Rockford parishioners celebrate centennial

Area Catholics lifted their hearts up to God as they celebrated Mass and the centennial of the Rockford Diocese on Sunday at the Northern Illinois University campus in DeKalb.

About 10,000 parishioners filled the cavernous NIU Convocation Center with music and prayer, led by Bishop Thomas Doran and a host of priests.

"I was tearful, it was so beautiful," said Laurene Schroeder, a member of Batavia's Holy Cross Church. "To be in the presence of the Lord -- it doesn't get better than that."

Kevin Roche of North Aurora, another Holy Cross parishioner, brought his wife and children to the event.

"As a Catholic, this means a lot," Roche said. "It's very stirring to celebrate Mass with the bishop," he said.

The Mass marked the start of a year-long centennial celebration for the Rockford Diocese, which includes more than 100 parishes in 11 northern Illinois counties, including Kane.

Established by Pope Pius X on Sept. 23, 1908, the Rockford Diocese has grown to half a million souls, Doran said.

"All who labor in this diocese are grateful to you," Doran told the crowd.

The Mass featured an orchestra and choir of 400 musicians. Dozens of priests in white vestments administered Holy Communion to the faithful.

"I just love it when Catholics come together in a large group like this," said Delores Holmen of Wheaton. "It makes you realize we're just a piece of a much bigger universe, and it's very uplifting to see all those priests."

Doran strode into the hall wearing vestments emblazoned with the diocesan logo and a mitre atop his head. He carried a pastoral staff.

"We as persons give thanks to God," the bishop said. "It is not unnoticed and it does matter."

The Gospel reading for the Mass focused on the virgin Mary, and how the angel Gabriel brought her the news that she would give birth to the son of God.

Mary is the patron saint of both the Rockford Diocese and the United States.