BENTON — The annual Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli Memorial Mass will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at St. Patrick Church, Benton. The public is invited to attend the day’s events sponsored by the Father Mazzuchelli Assembly 1202 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Lancaster.
Prior to the Mass at Benton, the public is invited to visit St. Augustine Church, New Diggings. Tours will be given from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every half hour with the last tour beginning at 2 p.m. The church was designed and built by Father Mazzuchelli in 1844 and is the only church that remains as he originally designed it. The Knights are in the process of restoring the church. Visitors can view the updates of the restoration including the newly placed replica carpet and wallpaper, designed to match the original colors and patterns found during the restoration process. Prior to the 3 p.m. Mass, there will also be an opportunity to visit the Mazzuchelli grave site and beginning at 1:30 p.m. a visit Father Mazzuchelli’s house where he died on February 23, 1864.
Following the Mass at Benton, the annual steak and chicken breast dinner will be served in the church hall. The cost of the dinner is $12. A cash bar will be available. A raffle with cash prizes will be held.
For information or to purchase dinner or raffle tickets, call George Burns at (608) 965-4517, or [email protected] Dinner tickets do not have to be purchased in advance but appreciated. Proceeds from the day will benefit the restoration project.
Father Mazzuchelli is known in the tri-state area for establishing at least 35 parish communities, designing and building at least 24 churches, and founding the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. He was declared “venerable” by Pope John Paul II, the first step to sainthood. Father Mazzuchelli’s life and example continue to have meaning for people today. His commitment to justice for the oppressed, education, and responsible civic participation are relevant values for our time.