The Anna Hurban Chicago District hosted its local 125th anniversary celebration on October 21st. The day started with Mass celebrated by Bishop Alberto Rojas at St. Jane deChantal Church in Chicago. Father Edward Cronin, pastor of St Jane’s, welcomed the group and concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Rojas.
Following Mass, the group shared in a traditional Slavic luncheon at Mayor’s Mansion in Chicago.
In addition to the Branches from the Chicago District, members of the Polish Women’s Alliance of America, PWAA, and the Indiana District joined the day’s celebration. National President, Cynthia Maleski, joined the group via Skype, and inspired the group with her remarks about the history of the organization, its founders and past leaders, and how far we have come over the past 125 years.
Following the luncheon, Honorary Slovak Consul to Chicago, Rosemary Wisnosky brought greetings to the group from the Slovak Consulate. Lorraine Gibas, Anna Hurban Chicago District President, addressed the group, reminding us of the strength of past District and Branch leaders who provided the foundation of our organization.
The group remembered all those deceased who have been part of the organization, with each Branch lighting a candle in remembrance. This historical perspective was enhanced when the group viewed the commemorative DVD prepared by Home Office, which detailed FCSLA’s history.
The celebration closed with a raffle of beautiful gift baskets donated by Branches and individuals. All proceeds of the raffle, totaling over $1,000, were donated to Catholic Charities, Disaster Relief, to aid the victims of the several natural disasters across the country.
The day’s celebration ended with the group of over 150 singing “God Bless America”. To view photos from this event, visit the Photo Gallery on the Chicago District Web site.
