TUKWILABy Savio Pham

Members of Saint Thomas Parish in Tukwila and nearby Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Seattle joined efforts to host an outdoor Mass and cultural festival Sept. 7.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the construction of St. Thomas Church and the 10th anniversary of the parish’s Hispanic ministry, as well as the cultural diversity of both parishes, which share Father Duc Nguyen as their new pastor.

More than 1,000 people from both parishes turned out for the Mass of Thanksgiving, concelebrated by Father Nguyen and the parishes’ parochial vicars, Father Anthony Lan Tran and Father Gilberto Mora Tapia. Father Nguyen praised the St. Thomas founders — including 24 who attended the Mass — for their contributions and sacrifices in building the church. The Mass was followed by a festival featuring cultural food and entertainment.

St. Thomas was established as a mission in 1912 and became a parish in 1946. Construction of the church was completed in 1963 under the direction of the pastor, Father Anthony Palmasani, and many parishioners. The sanctuary was later modified to reflect the direction of the Second Vatican Council. While Father Gerald Mayovsky was pastor, the church was renovated and then rededicated in October 2001.

The first Spanish Mass at St. Thomas was celebrated Nov. 2, 2003, with about 30 people in attendance. Today, it’s estimated that more than 500 people attend the parish’s Spanish Mass, celebrated at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays.

Father Nguyen was appointed pastor of both parishes in July, following the retirement of Father Mayovsky.

Parishioners of St. Thomas in Tukwila and Our Lady of Lourdes in Seattle celebrated the diversity of their parishes with ethnic food and cultural entertainment.

September 13, 2013