Batavia Brotherhood Banquet to remember Monsignor Donovan

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia will host the 51st annual Batavia Brotherhood Banquet.

Batavia Mayor Jeffery D. Schielke will keynote the banquet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the church, 2300 Main St. in Batavia. He will describe how faith helped create community in Batavia with Holy Cross' Msgr. Donovan as a key contributor.

The Wilson Street bridge was named the Monsignor William Donovan Bridge in honor of the much-loved Catholic priest in our community who celebrated his 100 birthday in 1985. He was a former Citizen of the Year who served the community as pastor at Holy Cross Parish.

Donovan served Holy Cross from 1929 to retirement in 1967. He continued to live in Batavia until his death, at age 102, in 1987. Before serving at Holy Cross, he was stationed at Holy Angels parish in Aurora and St. Patrick parish in St. Charles. He had also served as a chaplain at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Aurora, and as the Catholic chaplain for five years at Mooseheart when it opened.

This evening of Christian fellowship is unique to Batavia; allowing men to enjoy dinner, a few laughs and take home a Christian message. Tickets cost $20 at the door or $22 online at www.bataviabrotherhoodbanquet.org. The Batavia Brotherhood Banquet is an annual gathering of Christian men of all denominations to share in a meal and fellowship.

Holy Cross Catholic Church will host the groundbreaking for Perpetual Adoration Chapel is set for Monday, May 18, the 100th birthday of St. John Paul II. Dedication is scheduled for Oct. 22, his feast day. For information, call the church at (630) 879-4750 or visit holycross-batavia.org.