By Mary Kathryn Carpenter

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — The Rev. David O’Connor had several reasons to be jubilant Wednesday.

His reasons were the occasion of his jubilee celebration as well as the dedication of St. Mary’s Family Life Center in his name.

A priest celebrates his jubilee on the 50th anniversary of his ordination and O’Connor, the rector of St. Mary’s Basilica, celebrated his anniversary on June 14.

Donna Martello, former member of the pastoral council and a volunteer within the parish, believes the dedication of the Family Life Center is the perfect way to honor O’Connor’s service throughout his ministry.

“To have been a priest for so many years is a big deal, and to find something to mark that occasion is not easy,” Martello said. “It’s hard to find something appropriate.”

O’Connor said he was honored to have the Family Life Center named after him and attributes his success in ministry to the prayers of his parishioners.

“I am almost without words,” said O’Connor, after being presented with a plaque and portrait after a celebratory mass. “Keep me in your prayers. That is what has gotten me where I am today and it keeps me going on a day to day basis.”

He also was pleasantly surprised by the nearly 500 people who attended his celebration mass and the reception following.

“It is overwhelming and humbling, and to be honest, quite satisfying,” O’Connor said. “It was just awesome.”

President of the pastoral council Mark Carter believes there was no better person to receive the honor awarded to O’Connor.

“It was the right thing to do,” Carter said. “Without him, his vision, his leadership, this building would not be a reality.”

Martello believes O’Connor was the heart of the project.

“He felt it should be done, and he committed to it,” Martello said. “It’s just fantastic. It’s a place you want to be and want to go.”

O’Connor, however, argues that there would be no Family Life Center without the help of others.

“This building couldn’t come about with just one person,” O’Connor said. “It took organization and financial help from others.”

Martello is also proud that O’Connor has celebrated the two largest milestones a priest can celebrate while in Natchez. O’Connor celebrated his 25th anniversary of being a priest in 1989 during his first stint in Natchez and celebrated his 50th anniversary June 14.

“He has been able to become part of the fabric of the community,” Martello said. “He’s bee able to know not just his parish and parishioners, but the entire community.”