Remembering the priests of the state’s first parish church

November 4, 2019
Patricia Cady
San Francisco
 
Re “The arrival of refugees, old and new,” Father Ron Rolheiser, Oct. 24:
 
Dear Father Rolheiser:
 
Your recent article about refugees was excellent. And it contained information about St. Francis of Assisi Church in San Francisco that I’d like to share.
 
I’ve learned it was California’s first parish church, its first Mass held in July of 1849. Drawings show it was little more than a wooden shack hastily constructed by soldiers from the Presidio and staffed by “two French priests” sent here from Oregon, who lived on the second floor.
 
They arrived during the city’s Gold Rush, a boomtown of muddy streets and tents hosting argonauts from all over the world. Catholic men who wanted mass and sacraments walked a long distance to Mission Dolores when the only road there was planks of wood. Aware of the need for a local church, our Archbishop cast a net looking for priests to staff it. And, after reading your article, I gather that the Bishop of Oregon sent two priests from the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Who else could it have been but members of your own order?
 
Because St. Francis was my parish church, I’ve often thought about those two priests (names lost to history) who arrived during a chaotic time, speaking only French, who accomplished so much. What admirable men! The humble little building they called home is now the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi, a city and state landmark.
 
Thanks and blessings to them. And certainly, to you!
 

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