St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the theme: We are 25 Strong with a Mass on November 16, the feast day of St. Margaret of Scotland. Over 400 current and former parishioners, who filled the Church. The celebration of a church anniversary is significant because of its threefold impact: It expresses gratitude to God, appreciates members for their diligence and hard work, and looks toward the future. We look back to learn, to gain endurance and encouragement so that we can look forward with unity and hope. In other words, when we celebrate the past, it’s easier to believe in a bright future.

Msgr. John Hopkins (founding pastor), Br. Mickey McGrath (artist), Ann Olkewicz (dedicated to memory of her husband Tony), Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS (current pastor), Bishop William Koenig

Bishop William Koenig was the principal concelebrant at the Mass along with Bishop Malooly, Msgr. John Hopkins (founding pastor for twenty-one years), and Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, current pastor since 2021. In addition, many Oblate priests and brothers, as well as several diocesan priests were in attendance. Bishop Koenig spoke about the lasting impact that St. Margaret of Scotland had on her country, her family, and the poor that she so diligently fed and supported during her lifetime.

Oblate Fathers Paul Colloton, Bob Bazzoli, Jack Kolodziej, Steve Shott, Patrick Kifolo, and Joe Chorpenning joined the celebration

After the homily, Brother Mickey McGrath, OSFS, from Bee Still Studios, unveiled his commissioned painting of St. Margaret of Scotland for the parish. The artist shared his reflection on the images in the painting: “Because she brought a more Catholic form of Christianity to Scotland than had previously been known, and because she was a queen who worked tirelessly for the poor, Margaret is a canonized saint as well as our patron right here in Delaware, one can see our Church atop the hill on the right. Her home in Edinburgh Castle rises on the left of the image. The Child Jesus, His Sacred Heart in view, is dressed in a traditional Scottish kilt while holding the hands of this maternal queen. The angels on either side of St. Margaret are depicted in the style of a medieval manuscript such as the Book of Kells, which may actually have been created in Scotland. Both Ireland and Scotland were centers for manuscript illumination. They hold in their hands the two most popular of all Scottish musical instruments: the bagpipes and the bodhran drum.”

The artwork was dedicated in memory of a beloved parishioner, Tony Olkewicz, who died on February 3, 2024. Tony was very influential in his presence and generous service to the parish since it was founded in 1999. His wife, Ann Olkewicz received a framed print of the painting as well as some roses as part of the dedication ceremony. November 16 would have been their 67 wedding anniversary.

The celebration continued with 325 attending a dinner reception at the Executive Banquet and Conference Center, which was just a hundred yards from the warehouse in Pencader Corporate Center where the parish gathered from 1999 until the current church building was dedicated by Bishop Saltarelli on November 16, 2007. At the dinner, Fr. Ed presented the founding pastor, Msgr. John Hopkins with an engraved plaque that read: “Thank you for your unwavering commitment and dedication in building the vibrant parish community of St. Margaret of Scotland Church: 1999-2021.” In addition to honoring the founding pastor, the following individuals received recognition for distinguished service to the parish over the past twenty-five years: Tom Holmes, Bill McMahon, Jim Metz, Mike Murray, Charles Michel, Jean Beck, Cathy Teoli Lavallee, and Lois Nowell.

Many parishioners responded with gratitude for the beautiful celebration on Facebook: “It was an absolute heart rendering service and to be blessed with the presence of so very many priests, deacons and both bishops... truly special in so many ways. Well planned. Superbly executed. Memories made forever... Our St. Margaret of Scotland Parish is blessed to have you,” wrote Dee Borges.

St. Margaret of Scotland Celebrates 25 Years

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