ambrose Church came together for a special Mass on the occasion of the centennial of the parish this past Sunday morning. With Bishop Robert F. Hennessey returning from the Merrimac region to serve as principal celebrant, the Mass began with a colorful procession of Vietnamese children and Fr. Finn, pastor, welcoming the bishop back to a parish he frequently visited during his time as auxiliary bishop in Boston.

A multi cultural parish today, the liturgy of the word was proclaimed in Spanish, Vietnamese and English. In his homily, Bishop Hennessey commented on the life and times of the patron saint of the parish and reviewed the history of the parish, founded in December, 1914 to meet the needs of a growing Catholic congregation in Fields Corner. Founding pastor, Rev. John P. Harrigan broke ground for a lower church in March, 1915. In Nov, 1924, the upper church was dedicated by Cardinal O’Connell, giving Dorchester an imposing church reminiscent of Notre Dame with twin towers in the front. A new rectory followed in 1928 and a grammar school, staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1936.

Mary Whalen, Fr. Von Euw, Fr. Finn and Fr. Von Euw’s twin sister celebrate at the luncheon. Photo by Patrick O’Connor

Thirty years ago this past January, a devastating fire destroyed the church, coinciding with Ray Flynn taking office as mayor of Boston and the appointment of a new archbishop of Boston. Parishioners from near and far rallied to raise funds to rebuild. Cardinal Law broke ground on October 26, 1985 and dedicated the new church on December 19, 1987. In all, seven pastors have led the parish. One former pastor was Fr. Vincent Von Euw, who attended Sunday’s Mass. Now retired and living at Marian Manor, parishioners welcomed him back with a hearty round of applause.

Following the Mass, a centennial luncheon got underway at the nearby IBEW Hall. Several former parochial vicars and sisters who staffed the school during its 67 year run mingled with parishioners for the happy occasion. The centennial year will come to a close with another Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday, December 7, the feast day of St. Ambrose.