WARWICK – St. William Church celebrated its 75th anniversary Sunday with a special Mass concelebrated by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin and the church's pastor, Father Frank Salmani.
Also in attendance were five of St. William's former pastors – Father Randolph Chew, Father John Kiley, Father George Behan, Father Nicholas Iacovacci, and Father John Lavin. Father Salmani said that the pastors represented about 35 years of St. William history; he has served as the pastor for the past two years.
During his homily Father Salmani spoke about the legacy of faith that has been passed on through the generations of worshippers at St. William.
"For the past 75 years priests, religious [men and women], dedicated lay people, often giving their blood, their sweat, and their tears, made this community what it is because they believed in what was handed on to them and they wanted to keep it alive. They didn't want it to end with them so they gave it to us. Now we can't have it end with us either, we have to build on it and pass it on," he said.
Father Salmani said that one of the parish's goals for the future is to continue to build on that legacy, "We're always trying to encourage young families to come in," he said. Though the parish has gotten smaller, "I think there still is a lot of potential."
The Anniversary Mass was the culmination of a year of special events like concerts and suppers to "get people revved up for the day," Father Salmani said. Following Mass parishioners gathered at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet for dinner.
St. William is located on Pettaconsett Ave. in the Norwood section of Warwick.
