Centennial 1908 ~ 2008

Pope Benedict XVI's blessing for our centennial

Papal blessing for our centennial


A century ago, on July 12, 1908, the cornerstone of our church was blessed by the Most. Rev. Patrick A. Ludden, the first bishop of the Syracuse Diocese. Throughout 2008-2009, our parish celebrated this auspicious moment by honoring our spiritual legacy, our pastors who guided us wisely, our beautiful church and most important, the St. Ambrose parish family.

Events:

  • View a photo gallery of our Centennial Mass here and our Centennial Dinner here.
  • Centennial Commemorative Books: Read the history of our beloved parish. A limited number of copies of this 60-page book, with full color photos of our stained glass windows, are STILL available for $8 each at the rectory during office hours.


    • Newspaper report of the formal dedication of St. Ambrose Church on June 20, 1909
  • On June 20, 2009, we celebrated the centennial of the formal dedication of St. Ambrose Church after the building was completed. According to a newspaper account of Tuesday, June 22, 1909, the previous Sunday more than 2,000 people attended the dedication. Bishop Patrick Ludden, the first bishop of the Syracuse diocese, officiated at the Mass.

    • Centennial Prayer


    Written by Rev. Charles Currie, pastor, for the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the blessing of our cornerstone, July 13, 2008

    Almighty Father, One hundred years ago you summoned the faithful of the Village of Endicott — they gathered as the family of St. Ambrose Parish. Through their priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay ministers throughout the decades, they and their children were nurtured by the Good News of the gospel and the bountiful grace of your sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Thus enlivened and transformed, they became a community, a holy people, a people steadfast in their faith, unwavering in their hope and above all, a people generous in their service. We, the current parishioners of St. Ambrose, have inherited this rich spiritual legacy and we are profoundly grateful. Our prayer during this centennial year is that we remain worthy of their trust — and that we continue the sacred task of unfolding the vision of Church and Christian life they forged so long ago. In so doing, we will honor our glorious past and be a bridge to an even more glorious and faith-filled future. Amen.