'Fiesta of Faith' celebrates 142nd Anniversary of Parish in Tombstone

Bishop Edward Weisenburger went to Tombstone for a celebration of the "Fiesta of Faith" at Sacred Heart Parish.

Celebrating the 142nd Anniversary of the Parish, (the oldest in Cochise County) and the 75th Anniversary of the present church, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Tombstone, held a “Fiesta of Faith” for the whole community, on Saturday, April 23rd!

Beginning with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Weisenburger, the Parish welcomed many to a day-long “Fiesta” with a barbeque, street dance, activities for kids, and a variety of events for all ages.

The “Fiesta of Faith” was dubbed “Heaven-dorado Day” – a tongue-in-cheek jab at Tombstone’s annual “Helldorado Days”!

Re-enactors, portraying Nellie Cashman, “the Angel of the Camps” and donor of the 1882 church, and Father Francois Jouvenceau, the missionary/founder, answered questions about the history of the Parish, and posed for photos!

A number of tourists, also joined in the celebration, especially enjoying the “Rose Arbor Chapel” behind the church, the 2nd largest ‘Tombstone Rose’ trees in the world – in full bloom!

Noting that Bishop Joseph Freri, (who later became the head of the National Office of the Propagation of the Faith), and Bishop Henry Granjon (the 2nd Bishop of Tucson), are among the 40 pastors who have served the Parish, Bishop Weisenburger said of the Parish’s history:

“It’s a lot. And a lot for which you, the descendants of this community, and most especially, the descendants of this community of Faith, can be proud. Might I add that, while it’s interesting to note how Tombstone has evolved from its origins, the fact that we’re still here, practicing the same One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Faith is both humbling and encouraging!”