Rich in history and diversity, St. Adalbert Church, Elmhurst, commenced its 125th jubilee year with an opening Mass celebrated by Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski on April 24.

Concelebrating the Mass were Father Miroslaw Podymniak, O.F.M., Conv., pastor since last year; the Conventual Franciscan Friars serving the parish; and Father Dariusz Strzelecki, the bishop’s master of ceremonies. Parish Deacon Tom Paige assisted on the altar.

St. Adalbert’s parish is the oldest Polish parish in Queens and the fourth oldest Polish parish in New York. Its history dates back to December, 1891, when Father Jozef Fyda, at the suggestion of Brooklyn Bishop John Loughlin made preparations for the creation of a new parish for about 35 Polish families. Today, dozens of families of various ethnic backgrounds have made the parish their spiritual home.

Teresa Zajkowski, Roisin Wrynn, Davilyn G. Gaviola and Olga Montoya representing the Polish, Irish, Filipino, and Spanish parishioners, carried a world map to the altar as part of the 125th anniversary opening Mass.

Several parishioners were invited to process up to the altar carrying the parish sacramental records. Lifelong parishioner Catherine Buczynski carried the baptism book; husband and wife, Lawrence and Joanne (nee Zutlas) Mikoleski, both lifelong parishioners, carried the marriage register; and Mary Ann Papavero of Papavero Funeral Home and a parishioner for 55 years, brought up the book of funerals.

George Szczepanski, a second-generation parish usher, whose father was baptized in the church in 1918, carried the offertory collection.

Every month this year, the parish is planning events and projects to commemorate the anniversary, including a video of memories for future generations.

The 125th jubilee closing Mass is scheduled for April 23, 2017 with Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio as the main celebrant, and a reception to follow in Royal Elite Palace, Woodside.