A Triumph of Faith

written by James Wudarczyk with assistance from Lydia Wudarczyk (2004)

Dedication:
To the fine gentlemen of the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of the Angels Parish – for their dedication to the Catholic faith.

Each month a small group of men gather at a designated Mass at Our Lady of the Angels Parish in the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh, raise their right hand, and recite the following pledge:

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
I believe O Jesus that Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
I proclaim my love for the Vicar of Christ on earth.
I believe all the sacred truths that the Holy Catholic Church believes and teaches.
I promise to give good example by the regular practice of my faith.
In honor of His Divine Name, I promise to pledge myself against perjury, blasphemy, profanity, and obscene speech.
I pledge my loyalty to the flag of my country and to the God-given principles of freedom, justice, and happiness for which it stands.
I pledge my support to all lawful authority, both civil and religious.
I pledge my manhood to the honor of the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ and beg that he will keep me faithful to these pledges until death.

This small chapter of the Holy Name Society is a vestige of a once large and powerful organization.

The origins of the Holy Name Society may be traced back to the Thirteenth Century when Pope Gregory X issued a Papal Bull on September 20, 1274, to a Dominican friar named John Garbella, ordering him to preach on the sacred name of God as a counter to the Albigensian heresy that was ravaging portions of Europe. According to an excellent article “Albigensianism and the Holy Name Society” by Raymond DiBona, T.O.P., and Edgar G. Perry:

Deriving its name from the city of Albi in Southwestern France where it had become powerfully entrenched during the 12th and 13th centuries, Albigensianism (also known as Catharism) made significant inroads in this rich and culturally influential area by echoing the teachings of earlier heresies, specifically Gnosticism and Manichaenism. Its major doctrine according to Medieval chronicler Raynaldus was that there exist ‘. . . two Creators; viz. one of invisible things whom they call the benevolent God, and another of invisible things, whom they named the malevolent God. The New Testament they attributed to the benevolent God; but the Old Testament to the malevolent God, and rejected it all together except certain authorities which are inserted in the New Testament from the old…” (Taken from Raynaldus, “Annales,” in S.R. Maitland trans., History of the Albigenses and Waldenses, London: C.J.G. and F. Rivington, 1832, p.392.)

Based on this theological construct, the Albigenses went on to teach that the Christ who was born of a woman in Bethlehem and was crucified at Calvary, was of the visible world thus had a sinful nature. The “good” Christ, on the other hand, never took on the evil flesh of this world nor was he ever in this world except spiritually. The sacraments of the Church were also rejected, marriage was discouraged and the Resurrection of the body on the Last Day was denied. Boasting a highly developed liturgy and theology, and established hierarchy, and a substantial following, the Albigenses posed an exceptionally serious challenge to the Medieval Church.

Father John Garbella, later known as Blessed John of Vercelli, was well qualified for the task intellectually. He was well known as a great peacemaker because he mediated a peace with the Tartars of Hungary and was responsible for ending the conflict between the Guelfs and Ghibellines in Italy. As Master General of the Order of Preachers, Garbella was responsible for six hundred friars, as well as their monasteries. However, the Papal order was challenging to Garbella since he was 74 years of age, suffered from a crippled leg, and could only reach many destinations by traveling on foot. Nonetheless, Garbella accepted the responsibility and asked other friars to join him in a ministry of special devotion to the Holy Name. He continued in this task until his death at the age of 83 on November 30, 1283. In 1903 Pope Pius X beatified John Garbella with the title of “Blessed John of Vercelli.”

So while Blessed John of Vercelli rightly deserves recognition as the founder of the Holy Name Society, it was a Lawrenceville man, Father Thomas Devlin, who advanced the concept in Pittsburgh. On June 3, 2004, Reverend John Daya, O.F.M. Cap., graciously gave permission to the Lawrenceville Historical Society to reproduce portions of church histories from the former parishes, which now comprise Our Lady of the Angels Parish. According to Father Raymond Valentine Conway’s Saint Mary’s Church, Forty-Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 1853-1953 (pages 60-61):

THOMAS DEVLIN
Ordained Sept. 23, 1876

Father Thomas Devlin, born Oct. 18, 1853, the son of James and Johanna Walsh Devlin, was baptized by Father Gibbs in the family home as the first church was still being built. As a boy he attended the first school which was taught by lay teachers, and then in the brick building (now called the Academy) wherein the Sisters of Mercy taught. Entering St. Francis College, Loretto, Pa., Sept. 3, 1867, and next enrolling as a student of St. Michael Seminary in 1868, he was ordained by Bishop Tuigg in old St. Paul’s Cathedral on Sept. 23, 1876.

His classmates included Father Morgan Sheedy, LL.D., Father Joseph Anthony who became the Provincial of the Capuchin Franciscans, Father Joseph Calesanctius, O.F.M. Cap., and Father Thomas Neville.

Father Devlin’s first appointment was to St. Brigid’s under Father Treacy and as chaplain to the Ursuline Nuns who then lived on Cliff Street. In 1878 he was made pastor of St. Rose’s Church, Cannelton, Pa., with missions at New Galilee and Wampum, both of which are now flourishing parishes with resident pastors. On March 3, 1881, he became pastor of Mount St. Mary’s where he opened a primary grade school which was taught by Miss Ella Carlin. Two years later he took charge of the newly founded parish of Holy Cross, South Side, where he remained for forty years.

In August of 1884 Father Devlin organized the first Holy Name Society in the Pittsburgh diocese-a society which had been functioning only in parishes conducted by the Dominican Fathers. It took him some time to learn the procedure of establishing such a society and to secure the permission of the Dominican Provincial for its erection. Bishop Phelan approved the canonical erection of the society and the young Father J. F. Regis Canevin showed an interest in it. When the latter became the Bishop of Pittsburgh, he directed in November 1909 that the Holy Name Society be established in every parish of the diocese and all men be encouraged to join it.

On Sept. 1, 1904, Father Devlin succeeded Father Neal McNellis of Indiana, Pa., as superintendent of the parish schools. He was the author of a textbook: “A New and Practical Way of Teaching Civics.” In 1908 he was honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws by Mount St. Mary’s College, Emmittsburg, Md. In 1911 he organized the Catholic Charities of the Pittsburgh diocese. In January of 1923 he was appointed pastor of St. Peter’s Church North Side.

Father Devlin died Sept. 12, 1928, and was buried in Calvary Cemetery.

For many years, the work of Blessed John of Vercelli and Lawrenceville’s Thomas Devlin had a profound effect in Pittsburgh. In his address at a symposium prepared by the Catholic Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and published under the patronage of His Excellency the Most Reverend Hugh C. Boyle, D.D., in commemoration of the one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Diocese, Alvin W. Forney noted:

While the Diocesan Union is now close to thirty years of age, many parochial organizations were canonically instituted prior to 1913. Our records show that St. Brigid’s, Pittsburgh, was canonically instituted on August 4, 1904. This was followed by that of St. James, Wilkinsburg, on October 27, 1904. At the present time a campaign is in progress in the ten counties of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and our report shows that to date about 75 per cent of the parish units are canonically instituted.

Former diocesan directors were Father McCabe, then pastor of the Annunciation Church, North Side, Pittsburgh; the late Monsignor Ryan; Father Thomas Bryson and Father James Delaney, both deceased. The present Diocesan Union flourished greatly under the administration of Father Delaney. He put it on what we might term a solid basis for spiritual progress.

The chief work assigned to the Holy Name Society in the Diocese of Pittsburgh has been the closed retreats for men and boys. Since 1854 the men of this diocese have been making the retreats, so that today we have several houses of religious that are open to our men for “going aside to meditate, rest awhile, and commune with our Blessed Lord.” The diocesan retreat movement in its modern form had its inception under the leadership of Joseph Beck, Esquire, and with the aid of Stephen P. Barry has progressed to its present high status. The reader will find a complete history of this retreat movement under its own caption in this book.

The Diocesan Union now embraces twenty-three districts, with a spiritual director appointed for each district by His Excellency, Bishop Boyle. In each district we now have throughout the course of a year a revolving plan whereby an Eucharistic Night is held in the different churches in turn.

The first Holy Name Society parade in Pittsburgh was held in the fall of 1911; the last in the fall of 1923. On a large diocesan scale, we have had to date three Eucharistic Nights (rallies): the first at Forbes Field on October 12, 1930; the second at the Stadium on October 11, 1936; and the third at Forbes Field on October 12, 1941. At this last rally about 80,000 men and priests were present. Bishop Boyle presided; the Most Reverend B. J. Sheil, D. D., Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, preached the sermon; the Most Reverend Ralph L. Hayes, D.D., rector of the North American College in Rome, and Archabbot Alfred, O.S.B., were in attendance. The prayers were for peace in a troubled world.

In addition to the above activities, the Bishop has delegated to the Society the important work of the Legion of Decency, the National Organization for Decent Literature, the Holy Thursday all night adoration and vigil, and the Good Friday observance. The various activities may be enumerated as spiritual, social, cultural, intellectual, and athletic.

Our Junior Holy Name Society cooperates hand in hand with the senior organization.

The motto in the Pittsburgh Diocese is “Every Catholic man a Holy Name man.” There are no dues or meetings. We leave the latter to the prudent judgment of the local pastors and spiritual directors.

1. The Diocesan Union furthers the aim of the Society:
To promulgate the divinity of Christ. To curb and eliminate cursing, blasphemy, obscene speech, and perjury. The divinity of Christ is assailed today as it was at the time of the Albigensian heresy.

2. The personal sanctification of the individual. The remedy-sacraments, prayer, retreats.

3. Holy Communion on the second Sunday of each month for all men of all nationalities.

In 1962 Reverend Paul M. Lackner, the spiritual director of the Holy Name Society Diocese of Pittsburgh compiled a brief history of the Holy Name Society, which appeared in a booklet of that year when the last of the Eucharistic rallies was held. However, this event did not appear to be as well attended as the other events. While there is no doubt that Father Lackner labored long and hard on this project, the public’s attitude toward religious devotion was on the wane. Again, one must hail Father Lackner for his devotion and dedication to the Holy Name Society, and for constructing a history of the early years of this institution.

Seventy years ago the Holy Name Organization made its vow in the Pittsburgh Diocese when four parish societies were set up in 1885. Little progress was made for 20 years until 1905 when great enthusiasm developed during a mission. An organizing campaign was undertaken under the first temporary central governing body set up in 1908.

The first Diocesan Procession was held October 16, 1910, with 75 parishes represented and 17,000 marchers. Such was the response that a procession became an annual event except for war years. The Diocesan Union was established in 1910 with 27 parish societies and 6,292 members. First Present was John A. Martin of Epiphany parish; and Rev. William A. Cunningham, St. Coleman’s parish was the first Spiritual Director. In 1911 the Lecture Bureau was established.

In 1913 the first Laymen’s Retreat was held under Diocesan Union sponsorship. By the end of that year there were 118 societies, with 22,745 members. Father Cunningham died in 1914; he was succeeded by Rev. Francis J. McCabe of Annunciation church. The next year inaugurated the all night Vigil of Adoration during Holy Week and the annual memorial Mass for deceased members.

A diocesan Rally was held in Exposition Hall, Pittsburgh, in 1919,, in lieu of a Procession. Among the speakers was the very Rev. Ignatius Smith, O.P., then national director. Support for the Catholic Boy Scouts and the Big Brother Movement began in 1920. Three retreats were arranged for 1921 with Father Smith as retreat master. The Annual Procession that year had 30,000 marchers.

In 1924 illness forced Father McCabe to resign as Spiritual Director; he was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas H. Bryson, St. Bernard’s Parish, Dormont. Five thousand men from the Pittsburgh Diocese went to Washington for the 650th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Holy Name Society.

Sectional rallies took place in 26 districts simultaneously in 1925 and drew 100,000 men. Reorganization and reawakened interest in the Society had begun. In May, 1926, Rev. James M. Delaney was appointed Diocesan Spiritual Director. Under his leadership the Society grew in strength. Several district retreats and rallies were held every year.

The first great Eucharistic Rally took place on October 12, 1930, and the turnout astonished the organizers of the event. According to Catholic doctrine, once a priest consecrates ordinary bread and wine, it becomes the real Body and Blood of Christ. This is the reason for such reverence for Holy Communion or Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Church.

Plans for the preparation of the event took at least one year. While no one knows what Father James Delaney originally had in mind, Bishop Hugh Boyle made it clear he expected the rally to be solely a religious function. In a letter dated December 5, 1929, from the bishop to Reverend Delaney, “I think the affair in June should be strictly a Holy Name affair. The notion of inviting politicians and office holders of all kinds in the City and County seems ridiculous to me.” Boyle also thought it best if the event were held on the grounds of Duquesne University. However, by January 28, 1930, the bishop was reconciled with the idea of using Forbes Field, but insisted that it be adequately wired for sound. For some reason, the date of the first rally was pushed back from June until October.

On September 2, 1930, Bishop Boyle wrote another letter, again apparently to Delaney, “Mr. Frank J. Lanahan, and a group of Catholic laymen associated with him, have undertaken the work of organizing a Holy Name Rally and a gathering in honor of the Blessed Sacrament at Forbes Field on October twelfth in the evening.”

Based on the headlines of the Post Gazette of October 13, 1930, the event drew a throng of 115,000 worshippers at the Eucharistic meet, with 70,000 in picturesque rites in Forbes Field. The account also noted that two bishops took part and a choir of 3,300 voices sang Latin hymns. Inside Forbes Field, each man was given a candle, which was lit at the time of solemn benediction as the choir sang Latin hymns. The Post Gazette described the event as “seventy thousand candles flickering in a shimmering golden bowl.”

In his report to Pope Pious XI, Father James Delaney reported, “100,000 men gathered in Pittsburgh last night under the leadership of Bishop Boyle, to do honor and reverence to Jesus Christ, Our Lord.” He also wrote, “100,000 men desire that their Holy Father should know of this love and devotion toward Him, the Spiritual Head of the World.” He concluded by thanking the Holy Father for the Plenary Indulgence granted to the diocese.

The success of the 1930 rally prompted Holy Name organizers under Father Delaney to sponsor a second Eucharistic Rally on October 11, 1936. This was held in Pitt Stadium. The Pittsburgh Press on the following day reported that crowds knelt in the street as a procession of 4,000 altar boys in flowing cassocks and suplices led the procession, followed by almost 600 priests, representing most of the 444 parishes in the Pittsburgh Diocese, five bishops and an archabbot, and an estimated 100,000 men.

In a letter of October 1, 1936, to the rector of Saint Vincent Seminary, Bishop Boyle made it clear that he expected the seminarians to participate in the rally. He also stipulated that the seminarians were to travel back to Pittsburgh at their own expense. Approximately 125 seminarians marched in solemn procession.

One newspaper carried two full pages of photographs of the event. A four-foot high monstrance was used in the mass adoration of the Eucharist by 100,000 men in Pitt Stadium. The host was carried by Bishop Boyle in a smaller monstrance under a canopy carried by six police officers.

According to the Lackner history of the Holy Name Society, “Father Delaney was fatally injured in an automobile accident in October, 1937, and Rev. Alvin W. Forney was appointed in his place. Under Father Forney the society launched an extensive campaign against indecent literature and indecent motion pictures. The War intervened to curb much of that activity. The Eucharistic Night, October 12, 1941, drew 75,000 Holy Name men to Forbes Field in a united prayer for peace.”

In the Diocesan Archives there was a newspaper account of the 1941 rally by Edward J. Lally, Jr., but unfortunately the newspaper was not identified. Headlines of that article noted, “75,000 Catholics Gather In Tribute to Prince of Peace.”

Lally wrote, In one of the few places left on earth where it could happen – without danger of bomb, bayonet or bitterness – a mammoth rally of men and boys paid tribute here last night to the Prince of Peace.

A multitude of 75,000, the largest crowd in Pittsburgh for a single event in five years, filled Forbes Field, almost every square foot of it, in a mass demonstration of faith in the Holy Eucharist.

Just four hours before the worshippers assembled, 18,000 football fans had been there amid mundane scenes of wild excitement.

But at 7:30, with a crowd four times larger assembled under the floodlights that hid a sky of sparkling stars, a hush descended and the big field that everyone knows as a sports arena was transformed into a place of worship-the temporary cathedral of the Pittsburgh Catholic diocese.

And for one hour and 45 minutes the silence lingered. It marked the reverence that men give to their Master, for present on the altar, according to Catholic belief, was Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

The altar dominated the field. Erected in the left center extremity under a canopy of glistening gold and red, it stood high above a rectangular platform on which the priests and the hierarch were gathered.

The most solemn and awe-inspiring moment came when the Sacred Host was carried to the altar in a golden monstrance.

Then the huge floodlights towering above the field were turned off and their illumination was succeeded by a sea of candlelight. Each man held aloft a lighted candle.

There were 75,000 specks of golden lights shimmering in the brisk October breeze that swept the field.

A voice came over the public address system:

“Oh, God, give to Thy servant that peace which the world cannot give.”

The thousands that overflowed the stands onto the field were now kneeling.

“Lord God, permit us not to be overwhelmed by any peril. Receive our prayers and in Thy mercy, grant peace to Christendom and make it secure against all enemies.”

In a moment or two, Bishop Hugh C. Boyle of the Pittsburgh diocese stood at the altar. He gripped the monstrance containing the Sacred Host with the veil that was draped over his shoulders and his hands.

The exalted time had now arrived.

The stillness was such that a whistle would have sounded like thunder.

A white light beat down on him from the altar dome.

One to the left, once to the center, once to the right. Three times he made the sign of the cross with the Blessed Sacrament. Three times a bell tinkled.

That was the Benediction.

When it was over, the floodlights were switched on.

The thousands in the stands and on the field joined in the hymn, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name.”

At this rally, women were not permitted on the field but they were eligible to share in the blessing of the Eucharistic Day by receiving Holy Communion in the morning. According to the Lally account, the purpose of the rally was (1) to make amends for the outrages committed against Jesus Christ, (2) to implore Him for world peace, and (3) to beseech Him for the welfare of Pope Pius XII.

Bishop Bernard Sheil of Chicago was a keynote speaker and he prefaced his remarks with a tribute to “this great Eucharistic triumph.”

After Sheil’s address, Bishop Boyle addressed the men, “It is in the tradition of the historical faith of Christendom that not only do we as individuals owe worship to Almighty God and acknowledgement of his sovereignty but we as officially constituted groups owe him supreme worship.” Boyle added, “We have gathered here as a diocese to pay Him the tribute of our worship and a statement of our profound affection.”

In March of 1946, Rev. Paul M. Lackner was appointed Spiritual Director. Under him, the Society had grown in organization from two Deaneries to 20; and there were more than 300 parish Societies, with membership totaling more than 75,000.

The 1950 rally was the largest attendance at a Diocesan Rally ever held in this country. The Vatican also declared the year of 1950 as a Holy Year.

According to the Post Gazette Daily Magazine, September 11, 1950, “Thanks was the theme last night when 130,000 members of the Holy Name Society praised God in Latin and English and venerated the Eucharist.”

The account also noted, “During Benediction, 85,000 candles glowed in Forbes Field last night. The photo shows solidly packed grandstands. Standees surged to midfield when a solid line of police formed a dividing line for blocks of 3,000 altar boys. From the right field roof, the stands look like a carpet of soft yellow light. The candles burned all during Benediction when all other field lights were out, except those illuminating the altar.”

It was estimated that over nine tons of candles were used. The Sun Telegraph of September 17, 1950, reported that more than one million Western Pennsylvanians listened to the rally on radio. This event was also dedicated to prayer for world peace. Officiating at the ceremony was Coadjutor Bishop John F. Dearden, who observed in the absence of ailing Bishop Hugh C. Boyle. Also, one of the ranking prelates was Rt. Rev. Monsignor Ladislaus Sliwinski, pastor of Holy Family in Lawrenceville.

The Post Gazette called the 1955 rally “a spectacle of faith.” The Monday, October 1st edition of the Post Gazette also called the gathering a triumph for Reverend Paul M. Lackner, a modest priest and diocesan director of the Holy Name Society, who organized the affair.

Estimates of the number of men participating in the event varied from 60,000 to 100,000, but the parade was so spectacular that the Sun Telegraph ran a special Holy Name Edition on October 3, 1955. According to that publication, “The tremendous parade in honor of the Name of Jesus started at noon in the perfect fall weather and ended at 8:40 p.m. under floodlights.” This account noted that it was the longest and biggest parade in the city.

Sal Perrotta writing for the Pittsburgh Press on October 3, 1955, stated: Blaring martial music, solemn prayer and multi-colored religious floats, resplendent under bright autumnal skies, set a contrasting pace for the shuffle of 60,000 parading men of the Holy Name Society. Winding a mile and five-eighths along Fifth Avenue into the heart of Oakland’s civic center, the vast procession yesterday marked a spectacular climax to the society’s sixth national convention.

Throngs of spectators, growing to proportions of some 100,000 by late afternoon, lined the route of the grandiose event.

The first marchers moved out at high noon and the last units paraded under twilight shadows, disbanding at 9 p.m.

Men from all walks of life joined the public demonstration to exemplify their faith in God and pay tribute to the Holy Name of Jesus. And they came from far and near-from Texas, Montreal, New York and Brooklyn, Boston, Milwaukee and Detroit.

Their ranks were further swelled by thousands of Holy Name devotees from throughout the Tri-State area.

Chartered buses and streetcars carried the processioners to the East Liberty-Point Breeze starting point at various intervals set forth by a well-planned timetable.

From a huge covered pavilion adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral, religious and civic dignitaries who led the parade reviewed the remainder of the march.

The parade itself will be recorded as one of the City’s greatest shows, and its motivation, one of the most outstanding manifestations of religious zeal.

Widely contrasted units-410 marching groups, 50 floats, and more than 25 bands- saluted the reviewing stand.

The account also noted, “Bishops, monsignori and hundreds of priests blended into the long line of march. Except for one delay-that of a 1500- man contingent of New York police held up by a freight train derailment at Altoona-the procession came off with military precision.”

The 1955 rally was the last great Eucharistic Rally. Apparently there was one to celebrate the Holy Name Society’s Golden Jubilee on Father’s Day, June 17, 1962, in Pittsburgh’s Civic Auditorium, but this event apparently did not seem to be very well attended.

There were a number of smaller rallies and events sponsored by the Holy Name Societies.

A miscellaneous newspaper clipping simply dated June 18, 1956, in the archives of the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania’s John Heinz History Center demonstrated how prominent the Holy Name Society was in the 1950’s. More than 500 altar boys led a procession of 5,000 Holy Name men in a Fathers Day rally yesterday at the new SS. Cyril & Methodius Byzantine Seminary, North Side.

Members from 19 North Pittsburgh and suburban parishes attended the rally before a huge altar on the seminary grounds bordering Riverview Park.

The rally began with the recitation of the Rosary by the Rev. Edward G. Joyce, assistant pastor of St. Titus Church, Aliquippa.

Monsignor Thomas Quigley gave the sermon, followed by a renewal of the Holy Name pledge led by the Very Rev. Paul Lackner, diocesan director of the Pittsburgh Holy Name Society.

It should be noted that when the Our Lady of the Angels chapter sponsored a day of recollection and lunch in February of 2003 at the parish’s Saint Mary’s Church, Monsignor Paul Lackner, concelebrated the Mass with Reverend Joseph Sedley, a Passionist priest from Saint Paul’s Monastery. Other concelebrants for the event were Reverend John Daya, O.F.M., Cap. and Reverend Leon Leitem, O.F.M., Cap.

There were at least two events of note that took place in Lawrenceville. An article in the Cardinal Dearden Archives, dated March 5, 1942, read:

The Rev. Alvin W. Forney, Director, and David M. Martin, president of the Diocesan Union of the Holy Name Society were speakers at a rally of the Holy Name Unit of St. John the Baptist, Thirty-sixth and Liberty Avenue on Wednesday evening, March 4.

The meeting was held in the school hall. The Rev. A. J. Wigley is the pastor. Arrangements for the meeting were made under the chairmanship of the Rev. James A. Davin.

A second Lawrenceville rally took place in 1953. According to the headlines of the Pittsburgh Press, June 20, 1950, “Seven Rallies Listed Sunday for Holy Name – Bishop to Preside in Lawrenceville.” Part of the text of the brief article read:

Bishop John F. Dearden will preside at an outdoor rally at 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of Saint Mary’s Church, Forty-Sixth Street, Lawrenceville.

A special altar will be erected on the steps of the church, and a Guard of Honor will be made up from members of the Police and Fireman’s Holy Name Society.

Monsignor Henry A. Carlin, Vicar General of the Diocese and pastor of Holy Rosary Church, Homewood, will deliver the sermon.

Society members representing parishes in Lawrenceville, Downtown, and East End-Garfield-Bloomfield Districts will attend.

The Pittsburgh Sun Telegraph, June 20, 1953, noted that men from twenty-one parishes planned to attend the outdoor Mass.

Over the years, Holy Name Societies were also active in asking businesses to close in observance of Good Friday, the campaign to “Keep Christ in Christmas,” and they spearheaded the opposition to pornography.

Although the Holy Name Society is no longer the powerhouse that it once was, one finds that the Our Lady of the Angels chapter did not shirk in the battle against a strip club in Pittsburgh. In the late 1990’s they wrote letters to churches, businesses, and city officials denouncing the City’s Zoning Commission’s decision allowing the opening of a strip club.

The last major event in Lawrenceville sponsored by the Holy Name Society of Our Lady of the Angels took place on Sunday, April 25, 2004. Billed as “Proud To Be Catholic Men Sunday,” the men of the parish Holy Name were joined by the Knights of Columbus, members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and representatives from the Holy Name Societies of Saint Pamphilius, Our Lady of Joy, the Catholic Community of Sharpsburg, and Saint Vincent de Paul, as well as men from Our Lady of the Angels who were not Holy Name members. The event began with the 10 a.m. Mass at the parish’s Saint Augustine Church on 37th and Bandera Streets. Father David Moczulski, a Franciscan from Holy Family Friary in Ben Avon, was principal celebrant for the event. He was assisted by the Reverend John Daya, O.F.M., Cap., pastor of Our Lady of the Angels, and the Reverend Mr. Francis Dadowski, a diocesan deacon assigned to the parish.

Parishioners, who attended the event, commented favorably on the Mass, and were awed by what they termed “the most majestic, colorful, and solemn Mass in the ten-year history of the parish.”

The Fireman’s Union provided a bagpiper, honor guard and five huge flags, while the Knights of Columbus acted as the color guard, and the Hibernians and each Holy Name Society brought their banner. Although the Most Reverend Andrew Fisher, pastor of the Catholic Community in Sharpsburg and Spiritual Director of the Diocesan Holy Name Union, was detained from attending the event since he was celebrating First Holy Communion Sunday in his own parish, he arranged to have the relic of Blessed John of Vercelli on display at both the Mass and the luncheon.

John Fedko, a well-known sportscaster for WPIX, was the luncheon speaker.

In conclusion, it is doubted that either John Garbella or Lawrenceville native Thomas Devlin ever dreamed of the impact that they would have on Pittsburgh history.