OLPH: Goodbye old friends, hello new ones

BLANCA MORALES | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Posted: 10.06.09

BLANCA MORALES | FC
Sister Grace Diaz, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, who taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School years ago, prays during the parish’s closing Mass Sept. 27. Our Lady of Perpetual Help merged with St. James Parish in North Miami Oct. 1.

OPA-LOCKA | In the church where many of their dearest memories were made, Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioners combined melancholy with gladness: Their parish is closing after 55 years, but the final Mass Sept. 27 provided an opportunity for old friends and school alumni to reunite.

While many parishioners said they were saddened by the church’s closing, some said they regarded the situation with hope, knowing that they will continue their faith-based friendships and make new ones at their new spiritual home, St. James Parish in North Miami.

One parishioner said though she is sad, the spirit of community in the parish, especially among the school’s alumni, is strong.

In fact, many came from afar for the closing Mass, among them Sister Grace Diaz, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, who taught at the school. She said she was happy to see many of her former students.

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Jennifer Viveres said many of her cousins and relatives were married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, including her uncle Richard Owens in 1964. Jennifer’s grandmother, Julia Owens, has been a member of the parish since it was called St. Mel’s back in 1954.

“It breaks my heart,” said the octogenarian, at the same time recognizing that she has to accept the situation and move on. She plans to attend either St. James or St. Monica in Miami Gardens.

As the last Mass came to a close, all the parishioners joined together for a final prayer: “Our Lady of Perpetual Help, watch over us always. Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us always.”

Father Joaquin Rodriguez, pastor for the past four years, said he will gratefully remember his parishioners’ kindness.

On Oct. 4, Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioners escorted the beautiful picture of their patroness to its new home in St. James, where a Mass will be celebrated to commemorate the union of both parishes.

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