Archbishop Vigneron Celebrates 150th Anniversary of St. Aloysius Parish in Downtown Detroit
Archbishop Vigneron recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of St. Aloysius Parish in downtown Detroit, calling it his “second home.” The parish has been a beacon of service and community in the heart of the city, attracting parishioners of all ages and visitors alike. The celebration included a special Mass, where Archbishop Vigneron thanked parishioners for their witness to the faith over the past century and a half.
St. Aloysius Parish has a rich history, starting in 1873 as a place to serve the English-speaking Catholic population in downtown Detroit. The parish has undergone changes over the years, including becoming the proto-cathedral for the Diocese of Detroit in 1874. The current church building was constructed in 1930, featuring a unique three-tier design inspired by the Milan Cathedral in Italy.
The parish is known for its outreach programs, including backpack and sandwich ministries, carried out by St. Aloysius Neighborhood Services. Archbishop Vigneron commended the parish for its sacraments, service projects, and moments of outreach, all of which have contributed to the parish’s growth and impact in the community.
Fr. Mario Amore, the current pastor of St. Aloysius, expressed gratitude to Archbishop Vigneron for his support and leadership. He also recognized the contributions of the Franciscans who served the parish for 27 years, establishing many of the outreach programs still in place today.
The celebration of St. Aloysius’ 150th anniversary is a year-long event, with various activities planned to commemorate the parish’s history and continued mission. The parish has seen a growth in young adults and families as new parishioners, reflecting the vibrant community that St. Aloysius has become in downtown Detroit.
Overall, the anniversary celebration highlighted the deep roots and ongoing impact of St. Aloysius Parish in downtown Detroit, showcasing the parish’s commitment to faith, service, and community.