West New York parish celebrates 160th anniversary
The 160th anniversary year of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish in West New York came to an uplifting conclusion with a commemorative Mass celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, on March 16.
Addressing the hundreds of gathered faithful, Cardinal Tobin said it is fitting their church was named after St. Joseph because just as he protected Jesus, the parish has cared for Hudson County Catholics since 1863. The cardinal later attended a reception honoring 13 longtime employees and parishioners, including a 91-year-old congregation member who still hosts parish activities. Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus — who concelebrated the liturgy with Cardinal Tobin — was also recognized for the 15 years he served as St. Joseph of the Palisades’ pastor.
“The celebration was a wonderful experience, and the entire anniversary year was a great opportunity to show everyone we’re a parish that’s very vibrant and alive,” said Father Helber Victoria, St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish’s current pastor. “Our 160th year is over now, but by the grace of God, we’ll continue to serve and welcome everyone for another 160 years.”
Prior to the Mass, St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish commemorated its anniversary by making numerous refurbishments to its convent, music room, kitchens, and other locations over the past year. It also purchased an electronic sign and a statue of St. Michael, which was blessed by Cardinal Tobin. And its community gathered for two additional milestones — the 75th anniversary of the parish’s Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in North Bergen and the 150th anniversary of its school, the Academy of St. Joseph of the Palisades in West New York.
Boasting a population of approximately 5,000 parishioners spread across multiple communities, St. Joseph of the Palisades is one of the largest parishes in the Archdiocese of Newark. It is also the Archdiocese’s single-largest Hispanic parish, with more than 90% of its parishioners being Hispanic. For more information, visit www.saintjosephpalisades.com.
Photos courtesy of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish
Featured image: Father Helber Victoria, pastor of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish in West New York, celebrates his parish’s 160th anniversary with hundreds of clergy and faithful at a reception on March 16, 2024. (Photo courtesy of St. Joseph of the Palisades Parish)
