Local church celebrates golden anniversary – 50 years

 

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2017

 

PURCELLVILLE, Va. –St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville will celebrate its 50th golden anniversary (1967-2017) this Sunday, September 17, during a Mass to dedicate its renovated building. The celebrant will be the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, and the concelebrant will be Fr. Ronald Escalante, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church.

Details

When:                       Sunday, September 17, 2017, 12 noon

Where:                     St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 37730 St. Francis Court, Purcellville                                   

 

The celebration coincides with the renovation of the interior of the church into a French Baroque era liturgical setting that Saint Francis de Sales—a 16th-century saint known for his gentleness, devotion to the faith, and struggles with Calvinism—would have witnessed during his lifetime. In February 2017, the interior church was gutted to make way for the renovations. Fr. Escalante says the first class relics of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal will be permanently installed in the sanctuary for veneration.

 

In a statement, Bishop Burbidge said, “It is with great joy that we are able to celebrate this milestone with Fr. Escalante and the parishioners of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. I congratulate him and all the faithful involved in bringing the church to even greater beauty.”  

 

St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church has 6,288 registered parishioners. Fr. Escalante has been the pastor since February 2009.