MILTON— Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley made his first visit to St. Mary of the Hills Parish Nov. 19 bringing to a close the year-long celebration of the parish’s 75th anniversary with a Mass. Concelebrating the noon Mass with the cardinal were Father Arthur Wright, current pastor of St. Mary’s, Father Tom Foley, pastor from 1987-2002, and a large number of former parochial vicars and priests who grew up in the parish.

Also taking part was Memphis Tenn. Bishop J. Terry Steib, SVD. Regrettably, Msgr. John D. Day, pastor from 1966-1987 was unable to attend but was remembered at the Mass.

The Mass began with Father Wright welcoming Cardinal O’Malley and Bishop Steib to the parish for the happy occasion. The Liturgy of the Word was proclaimed by parishioners Lynn Dolan and Jack Maher. Proclaiming the Gospel was St. Mary’s Deacon Bob Stellini. At the offertory procession, several parishioners who have been parishioners since the founding of the parish on Nov. 18, 1931, presented the gifts to the cardinal. Music for the Mass was provided by the adult choir, led by Peter Watchorn, and the youth choir, led by Jon Niven. After Communion, France Neff, Kiera Regan and Megan Hennessey made a lovely appearance as they performed a liturgical dance.

In closing remarks, Father Wright thanked the many members of the Diamond Jubilee Committee for all their hard work over the past year in celebrating the parish’s 75th anniversary. One event, in particular, was the Diamond Jubilee Banquet on Sept. 29 at Lombardos in Randolph. After the Mass, Cardinal O’Malley greeted parishioners as they left the church and proceeded to St. Mary of the Hills Grammar School for a luncheon.