June 26, 2023

Final Mass held for Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Chicopee

REGIONAL
Story and photo by Nick Morganelli

CHICOPEE – The final Mass for the Springfield Diocese’s oldest parish, Holy Name of Jesus, here, was held on Sunday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The closing of the parish will be effective as of July 1.

The original Holy Name of Jesus church building was closed (on what was to be a temporary basis) in 2011 due to termite damage and deterioration of the masonry. The parish was established in 1838 and the South Street church was dedicated in 1859. Holy Name of Jesus was one of five parishes in Chicopee that remained open after five other Chicopee parishes were closed in 2009 as part of the diocesan pastoral planning process.

Father William Tourigny, pastor of St. Rose de Lima Parish, Chicopee and canonical pastor of Holy Name of Jesus celebrated the final Mass for more than 200 worshippers. Many were former members of other recently closed churches in Chicopee including St. Patrick’s, Assumption, and St. George’s.

Several other priests and deacons were in attendance at the June 25 closing Mass, including Deacon David Southworth, who was the parish’s administrator for the last five years. 

Knights of Columbus members led the procession and the sound of bagpipes filled the air outside as the attendees made their way to a reception at the Knights of Columbus Elder Council 69 on Granby Road in Chicopee. Guests enjoyed a beautifully decorated hall for a luncheon buffet.

A special recognition of gratitude was presented in a plaque to Deacon Southworth and there were many words of thanks to clergy and laypeople who contributed to the weekly ministries and community of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. 

Some parishioners will now worship and bring their time and talents to nearby Chicopee parishes, including St. Stanislaus Bishop and Martyr Basilica and St. Rose de Lima.

A video version of this story will be featured on the July 1 edition of “Real to Reel,” which airs Saturday evenings at 7 on WWLP-22NEWS.