On Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. the steeple bell rang a half-hour before Mass of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception at the church in Brussels that carries her name. The pews were filling, and filling fast. Parishioners began standing along the side aisles only to be escorted by ushers to already crowded pews. [Editor's note: Nobody said, but ushers may have reminded themselves to keep the aisles clear; a necessity in case of an emergency, such as a fire. SM]
A holy day of obligation would be reason enough to fill the pews, but it was also the occasion to hear the new organ built to replace the previous 1938 model trumpet the welcome of two bishops and several former parish priests as they led the procession for the first Mass at the rebuilt St. Mary's Church, all but destroyed in a Christmas Eve fire in 2011.
Former pastors Fathers Louis Schlangen and R. Joseph Simburger along with visiting priests of the diocese joined Father Don Roberts in the procession, followed by Bishop Carl Kemme of the Diocese of Wichita who concelebrated Mass with Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. Bishop Kemme served as pastor at St. Mary's from 1992-1996 and reflected on his early priesthood in southern Calhoun County.
"Some of us priests questioned why Bishop would send us here?" Bishop Kemme recalled evoking laughter from the faithful. "And then, we got to know you and you became a very important part of who I am. When I arrived in Wichita, Kansas, last May, it was very much like when I came here in 1992; I have a lot to learn there, just like I did here. Coming here tonight has been a source of great anticipated joy."
Bishop Paprocki began his homily by telling parishioners that, not unlike the popular tradition of opening the little doors of an Advent calendar to reveal a present, this year's Advent journey has provided as its present the reopened door of St. Mary's Church.
"This early Christmas present is one which fills our hearts with gratitude and rejoicing as we gather to dedicate this church as a house of God where we will continue to assemble for years to come … ."
Linking the significance of the feast day to the rededication of the church and anointing its new alter, Bishop Paprocki said, "This church of St. Mary's in Brussels is also under the title of the Immaculate Conception and it is the source of exceeding joy that we have the dedication on this day." [Editor's note: Bishop Paprocki's entire homily for the Dedication of St. Mary's Church is available at dio.org/bishop/speeches-and-homilies.html]
During his remarks, Father Roberts specially thanked members of the rebuilding committee, Charles Burch, Dale Hagen, Yvonne Macauley and Robert Snyders in addition to Bishop Paprocki, an early and active proponent of rebuilding.
"You were down here with us within a very short period of time (after the fire) prayed with us and reflected with us of what would be involved to go forward in the renovation of the church," said Father Roberts.
Only the church walls withstood the fire. Rebuilding began early in 2012 on the historic 1863 building. Greg Fleck, diocesan director for the Office for Property, Buildings and Cemeteries oversaw the reconstruction project.