Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church
Florence
AZ

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Assumption is, first and foremost, a Roman Catholic community of faith. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Roman Catholic Church, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

We share the Good News through our ministries. Every liturgy, every catechetical experience, every school day, every children's worship, every nursing home visit, every trip to Appalachia is an attempt to bring Jesus deeper into the hearts of people in our world.

Assumption is truly a parish family, but we are also members of the Morristown community, the United States, and the global community. Assumption parishioners embrace the Good News though our ministries, so that we can share it with others in our world though actions, words, and expression of love towards others.

As Assumption parishioners participate in local sports, attend various schools, work in local offices, and volunteer to further community programs, we seek to share the love of God in all we do. The simple, everyday acts of love we perform here in Florence will ultimately help to change the world.

Parish Mission Statement

We, the people of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, accept the responsibility and challenge for the mission of Jesus to the Catholic Church - "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." This is accomplished by creating a Christian community of Jesus which is alive and proclaims our worship, education and service to others.

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Roman Catholic churches in Florence, Arizona, United States

Roman Catholic churches in Arizona, United States

Roman Catholic churches in United States

All churches in Florence, AZ

https://www.assumptionofmary.org/

Fr. Callistus Iyorember

Administartor

520-245-8497

520-868-0413

Fr. Callistus was born in Zaria in the State of Kaduna, Nigeria; to a very religious, Catholic family...the only son born to John and Margaret lyorember on April 17, 1976. His parents named him "Terhemen" which means "God First" in "Tiv", Father's native language. "God First', would eventually become his "Operational Theology" and his motivation for becoming a Catholic priest, which was a long road that did not happen overnight.

Fr. Callistus has four sisters, five nephews and three nieces; they all reside in Nigeria. He visits them every year. They talk on Face Ttme and WhatsApp daily keeping him touch with his African family and culture.

Father attended high school at the Mount Saint Gabriel's Catholic Secondary School and received a high school diploma; many of his teachers were priests and nuns. Their lives were characterized by service, love and dedication; consequently, he was greatly inspired by the way they lived their lives and was drawn to entering seminary and becoming a priest.

Fr. Callistus entered St. Thomas Aquinas Major Catholic Seminary in September, 1997. He holds a Bachelor of Philosophy (BA) degree from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome, an affiliate of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Seminary.

Father took a break from the seminary and religious studies and went on to study lnternational Relations and Strategic Studies. ln his African culture, an only son is expected to get married and raise kids, to carry on the family name.

He entered the Benue State University and earned a Master of Art (MA) degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies and went on to teach Physical and Heatth Education in the same High School at which he was a student Through the curriculum, he provided his students with specific skills and knowledge that helped them achieve and maintain a physically active and healthy lifestyle. His desire was that these skills would have an impact upon them and would not just be an academic exercise but would rather become a lifestyle; embrace even beyond high school graduation and enriching their lives forever.

Through prayer and many long discussions with many family members, Fr. finally had their blessings to continue his discernment . "I felt a longing in my heart, an emptiness in his soul that only God could fill and little did I know that God had an adventure planned for me I never dreamed of."

Bishop Gerald Kicanas had a friendship, as well as a working relatianship with the Very Rev. Angus Frser Kakurdi of Nigeria. The two men formed a partnership that would allow two young seminarians from Nigeria to study in the United States, as well as to devote their religious life and vocation to the Diocese of Tucson. "I was so excited and full of anticipation at the adventure that awaited me and yet saddened by the fact that I would be leaving my family, country and everything I knew to embark on this new, exciting adventure; a chance to serve God in America."

Fr. was accepted and enrolled at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein and began his life in America. Life was very different in so many ways but at least he spoke English! He felt very blessed there was no real language barrier...although he did not understand a lot of American slang.

Life in Chicago was rewarding but a little bit challenging because coming from Nigeria, Fr. Callistus struggled with the unfamiliar climate of winter and the frigid temperatures in Chicago and other parts of the USA.

He met many interesting students from 37 dioceses all over the united States of America; he travelled with the students to France and the Holy Land. In France, they prayed at the home of some of the Saints like St. John Vianney in Arcs; visited famous Notre Dame and Charter Cathedrals; saw over 150 stain glass windows and gained insights into the theology that is contained in those heautiful panes of stain glass.

The luscious Blanquette de Veau (veal in cream sauce) was Fr. Callistus' favorite meal and he would give anything to eat it again and France beckons, as his stomach calls him back someday. Fr. also visited the Holy Land, State of lsrael, with his classmates and professors. They went to the holy sites and returned. to class to evaluate and discuss their experiences. He gained a great deal of knowledge and insights from his professors who had been there many times.

Fr. was deeply moved by the Holy Land experience as he walked in the steps of his Lord; went to the very places where He had lived His Iife. Now, as he reads the scriptures, those experiences created lifelong bonds. He traveled to various states to stay in touch with them while getting to know his new country.

In 2017 Fr. completed his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from the University of St Mary of the Lake Mundelein, Illinois. He has a certificate in Church Management from the University of Villanova, PA, 2018.

He speaks five languages which include proper British English, Tiv, Hausa, Pidgin, liturgical Latin and Spanish. He has a unique understanding af African culture and traditiona! norms. At the University of St. Mary's, Fr. Callistus was involved in both English and Africa Choirs and led the African worship for three years.

He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tucson, AZ on June 3, 2017 at St. Augustine Cathedral by His Excellency, Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. This was the happiest day in his life to be surrounded by family and many of his friends, most of them were visiting Arizona for the first time and remarked about the excessive heat. His parents loved the heat which reminded them of the weather in Nigeria.

Since he said "yes" to God, he has experienced inexpressible joy, peace and fulfillment. "I am truty thankful to God for calling me to this noble vocation. After the ordination, I have worked in several parishes including: St Mark Parish (Oro Valley, AZ), St. Christopher Parish (Marana, AZ) and St. Anthony of Padua Parish (Casa Grande, AZ). My last assignment was at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Tucson, AZ as Associate Pastor. I am currently the Administrator of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Florence, AZ."

"As a Catholic priest, the pulpit is one avenue, maybe the most important, where my love of teaching is still possible; where I have the opportunity to teach the formation and facilitation af study groups in the various parishes that I have served. ln some of these groups, I have had the task of reviewing theological books that would be resourceful during group discussions. Furthermore, I have thoroughly enjoyed and feel that it is of great importance to teach religious education to our Catholic youth and anyone who wish to enter the Catholic faith. The sacraments guide us in our lives and teach us to be more Christ-like."

Rose Marie M. Monks

Business Manager

520-921-0162 / 520-868-5940

520-868-0413

P.O. Box 2550
Florence, AZ
85132

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Parish is located in Florence, AZ

65 miles Southeast of Phoenix, AZ
55 miles North of Tucson, AZ

Street address: 177 East 8th Street
Rectory address: 122 W. 8th Street

Saturday Vigil 5:00 PM
Sunday 7:30 AM 9:30 AM

Tuesday 5:00 PM This Mass is followed by Eucharistic Adoration, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Devotion, Private Confessions and Benediction

Wednesday 7:30 AM
Thursday 7:30 AM
Friday 7:30 AM This Mass is followed by Eucharistic Adoration

Mass Times last updated on the 9th of September, 2024

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church has been designated an Historical Site by the Town of Florence and the Arizona Historical Society.

Completed in 1912, the Church of the Assumption is an example of the mission revival style of architecture. The third church built for Assumption Parish, it replaced the second church built on this site in 1884, which burned down in 1893. This church was designed under the direction of the Parish priest, Father Henry Heitz, the last of a long line of French-born priests in Florence.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Historical Facts

The history of the Parish dates back to 1870, when Fr. Echallier was assigned to establish and serve as first pastor for Assumption Parish and the Gila Settlements. The first church was completed in 1870 and still stands. It was the first Roman Catholic Church in Central Arizona.

Isabel Estrada was the first person baptized on July 10, 1870 and John Harris and Rosaria Ramirez were the first couple to be married on July 16, 1870.

The Chapel of the Gila was renamed Assumption Parish in 1876, and Bishop Salpointe dedicated the Stations of the Cross on March 17, 1876.

The second church was completed in 1884, and was located immediately west of the Gila Chapel and was dedicated on May 25, 1884.

The parish suffered a terrible loss when the church burnt down on the Feast of the Assumption in 1893. For the next 18 years, services were held in the original church.

The third church was completed in 1911 and Bishop Granjon dedicated it in 1912. This church is still in use.

About the Assumption of Mary

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary was already being celebrated on 15 August in the 5th century. It bore the sense of Our Lady’s “Birth into heaven”, or in the Byzantine tradition, her “Dormition”. The feast began to celebrated in Rome in the middle of the 7th century. It was not until 1 November 1950, that Pope Pius XII proclaimed the Dogma of Mary’s assumption body and soul into heaven. In the Apostles’ Creed, we profess our faith in the “Resurrection of the body” and in “life everlasting”.

This is the ultimate goal and meaning of our life’s journey. This promise of faith is already accomplished in Mary, who is the “sign of sure hope and comfort” (Preface). It is a privilege granted to Mary, and closely connected to her being the Mother of Jesus. Since death and the corruption of the human body are consequences of sin, it was not right that the Virgin Mary – who is free from sin – should be affected by this natural law. Hence the mystery of her “Dormition” or “Assumption into heaven”. The fact that Mary has already been assumed into heaven is a reason to celebrate, to rejoice, to hope in the “already and the not yet”. One of God’s creatures – Mary – is already in heaven. With her, and like her, we too, who are God’s creatures, will one day be there too.

Mary’s destiny, united to the transfigured and glorious body of Jesus, is, therefore, the destiny of all those who are united to the Lord Jesus in faith and love. It is interesting to note that the liturgy – through the biblical texts taken from the Book of Revelation and the Gospel according to Luke (the Canticle of the Magnificat) – helps us, not so much to reflect, as to pray. In fact, the Gospel suggests that Mary’s mystery be read in the light of her prayer, the Magnificat, that is, through the lens of gratuitous love that extends from generation to generation, and the predilection of the least and the poor. Its choicest fruit, you could say its masterpiece, is Mary, a mirror in which the entire people of God can see its own features reflected. The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, is an eloquent sign of how not only the “soul” but also the “body” is included in the biblical observation that “God found it very good” (Gn 1:31), so much so that in the Virgin Mary, “our flesh” would be assumed into heaven.

This does not exempt us from committing ourselves to life here on earth, but rather that with our gaze fixed on the goal, on Heaven, our Homeland, we are driven to commit ourselves during our present life to reflect the Magnificat: to rejoice in God’s mercy, to be attentive to all our brothers and sisters we meet along the way, beginning with the weakest and most vulnerable.