Sacred Heart Church, Swedesburg, PA
![[Skorczynski Picture]](SacredHeartSgPA_01.JPG)
Where We Walked
Sacred Heart Church observes 100th anniversary with Mass and banquet
by Ed Dybicz
Pomp and impressive ceremonies marked the 100th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving of Sacred Heart Church, Swedesburg, Upper Merion Township on Sunday, Nov. 26 followed by a Centennial banquet.
Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of the Philadelphia Archdiocese, was main celebrant at the Jubilee Mass and was assisted by priest chaplains and the Rev. Andrew D. McCormick, pastor; Msgr. Anthony E. Jaworowski and Deacons T. Eric Makoid and Ronald Check.
Anthony and Kathleen Boccella, attired in native Polish regalia, followed centuries-old Slavic custom and presented the cardinal with bread and salt, signifying life and happiness, and also with a bouquet of red roses.
Lectors for the Mass were Wanda Opielski, who spoke in the Polish language, and Kathleen Lachowicz, in English. Deirdre Cantando was cantor. A special musical tribute, sung by the St. Cecilia Choir, included Serce Jezusa (Heart of Jesus), the namesake of the parish; the Serdeczna Matko, a song to the Blessed Mother, and the recessional, "Be Exalted."
Escorting the cardinal and participating in the Mass were the Rosary, Holy Name and Youth Societies; Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus; Knights of Columbus; Ancient Order of Hibernians, Notre Dame Division One; honor guard of the Swedesburg Fire Company; and members of the Centennial Committee.
After Mass, Cardinal Rigali greeted hundreds of parishioners, guests and friends of the parish. Many former parishioners came from other states to attend the ceremonies.
Also, following the Centennial Mass, an elaborate banquet was held at the Presidential Caterers, East Norriton. The program was highlighted with many accolades and presentations and proclamations from religious, civic and fraternal representatives. Mrs. Pauline H. Gutkowski was recognized as the oldest living parishioner.
Sacred Heart Church was founded by early Polish settlers of Swedesburg and Upper Merion and was dedicated for public worship on Dec. 9, 1906. Its first founding pastor was the Rev. Hugo Krol, a Vincentian missionary.
From: King of Prussia Courier, Nov. 29, 2006