Homilies-audio/video

Bishop Richard J. Malone of the Diocese of Buffalo offers his homily during the Mass Solemnizing the designation by Pope Francis of St. Mary of the Angels as a Minor Basilica. This Mass-- celebrated with three bishops-- was the most important celebration in the 165 years of the Olean Catholic Community. We invite you to listen to Bishop Malone's important words explaining the significance of this designation by Pope Francis. 

140 years ago St. Mary of the Angels became a parish in the Diocese of Buffalo. Although we had been operating as a mission church in the diocese since 1852 on this very lot, we did not become an official parish until 1876 with the appointment of Rev. John J. Hamel as our first resident pastor. We celebrate the arrival of Fr. Hamel in this special Mass that included descendants of Fr. Hamel's family!