142nd Anniversary of Fr. Hamel's appointment as our first pastor

Our brief history of the basilica contains information on Fr. Hamel's pastorate. His actual appointment to Olean by Bishop Stephen V. Ryan is a precious document from 1876 that we still have in our archives! It is written out in the bishop's handwriting (pictured). You can read all about Fr. Hamel in our 365-page Basilica history book, A Place Set Apart, for sale on line AND at McCarthy's Emporium in downtown Olean AND in our parish office.