Bishop Anthony B. Taylor was welcomed to Berryville Sunday, June 29 at a bilingual Mass at St Anne Church.
He celebrated Mass with Father Thomas Arackal, pastor of St. Anne and St. Elizabeth Church in Eureka Springs, Father Robert Dombrowski of Eureka Springs and Father Gregory Hart of Harrison concelebrating.
More than 300 people attended the Mass, in which the readings, prayers and homily were in English and Spanish. The music was lead by Spanish, English and Latin choirs. A large-screen television provided audio and video of the celebration to the overflow crowd that was seated under a tent outdoors.
Immediately following the Mass, the bishop and priests accompanied by the altar servers went to St. Anne’s new classroom building, and Bishop Taylor blessed every part of it. The classrooms are large and the building was designed to maximize the natural light. Each of the classrooms includes a crucifix, American and papal flags, a teacher’s desk, tables and chairs for the children, as well as counters and cabinets. Following the blessing of the classroom building, a meal was served.
Bishop Taylor and the priests also made a visit to Little Portion Hermitage, the home of the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. The bishop was greeted by John Michael and Viola Talbot, founder and foundress of the public association. John Michael Talbot introduced Bishop Taylor to the Little Portion members. The bishop toured the site of the tragic April 28 fire that destroyed the hermitage’s chapel and common center.
Bishop blesses new classroom building in Berryville
