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| Fr. Simon Kilar, founding pastor |
The congregation at Transfiguration Church has seen a lot of changes in the last several years. In 2006, Our Lady Help of Christians (est. 1923) closed and merged with Transfiguration (est. 1925). Six years later, in 2012, Transfiguration/Our Lady Help of Christians merged with St. Ladislaus (est. 1920) in Hamtramck, and St. Louis the King (est. 1923) to form Blessed John Paul II Parish.
With JP2's impending canonization, the parish is in the process of changing their name again to SAINT John Paul II Parish. Currently, they have not announced any celebrations for the canonization.
As you might assume by the name, the parish is traditionally Polish and remains largely so today. Thursdays and Sundays bring Polish Mass to the parish. However, they do offer plenty of opportunities for English Mass.
| Site | Sun. | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfiguration
|
*Polish
| ||||||
St. Ladislaus
|
*Polish
| ||||||
St. Louis the King
|
*Polish
|
*Polish
|
First Saturday
*Polish |
Fr. Andrew Wesley serves as pastor with the assistance of three other priests, two of whom are former pastors at the previous parishes, as well as one permanent deacon.
Organizational changes aside, Transfiguration Church appears to be remarkably unchanged over the decades.
Large arches are found throughout the church.
A gorgeous grotto stands across the street.
I am always amazed by the detailed mosaics found throughout this church, inside and out. Countless, colorful tiles, each less than one square inch, frame the exterior doorway.
Even more tiles cover the interior walls.
Beautiful chandeliers illuminate the side aisles and light reflects off the metallic tiles.
Large murals cap the transepts and doorways.
Since it is still Christmas, the altar is modestly decorated for the season.
For more info, check the bulletin archive
For more photos: AOD Film Services
Photos and info about the school: Bishop Gallagher Society
