Bishop Louis Tylka during his homily at the 150th Anniversary Mass for the Diocese of Peoria on Feb. 12, 2025 at St. Mary’s Cathedral. “There’s nothing wrong with a party, so let’s celebrate well … all in the name of the Lord,” he said.

A “Party on the Plains” 150 years in the making was celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Turnout was strong, considering a winter storm converged with the anniversary timing. Even so, four visiting bishops were able to attend: Bishop Michael McGovern (Bellville), Bishop Thomas Paprocki (Springfield), Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Joseph Perry (Chicago), and Bishop Chris Glancy.

As well, from across the Diocese of Peoria, 66 priests, 13 deacons, 60 religious sisters, and approximately 350 parish representatives took part.

Bishop Louis Tylka gently joked about Blessed Pope Pius IX issuing the decree establishing the Diocese of Peoria at this time of the year. “Looking back . . . we might think that perhaps he could have considered February weather in North Central Illinois and maybe considered creating the diocese during a more favorable season?”

Rexy Legaspi, of St. Mark Parish in Peoria proclaimed one of the intercessions in Tagalog on behalf of the Filipino community. She commented, “I’m just so happy and so honored that I’m part of the Mass.”

A century-and-a-half before this day – on Friday, Feb. 12, 1875 – Pope Pius IX established a new diocese covering 23 counties in Central Illinois from the Mississippi River to the Indiana border.

A SLIGHT DELAY

Peoria was selected as the “see” city where the bishop would be based.

“And thus, so that the Glory of God may be served . . . we erect a new Episcopal See in the City of Peoria.” (an excerpt from the Pope’s apostolic letter creating the Diocese of Peoria)

However, Father Michael Hurley, who had been appointed as first bishop of Peoria by papal bull (proclamation) declined the appointment, and shipped the papal bull back to Rome.

Enroute, the ship sank.

Communications being what they were at the time, it took two years to clear up the oversight before Bishop John L. Spalding was appointed and started leading the diocese in 1877.

No matter the very human story of stops and starts in the life the faith, the breath of the Holy Spirit entered the Diocese of Peoria 150 years ago today – and came to stay.

ONLY THE BEGINNING

In his homily, Bishop Tylka said, “It is fitting for our celebration to give thanks to God for the ‘glorious deeds’ that He has worked in the history of our Diocese.”

In the light of this history, he noted Father Jacques Marquette and the French missionaries coming to the region, and the arrival of religious sisters to open hospitals and schools.

But he also added a challenge: “We are not here simply in a moment of gratitude looking to the past, but rather in this present moment to renew our commitment to live as disciples of Jesus – who as pilgrims of hope seek to do our part in God’s plan of salvation.”

PILGRIMAGE SITES, VOLUNTEER SERVICE

He went on to outline some practical spiritual opportunities before his diocesan brothers and sisters.

– As well as encouraging 150th anniversary diocesan travels to as many churches as possible, Bishop Tylka recommended in particular visits to six pilgrimage sites: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Peoria; Corpus Christi, Galesburg; St. Mary Church, Moline; St. John Chapel at the University of Illinois Newman Center, Champaign; St. Mary Church, Utica; and Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Nauvoo.

– He also called for a renewed commitment to the Eucharist, including a special reminder to ‘”walk’ with Jesus as we welcome the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage (May 19-21) to our diocese.”

– He asked for “concern for the earth” across the diocese, by joining in an effort to plant at least 150 trees “at our parishes, schools and apostolates.”

– He also reiterated the primacy of prayer: “Pray our Anniversary Prayer (at bottom), pray a rosary, make a holy hour – pray, pray, pray! God’s grace is always given to us if we only would ask for it.”

– And he invited participation in 150,000 hours of volunteer service for parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, food pantries, baby pantries, hospitals “and any other way possible. Let us be a clear witness to the world of the Corporal Works of Mercy and the Church’s teachings on social justice.”

Laura Follis of St. Jude Parish in Peoria exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism Bishop Tylka calls for in his anniversary challenge to perform 150,000 hours of volunteer service as a diocese. She donates her time as a guide at the tomb of the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen in St. Mary’s Cathedral.

MUSIC LlFTED RAFTERS, HEARTS

Music supporting the liturgy was provided by a large, talented cast of musicians and singers (not to mention composers and arrangers).

Tracy and Rob Prescott played harp and mandolin preludes before Mass.

The cantors were Ms. Carmen McCarthy and Mr. Steve Williams, pontifical cantors, who were joined by Mr. Lewis McAdow, a doctoral student in vocal performance at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The members of the Pontifical Brass Quintet, directed by Carl Anderson, were among the many musical contributors to the 150th Anniversary Mass

The Pontifical Brass Quintet was directed by Carl Anderson, who has played at the cathedral for over 30 years.

The Cathedral Hispanic Ensemble sang the communion hymn, “Amén. El Cuerpo de Cristo,” by Father John Schiavone, a priest of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Father Charles Klamut, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua, Bartonville, composed the Sesquicentennial Responsorial Psalm, “Jesus Yesterday, Jesus Christ Today, and Forever More Jesus,” with verses based on Psalm 84. Jacob Thomas, a music sophomore at Bradley University, orchestrated the arrangement.

The musical program was coordinated by director of sacred music and organist Jon Kroepel.

NEW VESTMENTS FOR CLERGY

The Sesquicentennial Anniversary Mass was the occasion for the unveiling of new vestments for diocesan clergy.

“The 150th Anniversary of the Diocese provides many opportunities to celebrate who we are as the Church in the Diocese of Peoria,” said Bishop Tylka. “One opportunity I saw is to recognize the hard work of our priests leading our parishes, especially their leadership in our Growing Disciples pastoral plan.”

Phil Lee, director of the diocesan Office of Divine Worship, commented, “The idea for a new diocesan vestment was Bishop Lou’s. He saw that the current ones were looking worn and starting to become not uniform among the presbyterate due to different dye lots and even fabric changes over the years.”

SANCTUARY WALLS, FRENCH MISSIONARIES

Although there are minor variations by clerical state (e.g., deacon, priest, bishop), the basic design elements of the vestments are consistent, and are “from the bishop’s mind,” in consultation with the religious apparel manufacturer Arte/Grossé.

The vestment’s main banding running down the middle is a copy of the stencil work which adorns the sanctuary walls of the Cathedral. The blue and gold banding alongside is in homage to the French missionaries who first came to the area.

Bishop Lou added, “The previous diocesan vestment has been around for over 30 years, so the timing seemed perfect to thank the priests by giving them a new diocesan vestment which is unique to our diocese.”

New diocesan clergy vestments were unveiled at the 150th Anniversary Mass. There are minor variations by clerical state (e.g., deacon, priest, bishop), but the basic design elements are the same. Pictured is the priestly vestment as worn by Father James Pankiewicz, pastor of St. Mary (Kickapoo), and St. Patrick (Elmwood), during the opening procession.

“It is a visible sign of our unity in the presbyterate as we serve the Church.”

Bishop Lou concluded his homily at the 150^th Anniversary Mass with a call to all to serve Jesus, through Mary:

“United with Mary, we must discern our own calling in this ongoing story of faith, to realize at the heart of who we have been, who we are and who we will become is to PROCLAIM CHRIST: YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER.”

Note: Please visit the Diocese of Peoria 150th Anniversary website for information on the six diocesan pilgrimage sites, obtaining a 150th Anniversary indulgence and more.