New York lawmakers presented legislative resolutions honoring the 175th anniversary of St. Ann’s Church in Hornell, recognizing the parish’s long history of religious and community service.
The resolutions, sponsored by Sen. Tom O’Mara, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, were adopted by the New York State Legislature, according to a community announcement.
O’Mara and Palmesano joined clergy, parishioners and community leaders at a special anniversary Mass celebrated by Bishop John S. Bonnici and a reception marking the conclusion of a 175th Jubilee Year celebration organized by Our Lady of the Valley Parish.
The resolutions, identified as J2819/K1421, honor St. Ann’s Church as an enduring institution that has served the spiritual and civic life of Hornell since its founding.
R-L: Sen. Tom O’Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano present official NYS resolutions to Father Stan Kacprzak and Bishop John Bonnici.
“Throughout its distinguished history, St. Ann’s Church has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life, and serve the people of Hornell and the surrounding region with compassion, faith, and dedication,” the resolution states.
The lawmakers said the church has served as a spiritual home for generations of families and has maintained its commitment to worship, charity and community service.
“It was a special privilege to present these legislative resolutions to Bishop Bonnici and Father Stan on behalf of the people of New York state,” the lawmakers said in a joint statement. “Through times of prosperity and hardship alike, St. Ann’s has remained steadfast in its mission to proclaim the gospel, strengthen family and community life and serve its neighbors with compassion, faith and dedication.”
The anniversary also carried personal meaning for two of the resolution sponsors. Palmesano grew up in the parish and served as an altar boy at St. Ann’s Church, while Sempolinski remains a parishioner.
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church at 21 Erie Ave. in the City of Hornell has served the local community for 175 years.
The beginnings of St. Ann’s Parish trace to Catholic missionary efforts in the Hornellsville area during the 1840s, when Redemptorist missionaries traveled throughout the region to serve Catholic settlers and immigrant laborers.
According to the announcement, the church’s history reflects generations of parishioners who helped establish and sustain a permanent place of worship in the community.
Today, Our Lady of the Valley Parish serves an area of more than 450 square miles across the Southern Tier and includes St. Ann’s Church in Hornell and St. Mary’s Church in Rexville.
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The parish continues its mission through worship, fellowship, charitable outreach and community service throughout Hornell and neighboring communities, according to the announcement.
Palmesano represents New York’s 132nd Assembly District, which includes Schuyler and Yates counties and portions of Chemung, Seneca and Steuben counties.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: New York lawmakers honor historic Hornell Catholic church, St. Ann’s
