THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
On Sunday, December 8, 2013, Holy Rosary Roman Catholic (Italian) Church in Washington, DC celebrated its Centennial. As stated by Rev. Lydio F. Tomasi, C.S., Ph.D, Chair of the Centennial Committee stated “a serendipitous coincidence has Holy Rosary’s centennial in December 2013 . . . to showcase our Italian heritage in the final month of the Year of Italian Culture”. Furthermore, Father Tomasi stated “From its humble beginnings in 1913 in a rented house, Holy Rosary has expanded its Roman basilica-style facilities and matured over the decades to become in 2013 not only an inclusive church but also a gathering place for all ethnic groups and transnationals on the move”.
There could not have been a more fitting tribute to this dynamic and beautiful parish than to celebrate with a High Mass and a Gala. The centennial festivities began Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. on December 8, 2013, with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Donald Wuerl. Hundreds of parishioners and guests braved the icy rain, and the church was so full that Casa Italiana was needed to handle the overflow crowd. The church, decorated with so many flowers, may never have looked so beautiful. Papal Nuncio Carlo Maria Viganò was in attendance, along with Italian Ambasssador Claudio Bisogniero, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito, officials of the Scalabrinian Missionaries, and former Holy Rosary Pastor Charles Zanoni (Pastor Emeritus Father Lydio Tomasi’s predecessor), among others.
The Knights of Columbus Honor Guard escorted the procession of the clergy. A special mention should be made of the outstanding musical accompaniment for the Mass. The inspired singing of the Holy Rosary Choir, directed by Maria Marigliano, who was also the organist, was surely a highlight of the centennial celebration. And when the choir sange the “Ave Maria,” there might not have been a dry eye in the house. To complement the beautiful singing during the Mass, there was music from 4 trumpeters and trombonists, 2 violinists, and a viola player. Cardinal Wuerl had warm words of priase for Holy Rosary and gave his warm wishes to the parish. After his homily, the Cardinal added greetings in Italian.
Holy Rosary Pastor Ezio Marchetto delivered stirring words summing up the accomplishments of the 100 years while looking forward to the new century. Following the High Mass, a Gala was held at the National Building Museum, a fitting place for such a momentous occasion – the facility looked absolutely gorgeous. Over 750 people were in attendance to enjoy a wonderful evening of fine food, music and tributes to the Church and its benefactors. Paul Anthony, a local radio and TV broadcaster, was the master of ceremonies.
The invocation was given by Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, and welcoming remarks were provided by Rev. Lydio Tomasi, C.S., Ph.D, Centennial Committee Chair, and Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, Centennial Honorary Chair. The first of two highlights of the evening were performances by Jose Sacin and Melissa Jean Chavez who sange the Italian National Anthem (“Fratelli d’Italia”) and the “Star-Spangled Banner”, respectively and the musical interlude by Bel Canto Virtuosi from the award-winning Riberbend Opera Company and Michael Amante, Virtuosi member and Gala Star, who sang selected short scenes from Italian opera repetoire highlighted thrilling arias and rousing passages that took our minds and hearts back to Italy.
The second highlight of the evening was recognition of Honoree Robert A. Facchina, the “Gift of the Century” donor who was awarded the Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (“knighthood” from the Italian Republic). Mr. Facchina’s history to Holy Rosary Church dates to its earliest beginnings, as his Italian ancestors, who were skilled artisans, established the National Mosaic Company in the Washington, DC area. They completed the mosaic work and terrazzo flooring not only in Holy Rosary Church but also in major public buildings throughout the Washington, DC area including the Library of Congress, the old U.S. Department of Commerce and the Franciscan Monastery. It was an exceptional evening enjoyed by all! AMHS members in attendance were proud to represent our Society at such a grand, historical event.