The 150 - year history of the Archdiocese of San Francisco in its journey from the Gold Rush to today will be presented Aug. 17 at 5:30 a.m. on KRON Channel 4. The half - hour television documentary, "Proclaiming the Gospel: A History of the Archdiocese of San Francisco," will be broadcast without commercial interruption.
The documentary was one of several major events in 2003 marking the sesquicentennial of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, which was established in 1853.
Material for the video was drawn largely from the "History of the Archdiocese of San Francisco" authored by historian Jeffrey Burns, Ph.D. The television script for the documentary was written by Christa Resing, who directed the video, Maurice Healy, director of Communications and Outreach for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, who served as senior producer, and Burns.
The history video contains many photographs and archival motion pictures, some of which were made available for the production by KRON - Channel 4. Contact with KRON Senior Producer James Swanson was facilitated by Msgr. Harry Schlitt, archdiocesan vicar for administration.
Photographs and live footage capture highlights of the history of the Church in northern California during the past 150 years, from the arrival of the first Archbishop of San Francisco, Joseph Sadoc Alemany, to contemporary events including the papal visit of 1987 and the Jubilee Mass in 2000.
Kevin Starr, Ph.D., noted historian, author and California State librarian, is the primary on - camera commentator in the documentary.
Additional perspectives are given by Burns, Presentation Sister Stephanie Still, Mercy Sister Marilyn Gouailhardou, Holy Family Sister Michaela O'Connor, Franciscan Father Floyd Lotito, Msgr. Eugene Boyle, former head of the Archdiocesan Social Justice Commission and now a retired pastor of the Diocese of San Jose, and Noemi Castillo, former director of the Office of Ethnic Ministries of the Archdiocese.
Well - known character actor, Joseph Campanella, provides the narration. Michael O'Leary, now director of the Office of Stewardship of the Archdiocese, served as producer.
O'Leary also was successful in seeking grant funds.
