Our Lady of Angels

Today marked the closing of a small but beautiful church in West Philadelphia, Our Lady of Angels. The church has been a part of the archdiocese for 100 years. It was the center of a neighborhood where I was born and raised. What fond memories come to mind just by mentioning its name. I remember receiving my first holy communion, then confirmation, and all of the May processions. When asked where I grew up, I say proudly, Our Lady of Angels parish.  I quess it has something to do with growing up Catholic. I never minded going to church there, it was never a chore, it was what we did as a good catholic.  It seemed like everything revolved around that small church and school. I played all three sports at that school and tried my best every time out because I wanted to show "OLA" was the best of all the rest. I remember Fr. Lazzaro, before we would go out on the basketball court, instilling in us all that we were representing not only our school but our church also." Don't embarrass  yourselves and especially don't embarrass your parish " he would say.
     I didn't attend the final Mass today, but I didn't have to. I just close my eyes and see Mother Mary Elizabeth and her clicker telling us when to kneel and to stand.  I see Father Carbo and his rotund body and double chin, raising the chalice up to heaven. I see Father Lazzaro saying the Mass, so quickly, it seemed like you didn't have time to bless yourself.
     What makes a person think of a church as part of their life? I guess it is the love that she provided in the lessons that were taught. There was always a solemnity every time I went inside. It was always peaceful and serene and I knew that God was there to listen.
Our Lady of Angels might be closed now, but it's spirit will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all those who were fortunate enough to be able to attend Mass there.