By Jonathan Martinez - Florida Catholic

Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

Gathered around an anniversary cake, some of the founding parishioners of St. Bonaventure Parish in Davie pose for a photo after the anniversary Mass.

Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

Father Edmond Prendergast addresses parishioners are he celebrates 25 years as pastor of St. Bonaventure Parish in Davie. Next to him is Deacon Art DeNunzio.

DAVIE � Surrounded by friends spanning 25 years, Father Edmond Prendergast stood proud as the parish he founded and has led for the past 25 years celebrated its silver anniversary with a Mass Sept. 26.

St. Bonaventure Church was filled with parishioners who had joined in celebration to mark the parish�s silver jubilee, including many of the founding members.

�I think we are filled with the Holy Spirit and our pastor has nourished that in us without distinction of race and age, and he has done it all while being humble and that�s what I love most about him,� said Maria Mazzei, founding member. �My prayer for the future is that the spirit that we have carried so far will remain with this parish forever.�

Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

Jim and RoseMary Bossman, founding parishioners, bring up the offertory during the Mass.

�Father has always been so involved, his ability to engage has truly been the reason why we have succeeded as a parish,� said Margaret Wolter, chairperson of the 25th anniversary committee. �We chose the theme, �Our Journey of Faith� because we not only have been on a journey for the last 25 years, we are still on one.�

On July 13, 1985, St. Bonaventure Parish held its first Mass at Flamingo Elementary School with nearly 100 people in attendance, pulling parishioners from the nearest parish, St. David, which is located eight miles away. In May 1988, after three years of fundraising, the parish center began being built on a vacant lot at the corner of S.W. 136th Avenue and S.W. 14th Street in Davie

On July 15, 1989, Archbishop Edward A. McCarthy dedicated the newly constructed building and parishioners officially celebrated Mass in their new home. The ministry center opened in 1993 followed by a pre-school building, then the school in 1997, and eventually the church in 2004.

Since 1985, the parish has grown by leaps and bounds, apace with the city and surrounding neighborhoods. St. Bonaventure now has over 7,000 parishioners, 640 students are enrolled in the school and its religious education program serves more than 1,200 youngsters.

Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

Lee Bonito, founding parishioner, was one of many recognized as such during St. Bonaventure Parish's 25th anniversary Mass.

�The people here are filled with gratitude, we are truly blessed,� said Father Prendergast as he reflected back on the people he has come to know as family during the past quarter century. �I look around and I�m surrounded by truly gifted people that are willing to give their time, talent, treasure and praise the Gospel.�

With over 80 active ministries, St. Bonaventure offers something for everyone, including supporting those in need. Parishioners give generously throughout the year to the local council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society which provides food and emergency utility and rent payments to those in need. Parishioners also support the annual drive for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets, helping hundreds of families during the holidays.

�They are a loving and accepting community that is willing to reach out to the stranger all the time,� said Father Prendergast. �Every church community is unique and has its own particular gifts and at this one we are rich in diversity and are blessed to have a variety of cultures and yet we all see it as we are one body, one community, one church.�

Looking toward the future, Father Prendergast said the parish has a three-to-five year plan to become debt free while growing and striving to have all the ministries working at full capacity.

 

Photographer: JONATHAN MARTINEZ | FC

Father Edmond Prendergast, founding pastor, celebrates the Mass marking the 25th anniversary of St. Bonaventure Parish.

UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Bonaventure Parish in Davie will continue to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a series of events:
� Oct. 24, 3 p.m.: Heritage Celebration
� Nov. 4-7: 20th annual Family Festival
� Dec. 31: New Year�s Eve celebration