The scent of incense still lingers. Can you imagine? More than two hundred people packed into Saint Vitus Catholic Church in San Fernando.
This wasn’t just any dedication. It marked a significant moment. Saint Vitus became the first parish in Los Angeles run by the Priestly Fraternity of St Peter. This order is dedicated to the traditional Latin Mass.
Archbishop José H Gomez led the dedication ceremony. He recited the dedicatory prayers in Latin. The choir chanted the Litany of the Saints as he sprinkled holy water throughout the church. The air must have thrummed with a mix of ancient ritual and the fresh scent of new drywall.
Father Gerard Saguto celebrated the first mass. Archbishop Gomez delivered the sermon. He urged the parish to “redeem that little part of the world we live in”. A powerful message.
Before Saint Vitus had its own home Father Fryar travelled extensively. He celebrated mass at various churches. He served a community hungry for the traditional liturgy. People from all walks of life travelled long distances to attend.
Saint Vitus’s establishment changed everything. It provided a central location. Now the Latin Mass wasn’t just a service. It became the heart of a full parish life. The community flourished.
Father Saguto and Father Fryar offered advice to newcomers. They stressed the importance of attending multiple times. It’s a different approach to worship they explained. It requires time and openness to fully appreciate.
Interestingly the church’s name has a connection to Los Angeles’s identity as a media capital. Saint Vitus is the patron saint of actors. Many actors are part of Saint Vitus’s congregation.
Saint Vitus Catholic Church is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith and tradition. It’s a vibrant community. It’s a place where history and the present intertwine. A place where the scent of incense continues to tell a story.